December 19th Update

A few weeks ago, at CORE, Jesse Penna, the EFCMAYM Director of Student Ministries, shared a lesson on the Bible as one story. He walked us through the 5 elements of a story and connected different books of the Bible to those elements. All the English teachers would be proud of how quickly students recalled the elements! Jesse closed out his lesson by reading the introduction of The Jesus Storybook Bible. Last week at SLT (Student Leadership Team), we read the children’s book Home by Another Way: A Christmas Story, written by Barbara Brown Taylor. It was such a sweet time together as students sat in my living room listening to a retelling of the adventures of the three wise men. The excitement a group of 11^th and 12^th graders had for story time was infectious.

Over the past few weeks, I have been reminded that we are never too old to gather around and have a story read to us. Is there a moment this week, as we head into Christmas, that you can read a story to your children? Whether they are 1 year old, 12 years old, 16 years old, or 100 years old, I pray that it touches their hearts.

Here are a few Christmas stories that you could read!

• The Jesus Storybook Bible A Christmas Collection by Sally Lloyd-Jones
• The First Christmas Night by Keith Christopher and Christine Kornacki
• Listen to the Silent Night by Dandi Daley Mackall, illustrated by Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson
• Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Jason Cockcroft
• The Night of His Birth by Katherine Paterson, illustrated by Lisa Aisato
• One Starry Night by Lauren Thompson

In Christ,

Katelyn

Special Holiday Service Times

Christmas Eve Services

Sunday, December 24, join us for Worship Service at 10:00 AM. Also, plan on celebrating with us that evening at the traditional Candlelight Service at 6:00 PM. There will be no Sunday School classes that morning, but the nursery will be available during both services for children 6 weeks to under 3 years.

New Year’s Eve Services

Sunday, December 31, join us for Worship Service at 10:00 AM. There will be no Sunday School classes that morning. Then join us that evening for a come-and-go prayer time and communion in the Chapel from 6:00-7:00 PM. On December 31, the nursery will only be available for the morning Worship Service.

Visit the website for a complete list of all Holiday Worship Times.

Worship Center Flowers

The flower chart for 2024 has been posted in the foyer. We invite you to sign up for one or more dates to supply altar flowers for our Sunday worship service. You might choose a special date to give flowers in celebration of a family birthday or anniversary, or perhaps dedicate the flowers in honor of or in memory of a loved one.  If so, we would be glad to create a slide that will be shown as part of the announcements before the service.

If needed, we can help provide you with contact information for a florist who is willing to deliver flowers on Sunday mornings, or you are welcome to create an arrangement and bring it before the service. Flowers may be taken home with you following the service or left at the church. If you would like to take part, just sign your name next to your chosen date on the chart.

Church staff will contact you ahead of time to remind you of your date and to discuss the wording of the announcement if you like. Thank you for helping to enhance the beauty of our sanctuary as we gather to worship!

Birthday Card Surprise

Galen Hinshaw, a former pastor with us in the 1970s, is turning 90 years old on December 22! Rose Hill Friends Church is hosting a surprise birthday card shower. If you feel led to join in wishing Galen a happy birthday, please mail a card and well wishes to:

Galen Hinshaw

1115 N. Rose Hill Road

Rose Hill, KS 67133

Sunday Evening Activities

Sunday Evening Bible Study, Kidzone, and Student Ministry Activities are currently on Christmas Break. Core and Fuse resume on January 7^th at normal times and places. The All-Church Bible Study, Bible Quiz, and Kidzone will resume on January 14^th.

Summit

Please pray for the young adults, mentors, and all attending Summit 2023, as they have conversations that could change their lives and the life of the Friends Church.

•  Pray that we would be equipped with a growing understanding of spiritual leadership and how it works in the life of a Friends leader.
• Pray that the Summit environment gives freedom to dream for the kingdom and church, and practice discerning steps.
•  Pray for the intergenerational relationships with leaders, ministries, and resources connected to the Friends Movement.