THE GOOD, BAD AND UGLY OF BEING AN HEIR…
John is reminding us in his first letter to the church that we are children of God when we accept Jesus Christ. He wants us to remember who we are in Christ and stop listening to what the devil says about us. He clearly points out our responsibility as children of God. Today we will look at that responsibility and see the promises that we have as heirs of the Kingdom.
MIDWEEK GOD CONNECTION…
who doesn’t need a connection with God? Each Wednesday night God shows up here at Set Free and touches the lives of those who venture from the warmth of their homes to come meet God. The 1/2 hour of worship is uplifting and calming in the midst of a busy week. The two class options are blessing those who come. They are learning more about their God and their personal walks. This is life lasting connections.
LETTERS…
“Merry Christmas from sunny Santa Barbara!” Karen Glass
“I am giving you my tithe this month because Set Free has always been our second home and I appreciate your ministry…God bless you.” Anonymous
“Hello…want to say Merry Christmas first of all. When I was hurt a few years back I was awaiting a settlement. It is coming soon and I want to send you a donation….God bless you and the church.” Anonymous
CARING OPPORTUNITIES…
the homeless ministry in Ashland is looking for donations again this year for their Christmas bags. They like gloves, hats, scarves, long underwear, socks, handwarmers, etc. If you want to help drop your donations off at our office and we will make sure they get them. New Life is also working on this.
Cindy Van Camp’s daughter Tanzi has been in RVMC this week with major illness and her daughter-in-law Melissa is there with a premature delivery.
CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR INMATES…
we had over 300 cards available the last few weeks for people to sign them. They were mailed yesterday. We were able to bring the cost down to under $50 and received a donation to cover the postage costs. It is humbling to think we are able to bless these inmates at Christmas with a caring thought. Thanks to all who took time to sign them.
THE CHRISTIAN JOURNAL…
we have distributed most of the December papers. We have a dedicated group of volunteers to put the paper out to over 400 locations in Southern Oregon and Northern California. They get paid a little over the cost of their gas expense. The paper has been moving off the racks so rapidly in some locations that we fear they are being taken to burn. Pray that God will watch over our racks and make sure hungry people find the paper to read. We still have our December offer of 100 pop open cards with every $100 donation. We received $100 in cash this week in the mail anonymously. We will move ahead with 2012 trusting that God has a plan. Our themes in 2012 will be based on Ephesians. Should be some good stuff! Remember, any $100 donation in December to CJ will reap 100 pop open cards.
GOD’S FOOD PANTRY…
we had over 50 families this week come to get food! The food flew out the door. Remember that the food you see in the café on Monday and Tuesdays is for food pantry clients only. Please do not take anything if you are passing through. That rule goes for everyone…me included. If you are volunteering to help please don’t take any food without talking with Tina first. Our food bill for November was over $500. Remember we can’t start using the grant until January, so we still need donations to cover the food we have been using in October, November and December.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY(2)…
we will be starting the set of 25 lessons all over again this week. This is a perfect time to invite someone to come to CR. Yes, it is the holidays, but the holidays are often the worst time for people to stay off drugs and alcohol. Won’t you pray about who you can invite and come with that person this week? In the last 14 years I’ve seen some amazing miracles at CR. I’ve seen lives changed. I’ve seen marriages created. I’ve seen leaders developed. I’ve seen families reunited. It all starts with coming on Thursday nights and making a commitment. Starts at 6:30.
ROGUE RETREAT…
Harold and I met with the leaders at Goodwill of Southern Oregon this week and talked about a partnership that will eventually enable us to send some of our people to their month-long assessment and job development course. It will help our people pass the roadblocks that they have and see doors open up for them for gainful employment. I was able to write a grant to help with this on Thursday to Pacific Power Foundation. Hope that they will support this. We continue to invite people who want to support this ministry to help with our $ a week for Rogue Retreat. The $ can be $1, $5, $10 or whatever. We even have current residents giving $ a week to Rogue Retreat. You can find donation envelopes in the foyer or Heather will send them to you. Call (541) 499-0880.
BOOK STORE…
there are STILL some good gift ideas for Christmas. Check them out today, but they may not be there tomorrow. Limited supply.
HOMELESS BAGS (3)…
our youth department wants to put together more bags to hand out. Needing more donations to help cover expenses. Need about $50 for ten bags. The ministry in Ashland is also asking for our help again this year to provide winter socks, gloves, hats and more.
POP OPEN CARDS…
we are truly in the encouragement business. We have been working this week in getting the cards made in Spanish. Hope to have them after the first of the year. Who knows where this ministry will lead us in the future. We still have some for Christmas. Great for stocking stuffers or to give out to the weary sales clerks you meet. Share the good news with people who need the good news.
CHRISTMAS OPPORTUNITIES…
- Debi and I are having an open house tonight from 6-8 (come and go). Our home is at 1743 Alcan in Medford.
- Christmas Worship Service for Set Free will be next Saturday, December 24 at 11:00 am. It will be followed by our Christmas potluck.
- Christmas Eve Service will be Saturday, December 24 at 6:00 pm. Lots of music.
- Christmas Day Service with New Life at 9:30 am to be followed by potluck, music, raffle, gifts, etc into the afternoon.
WE CHANGED OUR OFFICE COMPUTER THIS WEEK AND LOST…
all of our email contacts to get this update each week. Please write your email on a communication card today and turn it in with the offering so you can be added back or you can send an email to setfreemedford@juno.com.
