As Christmas approaches, I find myself clinging to the word PEACE. Peace is one of the core words when we think of Christmas; cards with snowscapes, the manger scene, or a Christmas tree, all proclaiming the word ‘peace’. We light an Advent candle for peace and we sing of peace in many of our Christmas carols. We idealize the concept of peace, but do we experience it? For many of us, this time of year brings stress, worry, and anxiety. The holiday season heightens our activity, and we try to cram even more into this wondrous time of year. On top of our normal rou-tine comes shopping, wrapping, holiday gatherings, card sending, more shopping, menu planning, family and church events, even more shopping, deadlines, expectations . . . However, the heart of the story is at the manger-side, out behind the inn, devoid of crowds and trimmings. This was a scene of simplicity at its best. The message of the story speaks of and deliv-ers peace—“Peace on earth, good will to men”! From this Child comes salvation, redemption, and freedom from our past and the weight of our guilt. The Christ Child brings healing, wholeness, and well-ness. The Messiah brings hope not des-pair, joy not anguish, rest not calamity. Emmanuel speaks of God being with us, in the flesh. I find myself seeking peace as the world around us seems eerily devoid of it. Think of the months-long election

process and result that has catapulted us into chaos. Following the election, Facebook went toxic, protests are running wild, the media has blown up, and friends have parted ways. As a country, our capacity to speak with civility has waned. We have found more ways to disagree and more labels to divide us. If we disagree, does that make us enemies and adversaries?

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God trust also in me. (John14:1)

I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Jesus, Messiah, Emmanuel God with us is referred to as “The Prince of Peace.” As the Christmas Season begins, spend time again with Jesus. Read the books of Luke and John. Observe Jesus’ time with the world, listen to the Words that He shared, and explore the impact that He had on the world. Google “the Bible peace” and pour over the countless passages that speak to the peace, rest, comfort, and stillness that Jesus brings. Go to the church library, the public library, or buy a book on the life of Jesus. Come to a Bible study. Recreate your quiet time at home

continued →

D E E P T H O U G H T S WI T H PA S TO R D AV E

DECEMBER

2016

Pastor Rev. David Anderson

Minister of Music Dr. Matthew McConnell

Office Administrator Lora Peck

Office Hours: Monday–Friday,

8:30 A.M.–1:30 P.M.

Phone: 413/663-3780 or

413/664-8256

Fax: 413/664-8275

Email: firstbaptistnorthadams

@verizon.net

Websites: firstbaptistnorthadams.org

campashmere.org

Facebook: facebook.com/ firstbaptistnorthadams

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or on your lunch break. Set aside time for your family to learn about Jesus. The Advent seasons in which I struggle to find peace are the seasons in which I get so busy that Jesus is slowly squeezed out because of crazy schedules and mounting expectations. In a world devoid of peace I find myself craving it even more! Nowhere in the world can we find the peace that Christ alone can provide.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

D E E P T H O U G H T S CONT I NU E D WE E K LY STAT I ST I C S

Date Worship Offerings

Oct. 30 166 $4,447.20

Nov. 6 215 $3,877.08

Nov. 13 173 $3,082.75

Nov. 20 127 $2,416.15

Offerings Total: $13,823.18

Offerings Needed: $15,200.00

Shortfall: $1,376.82

C ATA LY S T 2 0 1 7

Every board and ministry group must be represent-ed at this event. Our agenda will include:

▪ Examining our ministry schedule ▪ Exploring new ministry opportunities ▪ Scheduling seasonal and annual events ▪ Discussing the use scheduling of our building

Prior to the meeting, all boards and groups are asked to discuss their 2017 schedules. Dinner will be provided.

2 0 1 7 S C H E D U L I N G M E E T I N G

Catalyst is First Baptist Church’s first annual lead-ership training weekend—teaching, equipping, en-couraging, and building the Church of Jesus Christ. Staff, Coordinators, Officers, Chairpersons, Board Members, Music Ministry, Ministry Enthusiasts, and all who love our church family are invited and urged to be a part of this journey. Child care will be provided throughout the day on Saturday.

The weekend will include: 3 Leadership Sessions 4 Workshop Sessions

Friday, February 3 – Saturday, February 4

Worship Experiences A Resource Center A catered lunch, snacks, and beverages

throughout the event Training topics will include Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Adult Ministry, Camp Ministry, Worship & Music, Missions, The Work of the Deacon, Fellowship, and much more. Save the dates for this weekend event and join us for the good of the kingdom. Leaders and servants within the Body are called to be life-long learners. Sign-ups will begin soon.

Tuesday, December 6 at 6 P.M.

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Nursery 4 Peggy Shartrand, Nancy Bush, Cathy Crowther 11 Laurie Douglas, Melanie Rowland, Katie Darling 18 Heidi McCausland, Tracey Gregory, Naomi Parsons 25 no nursery; Christmas

Children’s Sunday School K–1 Terri Braman & Bonnie Robison Morgan Kierstead & Krista Tower 2–3 Missy Wood & Nate Wood Nancy Kennedy & Paige Lawson 4–5 Steve King & Nate St. Pierre Kim Miller & Melissa Montoya 6–8 Jen Solak & Scott Solak (2nd & 4th Sundays only)

Adult Sunday School Pete Arigoni

Holy Play (for kids whose parents attend sunday school)

Nancy Bush & Melanie Rowland

Birthdays 1 Matt McConnell 2 Ed Ethier 5 Steve Brown 6 Missy Wood 7 Kurt Gabel Jr. Susan Cancro Lisa-Marie Pisano 9 Fran Czarnecki 10 Rob Thomas 12 Crystal Haas 13 Bruce Pierce Nancy Kennedy Elmer Douglas

15 Sandra Kimball 16 Bessie Lapine 24 Joan Sadlow 25 Ann Perry 26 Brian Brazeau 28 Laina McConnell Sydney Volff 30 Harold Tower 31 Jerilyn Perry Rhonda Wood

Anniversaries 2 Steve & Tammy Meranti 7 Bob & Sue Bean

Children’s Message 4 Jen Solak 11 Terri Braman 18 Nancy Kennedy 25 Terri Braman

Deacon on Call (If there is information that needs to be shared, if you need to pray, or if you need help, please call the Deacon on Call.)

Nov 27–Dec 3 Lois Hescock 663-9526

Dec 4–10 Eloise Stevens 663-5272

Dec 11–17 Lois Hescock 663-9526

Dec 18–24 Eloise Stevens 663-5272

Dec 25–31 Lois Hescock 663-9526

S E RV I N G I N D EC E M B E R

B I R T H D AY S & A N N I V E R S A R I ES

North Adams Commons Rosemary Andrews Bessie Lapine Ivis Lewis

Williamstown Commons Marion Beer Lyle Blanchard

Fillmore Pond Ray & Elaine Bentley

Health Issues Kerry Arigoni Martha Bean Owen Benoit Emily Breen Barb Busl Elmer Douglas Judy Duquette

Health Issues continued

Barb Garling Myrna Harvey Jessie Martin Sharon Pay Linda Quimby Emory Scholl Janet Scholl Barbara Spencer Donna Sprague Ralph Underwood Gail Weber Frankie Williams Carrick Wood Phyllis Wylde Fran Zappula

Other Concerns Matthew Arigoni

In The Military Elizabeth Culpepper Sarah Lapine Bryce Lyons Jon Oleson Hayden Parsons Justin Schovenac

Missionaries John Carrick & Family in Bohn, Germany Joel & Karen Gray in Africa Joanna Hodges in Haiti Hector Newman in Honduras Karen Smith in Thailand

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As many of you know the last couple of months have been challenging for me and my family. A hospitalization for pneumonia and pleurisy began a month+ of rest and recuperation. The recovery period was projected to last at least until January. When I first shared this I chuckled, believing that certainly I would get better far quicker than that. However, the doctor was correct. Recovering from this illness has been a very slow process requiring a great deal of rest and a lighter than normal schedule. The week away for my mother’s passing added another layer of emotional drain and physical fatigue. As we enter the Christmas season I will continue to be limited in my time. I ask for your patience as

this uphill climb continues. My prayer is that in another month or so I will be back to full strength and ready to resume my full responsi-bilities. On behalf of Jen and Abby I want to thank everyone for your cards, soups, meals, goodies, flowers, help around the house, rides, prayers, love, and support. I have been humbled by the kindness and generosity extended by many. A truly difficult season of life was made tolerable because of the blessings that came from our church family. Everything you do and share truly makes a difference. Thank You!

Pastor Dave

T H A N K YO U FO R YO U R S U P P ORT

P R AY E R R EQ U ES T S

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card from Subway. This is our way of encourag-ing them and keeping in touch with them. During the past several months meals were cooked and delivered to 4 families because of illness. Thank you to everyone who is responding to this need. The first Sunday of each month is set aside for communion. This year, because the holidays fall on Sundays, the January communion date will be on January 8 (the 2nd Sunday). Over 12 people responded to serve on the Decorating Committee. Thank you for your willingness to decorate the sanctuary. Poinsettia orders will be taken on November 27, December 4, and December 11. The order will be placed on Monday, December 12. The poinsettias will be a medium size (about 6–8”) and cost $7 each. Starting in the Spring of 2017, in addition to our normal order, we will be receiving 10 large print “Daily Bread Devotional” booklets each quarter. They will be available at the Welcome Center on the last Sunday of each quarter. Please note that the deacons recently added 20 new Bibles to the pews where they were needed. Pastor Dave and the deacons encourage you to use them during worship services. A blessed Christmas to ALL!

Together we serve, Emory Scholl

“Angels we have heard on high…” “Glory to God in the highest…” Luke 2:14

I wonder what it was like on that hillside in Bethle-hem where the shepherds were watching their sheep. Everything seemed calm, not a sound except the lowing of sheep. Out of that stillness, suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the sky was all lit up. The shepherds were afraid; I would have been too! The angel told them that Christ the Savior was born. And then there was a multitude of angels singing, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace, goodwill to men.” There was no mistaking the message! Can you imagine a chorus of angels singing? Awesome! No wonder the shepherds were inspired to go and see “this thing that has come to pass.” May we too be as excited as the shepherds and go out telling everyone of the good news. Christmas is an exciting time. Christmas can be every day in our hearts! On Saturday, November 19 a turkey dinner with all the trimmings was served to 8 MCLA students and to the family that is leading the Christian Fellowship Group on campus. The dinner was held here in the church with a total of 27 people attending. Thank you to the deacons, Peg Shartrand, Prudy Gravel, Jean Goodermote, and John Keenan, who all helped in some way to make this dinner happen! In our church family we have 8 active college students. We will be sending each of them a gift

D EACO N S

Calling all individuals, groups, boards, and ministry teams! Support Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity by purchasing a Christmas tree for $7 and decorating it for the raffle at their showcase on December 6. Come join the fun! Trees can be purchased in the church office.

H A B I TAT C H R I ST M A S T R E E S

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With Christmas fast approaching, the Sanctuary Choir, Praise Team, Handbell Choir, and Joyful Noise (our rising children's choir) wish you a festive and fun holiday season! As a fun Christmas gift, we’ve enclosed a holiday crossword puzzle treat. While some of the answers will seem easy, others

will require a little research to answer (or a quick Google search!) Our hope is that you’ll encounter some interesting facts during your digging that you’ll want to share with others. What you discover may surprise you! In the meantime, here's your Christmas treat:

M U S I C N OT E S

Christmas Tune Trivia

Across 2. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is was first intro-duced by Judy _______ in the musical Meet Me in St. Louis. 3. The ____ in the sky looked down where He lay. 4. Composer Leroy Anderson got the idea for this popular, winter song during a heat wave in July of 1946. 5. James Lord Pierpont originally wrote this "classic" tune for Thanksgiving. 7. English hymn writer Isaac ____ based "Joy to the World" on Psalm 98. 10. Have a _____ jolly Christmas. 12. You will get a ___________ feeling... 13. Handel's _______ is frequently performed at Christmas, as well as Easter. 15. Composer Luciano _____ set "I Wonder as I Wander" for soprano and orchestra in his Folk Songs, 1964. 17. "Winter __________" is a popular Christmastime standard that has been recorded by over 150 artists! 19. The Grinch is as cuddly as a ______. 20. Who was kissing Santa Claus? 21. "The Holly and the Ivy" is an traditional _______ Christmas carol.

Down 1. Here comes _____ _____. 6. Lo, how a rose e'er ________. 8. "Silent Night" was composed in _______. 9. Mistletoe, and a what, help to make the season bright? 11. Charles Ives wrote a tune called "A Christmas _____." 12. In this traditional carol, what "lay on the ground"? 14. The music to "O Holy Night" was composed by Adolphe ____ in 1847. 16. The recording of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," sung by Gene _____, hit #1 on the U.S. charts the week of Christmas, 1949. 18. ______ around the Christmas tree...

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We conclude another successful year of youth ministry on the shores of Ashmere Lake. This is an important ministry for our church as we reach out to many regional youth who may not otherwise have the opportunity to know their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We need to thank our counselors and staff for making all of this possible, as well as all of our volunteers and Trustees who worked behind the scenes. In particular we thank our Camp Director Justin Phelps Lawrence for his hard work and many years of devoted service to the camp. Watch for our 2017 dates and programs on our website: www.campashmere.org. Our dates have been set and we are currently working on the theme and curriculum for next year.

As the year ends, you still have an opportunity to support Camp Ashmere with a financial gift. We pride ourselves on our effort to assist families so that all children can have a safe and meaning-ful camp experience. Volunteers are always welcome to serve in ways that our Lord and Savior leads you. We also look for those who would like to be a Trustee for the camp, as we will be having our annual Church meeting at the end of January. If you are interest-ed in knowing what it means to be a Trustee, please contact Kurt Gabel or any one of the other Trustees. Have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

C A M P A S H M E R E

We would like to extend sincere thanks to the faithful members of the Social Committee and to the many volunteers who assist each month with their generous donations of food and time that help to make Coffee Hour successful. In an effort to make Coffee Hour better, less crowded and less hectic, we are trying to bring the same friendly, warm, and sociable hospitality into the Eagle St. room on a monthly basis. Pastor Dave has suggested that we ask for help from church groups to assist us in setting up this space and transporting refreshments. If groups would be willing to help one month per year, the Social Committee could then focus their attention upstairs while the downstairs would still be made available for socialization without being overwhelming. The Social Committee will still make calls for food and donations, and will divvy up the food between the two spaces. Coffee Hour is held on the 2nd Sunday of the month, and hosting responsibilities include putting out food, making coffee & punch, interacting with church family, and clean up.

S O C I A L CO M M I T T E E

EAGLE ST. COFFEE HOUR HOSTING SCHEDULE NOV ’16: The Group DEC ’16: Men’s Ministry JAN ’17: Tues. Bible Study FEB ’17: Bell Choir MAR ’17: Church Life APR ’17: Youth Group MAY ’17: Camp Ashmere JUNE ’17: Wed. Bible Study JULY ’17: Women’s Ministry AUG ’17: Christian Education SEPT ’17: Outreach

If for some reason your group is unable to host the coffee hour on the assigned month, please contact Eloise at 663-5272 and we will arrange a ‘switch’. Thank you for your assistance!

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It is hard to believe we are coming upon the end of 2016 and soon will be entering 2017. Women’s Ministry has had a wonderful year and we look forward to another year of fun and fellowship. This article is to show you the things we have planned for next year and invite you to join in the planning and participating of these events. Before we jump to next year we need to discuss December’s Daughters of Eve on December 11th. This is our fun Christmas night with sharing gifts, music, fellowship, and of course food! Our Christmas gift exchange will be a Christmas sock exchange. Buy a pair of Christmas socks, stuff them with assorted items; gum, mints, little lotions, soaps, hand sanitizer, trinkets… then tie them together with a ribbon and bring them to our ex-change. After we will take a picture with everyone in their Christmas socks!! At this meeting we will also do some strategic planning for the events already scheduled and looking for more ideas of interesting things to do in our group. Hope to see you there. There are already some dates of events that we share with you:

▪ January 8 – We will be watching and discuss-ing the War Room movie. ▪ In January Sue Clark will be organizing a fudge/candy fundraiser through Mo’s Fudge Factory over in Shelburne Falls. We have done this fundraiser before and not only is the fudge delicious; it also keeps our local small business-es busy. The fudge will be delivered before Valentine’s Day so think sweets for your sweetheart. The monies raised through this

fundraiser will help defray the cost of tickets to see Beth Moore when she comes to Springfield, MA on August 25 & 26. Beth is an amazing Christian speaker and this will prove to be a spiritually uplifting weekend. ▪ In March a group of ladies will be heading to Pinebrook Christian Camp for a retreat. This is another incredibly inspiring weekend you really don’t want to miss. As soon as we get the dates and information we will be sharing it so you can start planning for it. ▪ May brings us to our annual Mother Daugh-ter Banquet which will take place the Saturday evening before Mother’s Day (May 13). ▪ September 22-24 will be our Ladies Retreat at Camp Ashmere where we will go to be refreshed, rejuvenated, and relaxed. ▪ The women’s Bible Study takes place the second Saturday of the month. Right now we are doing a Study on the Armor of God and anyone can join us at any time. We have a continental style breakfast while we do the study and are usually done by 9:30 so you still have plenty of Saturday left to do whatever it is you need to do.

Praying you will all consider joining us for some, or all, of these events. You do not need to commit to come to all of them, just the ones you feel led by the Spirit to attend.

In Service to the Lord, Peg Shartrand

Women’s Ministry Coordinator

WO M E N O F T H E WO R D

Need to finish your Christmas shopping? Need a date night? Need some ‘me time’? Then enjoy a night out while the kids partake in an evening full of games, snacks, and a movie.

This will be a fundraiser for the Children’s Minis-try, with a cost of $10 per family (regardless of the number of children you have).

PA R E N TS N I G H T O U T

Saturday, December 17 from 5–8:30 P.M.

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W E WA N T YO U !

of boards are also available to help you prayer-fully consider serving. God does not call the equipped – God equips those He calls. No one enters into service knowing everything. It is a wild and wonderful journey of learning, growing, connecting, and serving God. In addition to serving on church boards, there are a host of other opportunities in which you can volunteer—greeting and ushering on Sundays, serving coffee hours and helping with dinners, cleaning the church (huge need here), children’s ministry, music ministry, and office projects just to name a few. One of the primary ways in which our church with grow more healthy is if everyone – EVEYONE – finds their place to connect and serve. Below you will find an “application” to assist you in finding ways to serve. Please fill it out and turn it in to the office.

As 2016 winds down, we already find ourselves looking to 2017. In the coming weeks our Church Life Board will be seeking people to serve on our church committees. These roles are incredibly im-portant to the overall health and life of our church. Throughout November, we discussed in worship the Joy of Generosity; Receiving God’s Blessings, Managing God’s Resources, and Sharing God’s Blessings. In addition to our financial resources we are called to use our gifts, abilities, and talents that God has given us. When we receive Christ as Savior and Lord, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit. He reveals and nurtures gifts within each of us that are given to bless God and build His church. Please prayerfully consider serving our church family within the board structure. Many of our committees and boards will be in need of gifted people to serve in a variety of ways. Descriptions

Deacon Ministry Phone Calls Visitations Prayer Chain Meals Rides Nursing Home

Social Ministry Coffee Hour Cooking/Baking

Children’s Ministry Nursery VBS Kingdom Kids Children’s Story

Youth Ministry Youth Group Mission Trips

Building Maintenance Adopt-A-Space Snow Shovel Team

Hospitality Greeter Usher

Music Ministry Choir Handbells Praise Team Soloist

Young Adults Ministry Women’s Ministry Men’s Ministry

Outreach Ministry Craftsmanship Leading a Team

I would be interested in volunteering (check all that apply):

Name: ___________________________________ Phone: __________________

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‘ Stabl e - i z i ng ’ t he Chu rch C hr i st mas Pageant

December 9 & December 10, 5–8 P.M. December 11, 1–4 P.M.

Sunday, December 4 @ 3 P.M.

It’s an afternoon of crafts and our homemade soup buffet with fresh bread. There will be projects for people of all ages—adults & kids alike! How can YOU help? Oversee a craft station. Make a pot of soup. Bake bread. Please speak to Terri Braman if you are interested.

Bring your family and friends and join us in an experience that will make your Christmas season even more special. We still need more volunteers! Costume up and stand in the stable with the animals, listen to the music, and watch the magic on the faces of those who gather.

The Men's Ministry, and anyone else who would like to join us, will be gathering on the front steps of the church to build our Live Nativity stable. Bring your tools and dress for the weather. Following construction, we will head inside for Advent Workshop.

Sunday, December 18 @ 1 P.M.

Come and enjoy an intimate, participatory Christ-mas Cantata which celebrates the traditional Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. The performance showcases the FBCNA Choirs, as well as guest instrumentalists and soloists.

Sunday, December 18 @ 10:30 A.M.

We are hoping to have enough people for two groups. We will head out and bring the Christmas spirit and cheer to our home bound members. Come ready to sing!

C a n d l e s & C a r o l s C a n t at a C h r i s t m a s C a r o l i n g

Sunday, December 4 @ 12 P.M.

C a n d l e l i g h t S e r v i c e C h r i s t m a s W o r s h i p

A worship extravaganza designed to be family and multi-generations friendly! Lots of great music, a Christmas message, and the circle of light. Be sure to bring your family and friends.

Saturday, December 24 @ 7 P.M.

A d v e n t W o r k s h o p L i v e N a t i v i t y

The Children’s Ministry presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! The Herdmans are a family of rotten children who, when they get wind of the Christmas pageant, built their way into the main role and wreak havoc. What some feared would be the worst pageant in church history turns causes the community to rethink the real meaning of the Christmas story.

Sunday, December 4 @ 2 P.M.

Sunday, December 25 @ 10:30 A.M. Christmas Day rarely falls on a Sunday, but when it does, we are blessed to worship this special day together. This service will be low-key, so we hope you will join us as we praise our newborn King!

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M O R E U P CO M I N G E V E N TS

Please fill out this form and return it (along with your complete payment) to a Deacon. The deadline for ALL orders is Sunday, December 11.

Given by:______________________________________________________________________________

I WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE _________ POINSETTIA(S).

▪ All poinsettias are $7.00 each ▪ _________ I will reclaim my flower(s) immediately following the Cantata service on December 18 or following the Christmas Eve service. _________ I would like my flower(s) delivered to shut-ins.

I would like to help deliver flowers to shut-ins. Dedication(s): _________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________

YOUNG ADULT GROUP Sat. December 3 & Sun., December 18 at 5 P.M.

‘The Group’ is organized of young adults that meets twice a month. The 1st Sunday of every month features a potluck meal and fellowship. The 3rd Sunday of the month features a bible study, fellowship, and snacks. Join us!

ADULTS UNLIMITED Friday, December 16 at 6 P.M.

No church business, just church fellowship! This month we will meet at the home of Kurt & Brenda Gabel for our annual Christmas party. Questions? Call Fran Czarnecki.

KINGDOM KIDS Sunday, December 18 at 12 P.M.

Children in grades K–5 are invited to join us for God-filled fun—crazy games, crafts, snacks, and more. Kids: bring a bagged lunch and a friend! Parents: go enjoy a couple hours to yourselves!

FIGHTING WITH FAITH Sunday, December 18 at 6 P.M.

This community support group is for anyone who has been touched by cancer). We will inspire, and be inspired, through fellowship, scripture, prayer, and stories of hope and strength. Light refreshments will be served.

P O I N S E T T I A O R D E R FO R M

The other day I did something I’ve never done before: I put on a Santa Claus outfit for a picture. I didn’t realize what I had done until I stepped outside and everything was different! People stopped whatever they were doing and looked at me. They exclaimed “Hi Santa!” They waved and smiled. They hoped that I’d notice and walk up to them. Children fell into a trance before me. Their eyes bulged with anticipation and their smiles beamed excitement. It was a magical moment. I suddenly realized that I was carrying a great responsibility! And privilege! So I slowed down to smile at people, greet them with a “Ho! Ho! Ho!,” ask them what present they wanted, and wish them a Merry Christmas. Afterward, I was reflecting on my experience and thinking how much fun it was to be so sig-nificant to people when the Holy Spirit impressed upon me: “Bill, you’re always that important. You are to be the light in your world. Your smile, your

greeting, your listening ear, your blessing are always very much needed by the people around you. Everywhere you go you represent Jesus Christ.” 1,700 years ago the true Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, did live this way. He gave gifts in secret to the poor and needy. He had compassion for the hurting. He became a priest to share the “good news of great joy that will be for all the people…a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord”

(Luke 2:10-11). He stood for his faith in Jesus even though it meant persecution and jail. Wow! That’s what it means for you and I to be Ambassadors for Christ to family and stranger alike, whether needy and hurting or busy and preoccupied. If only we could live that way – as if we’re walking around in a Santa Claus suit and are compelled to take the time to give people the blessing from God that they need. This is the way to a Merry Christmas!

First Baptist Church 131 Main Street

North Adams, MA 01247

B E L I K E SA N TA C L AU S b y B i l l G a u l t i e r e , P h . D .