Advent begins on Sunday, Dec. 3 with our theme “The Journey to Bethlehem.” Come and join us for four

weeks of spiritual preparation leading up to Christmas as we light the advent wreath, sing the songs of our

faith, and consider what the story of Christ’s coming says to us today about our journey of faith.

Dec. 3 The Journey Begins Rev. Dr. Susan Ward Diamond

Dec. 10 The Journey Continues - Joseph of Bethlehem Rev. Diana Hodges-Batzka

Dec. 17 From Nazareth to Bethlehem Rev. Dr. Susan Ward Diamond

Dec. 24 11 AM Family Service Rev. Diana Hodges-Batzka

Dec. 24 11 PM Candlelight Lessons and Carols Rev. Dr. Susan Ward Diamond

Don’t miss the pre-service concert by Rusty Bird at 10:40 PM

The Florence Christian

November 2017 Newsletter

Florence Christian Church, 300 Main Street, Florence KY 41042

(859) 647-5000 ext. 550 | www.florencechristian.org

This free quilt display is being

presented as part of the annual

World AIDS Day observance

and will be hosted by First

Christian Church, Covington,

KY. A public World AIDS Day

Gathering will take place on

Friday evening at 7:00 pm and

feature speaker Reverend Paula

Jackson from Cincinnati and

music by the Cincinnati Men’s Cho-

rus. A special program is also available

during the service for children.

Established in 1987, The NAMES Project

Foundation – the international caretak-

er of the quilt -- works to preserve, care

for and use The AIDS Memorial Quilt to

foster healing, advance social justice

and inspire action. In a war against a

disease that has no cure, The AIDS Me-

morial Quilt has evolved as a potent

tool in the effort to educate against the

lethal threat of AIDS. By revealing the

humanity behind the statistics,

the quilt helps teach compas-

sion, triumphs over taboo, stig-

ma and phobia; and inspires

individuals to take responsibil-

ity for their own well being and

that of their family, friends and

community.

For more information on the

upcoming display

in NORTHERN KENTUCKY, go

to www.firstchristiancovington.org. For

more information on The NAMES Pro-

ject and The AIDS Memorial Quilt,

please visit aidsquilt.org.

Fri., Dec. 1, 7 PM, First Christian Church, Covington

Page 2 Florence Christian Church November Newsletter

*Marcia Jean Griffin, *Carol and Charles Dawalt, *Nick

Struewing, *Marvelle Markey, *Diane Deitriech, *Shirley

Dunn, Logan, *Tammy Sierra, *Bev Anderson & family,

*Annie Washington, *Sue Rankin, *Noel Wall, *Chrys

Smith, *Barb Bach, The Orcena family, *Cary & Martha

Tomarin, *Mary Alice Osterbrook, *Butch Carr, *Wanda

Lippert, *Ginny Lambert, *Patti Martin, *Ginger Godman,

*Kris & Jeff Moreland, *Delmar Drake, *Carmen Sickmei-

er, *Myrna Diamond, *Ella Wilson, *Sophie Conley,

*Wayne Haas, Pastor Susan’s family *Permission granted by individual/family for publication.

Board/Elder Meeting & Christmas Party Monday, Dec. 11, 7 PM

We will have a brief December Board meeting on Dec.

11 in the Well at 7 PM followed by a time of joyful

fellowship. Please bring your favorite heavy appetizers or

dessert to share!

Bring Christ’s love during the first week of December to

those who are unable to come to church by joining one

of our caroling teams! All ages are encouraged to partic-

ipate. Sign up at the information board or call the church

office to find out how you can serve.

Wed., Dec. 6 at 10:30 AM, 3 PM and 6 PM

Thurs., Dec. 7 at 6 PM

Sat., Dec. 9 at 10 AM and 1 PM

Sign up online!

Friday, Dec. 8

6:30 PM Join the Discover Zone Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten

classes as they share the true meaning of Christmas with

a special Christmas program called, “Jesus: Light of the

World.” The Florence Christian Children’s Christmas

Choir will also make a special appearance. After the pro-

gram, stay for cookies and pictures with our very special

guest – Santa! Due to the expected turn out, additional

parking will be available at the Church of Scientology

(large parking lot to left of building) and at Heritage

Academy (lower parking lot).

Schedule- Fri., Dec. 8, 2017

5:45 PM Snack Supper in Well

6:30 PM DZ and FCC Children’s Christmas Program

7:00 PM Cookies in Well

Pictures with Santa in Chapel

Florence Christian Church November Newsletter Page 3

LIVING WELL

Through Advent: Practicing Wonder With All Your

Heart, Soul, Strength and Mind

The seasons of Advent and Christ-

mas are filled with the presence of

wonder, if only we remember to

pause and open ourselves to re-

ceiving this gift. Practicing Won-

der With All Your Heart, Soul,

Strength and Mind is a timely re-

source to help remind each of us

to take time to discover how the gifts of wonder might be

born in us yet again this year.

Pick up your Advent Devotional in the Narthex!

Family Advent Calendar Activity Workbook

Available in the narthex to-

day is a tool to help your

family celebrate Advent sea-

son. Full of daily activities,

this workbook provides re-

sources for every family to

learn and grow as they await

the Christ child in faith and

hope.

Pick one up in the narthex

today.

Please support this year’s

Christmas Offering for Regional Ministries

December 10 & 17 100% of your gift goes to support the many ministries

of the Christian Church in Kentucky

Ministries for Children, Youth & Young Adults

Women’s Retreats and Conferences

Outdoor Ministries

Congregational Services

Care and Nurture of Pastors and their Families

Men’s Retreats

A heartfelt goodbye from Pastor Ed…

Perhaps one of the most

beautiful aspects of this

spiritual journey called

Christianity is that you

don’t know where you are

going until you get there!

The last few years serving

as the Pastor of Welcome

Ministries and Adult Faith

Formation has lead me to

places I would not have

believed just a few short

years ago.

God has been calling me to step out in faith and continue

some of these ministries in the greater community. Many

volunteer opportunities have been open to me in affirma-

tion and reconciliation ministries in the greater Cincinnati

area and I believe God is asking me, in the words of Pope

Francis, to tear down walls and build bridges. As such, I

am retiring from active congregational pastoral ministry.

And as a special blessing to me, I will be preaching on my

last day, December 31. My time here at Florence Christian

Church as well as other churches have been an indescriba-

ble blessing to Kathy and me.

Oh, you’ll still see my face on Sundays. Kathy and I would

like to continue as Faith Partners at Florence Christian and

stay actively involved in volunteer ministries.

May the God of grace and peace abundantly bless you

during this Advent season!

Pastor Ed

ORDER POINSETTIA PLANTS

to honor or remember loved ones

$10 a plant

Order forms in the Weekly News and online on the Florence

Christian website: florencechristian.org

Poinsettia orders due 12/13

Please take poinsettias home after the

11 PM Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve

Page 4 Florence Christian Church November Newsletter

Giving Tree items due Sun., Dec. 3

The Giving Tree has just a few

ornaments left reflecting the

needs of children and seniors in

our community. If you want to

help with this vital ministry, a

financial donation now can be used

to purchase the last few items.

All gifts must be returned to

the church office by Sunday,

Dec. 3, so that they can be

delivered to the families in

time for the holidays.

Please do not wrap the gift,

but you may return it in a

Christmas gift bag.

Thank you for

supporting this

ministry!

Michele Reed,

Coordinator

Christmas

FUR Tree

Let’s celebrate another

giving ornament

opportunity -

the FUR tree!

Pets provide much needed companionship and joy for

their families. Sometimes they are the only family a sen-

ior may have. These gifts will be distributed to seniors

with pet needs at Arcadia as well as local rescue organi-

zations. We are collecting cat and dog food, cat litter,

paper towels, and cleaning supplies. The FUR tree is

available now through Dec. 31st in the narthex.

Christians for Critters thanks you in advance!

Meow-y Christmas!!!!

Start your new year off by embracing you!

Mondays from 6:30 – 8:30 PM,

Jan. 8 – Mar. 26, 2018

Taught by Pastor Susan and Pastor Diana

Do you want to discover and be your best, authentic

self?

Do you ever wonder why you do the same thing, again

and again, even when you don’t want to?

Do you want to take your next step in personal trans-

formation?

Do you want to see the world through other people’s

eyes - understanding how and why they think, feel, and

act the way they do?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, begin a

transformative 12-week journey of self-discovery using the

Enneagram.

The Enneagram is an ancient personality typing system that

identifies nine types of people and how they relate to one

another and the world. The Enneagram is a powerful tool

for developing self-awareness, cultivating compassion for

ourselves and others, understanding our behaviors, and

discovering the hidden motivations that powerfully shape

the human personality. It provides a framework for how we

can begin to live into our most authentic selves, and also

reveals the wisdom and gifts that each personality type can

offer to the world. The Enneagram is therefore not just a

system for personal growth, but is also a tool for the ongo-

ing journey of transformation that we can take with our

families, partners, co-workers, and faith communities.

Childcare will be provided. The cost is $30 for Florence

Christian Ministry Partners and $45 for community partici-

pants. Scholarships are available.

Sign up to attend the life transforming class by Mon., Jan. 1,

2018! Enrollment limited to 40 people.

Florence Christian Church November Newsletter Page 5

Yoga for Wholeness

All ages and ability levels encouraged to spend one hour in

self-care and indulgence. Let this be the Christmas gift you

give yourself. $10 for this single session.

Wed., Dec. 13, 5:30 PM

Florence Christian Church Activity Center

Five-week session resumes on Wed., Jan. 3, 5:30 PM

GO ORGANIC AND GREEN WITH THESE

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS!

Here are some great gift sugges-

tions for this Christmas which will

mean a gentler environmental

impact and a chance to give some-

thing special that will make your

loved one happy.

Frey Vineyards – this is America’s

first organic winery. They move their

chickens throughout the vineyard to

control insects in the vineyard, too!

(Note: this is one of the wineries

impacted by the wildfires so leave a little extra time for delivery

of your order.) Freywine.com

Organic on-the-go – a fast food that isn’t junk for your back-

packer, camper or college student. This company has single-

serve meals that cook or bake right in the cup.

Everything from Mac & Cheese to muffins.

OrganicOnTheGo.org

Thistle Farms – this is a group of women who

are survivors of prostitution, trafficking and ad-

diction who hand-make skincare products and

soy candles from natural ingredients. Your pur-

chase supports a great business as well as giv-

ing skin care products without chemicals.

ThistleFarms.org

Arbor Teas – for your tea lover you can choose

from a huge selection of organic teas and tea

ware. They have fair trade teas as well.

~ ON BEING WHOLE ~

Continuing the theme of Pastor Susan's recent sermon on

stress, we're already hearing signs of anxiety all around--

time's flying

how will I ever get it all done

have you started Christmas shopping yet?

Take a deep breath,

and let's remember:

Celebrate-- Celebrate God all

day, every day. I mean, revel

in him! (Phil. 4:4)

Ask-- Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let

petitions and praises shape your worries into pray-

ers, letting God know your concerns. (Phil. 4:6)

Leave-Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness,

everything coming together for good, will come

and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens

when Christ displaces worry at the center of your

life.

(Phil. 4:7)

Meditate--Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do

best by filling your minds and meditating on things

true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gra-

cious - the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the

ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. (Phil. 4:8)

So, let us live this sermon through the holidays and every

day!

Be well!

Your Health Ministries Team

CREATION CARE

“I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

Page 6 Florence Christian Church November Newsletter

On Wed., Nov. 15th

all the children

enjoyed a full

Thanksgiving meal

for lunch. Children

filled the atrium

wearing paper

hats made to look

like Native Ameri-

can headbands,

Pilgrim hats and

bonnets.

Discover Zone students and teachers are getting into

the hustle and bustle of the holidays. The Preschool and

Pre-K children are practicing for the Nativity Pageant.

You are invited to this lively experience on Friday, Dec.

8th

.

Pageant details:

5:45 p.m. ...... Appetizers in the Well

6:30 p.m. ...... Pageant begins

Afterwards ... Cookies with Santa

This is always one of my favorite nights of the year! The

children are so precious with their costumes and they

blossom with the applause. Giggles are guaranteed, so

come out and join us if you can.

And at this time of year I like to express my gratitude to

each of you for the continued support of our Child Care

Program. Our Child Care Council is a tremendous re-

source and the members genuinely have a passion for

our program. It is such an encouragement from people

who honestly care about the success and future of our

program.

May your holiday season be merry

and bright.

Yours in Christ,

Julie

As a welcome and outreach ministry of Florence

Christian Church, the Discover Zone Preschool

and Childcare Center serves families with value-based

educational childcare where children discover their world in a

nurturing, safe, Christian environment.

Another Holiday Season is here!

Hello Florence Christian Church

I would like to talk a little

about the past couple of

months and the successes we

have had in spreading the love

of our Lord. First, for Trunk or

Treat we welcomed 1088 parents and children (even larger

than last year) and 853 meals were served at the Community

Meal. Wow!! What an outreach to our community! We fol-

lowed up this amazing event with the Turkey Supper, where

another 401 people were served. This church continues to

make a difference in the heart of Florence and the surround-

ing community. We also have had many new visitors coming

each week and becoming worship friends of our congrega-

tion. Continue to show Jesus’ love to rest of the world.

Gerald Turner, Vibrant Faith Roadmap Coordinator

Christmas All-Night

Pajama Party

Fri., Dec. 15 7 PM to

Sat., Dec. 16 8 AM

Youth ages 10 and up are

invited to a special

Christmas Pajama Party!

Join your friends to celebrate

the start of Christmas vacation

with a special night of fun, ser-

vice, and worship.

Christmas games

service projects

crafts

worship

Christmas movies

If your child prefers not to stay the night, he or she may

be picked up at 11 PM. Quiet time will begin at 1 AM.

Each participant is welcome to bring a friend.

Please bring a snack to share and

wear your favorite Christmas pajamas or outfit!

Sign up online.

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

~ Oscar Wilde

Florence Christian Church November Newsletter Page 7

Savannah Israelson 12/1

Debbie Orcena 12/4

Josh Bowling 12/5

Garrett McGuire 12/5

Caitlynn Haren 12/6

Dorothy Richie 12/6

Alana Long 12/7

Mark Wallace 12/8

Susan Diamond 12/9

Delmar Drake 12/9

Jared Gray 12/9

Zachary Kennedy 12/9

Madison Lewis 12/11

Kelsey Wicher 12/11

Glenna Galbraith 12/16

Bob Brock 12/18

Patrick Howard 12/20

Mary Arnold 12/22

Tobin Schwartz 12/24

Angela McLemore 12/25

Kris Moreland 12/25

Shari Iden 12/26

Joan Bowling 12/29

Michael Moon 12/29

Mandy Caldwell 12/30

Scott Orcena 12/30

Sarah Peacock 12/30

Jacob Sidi Mohamed 12/30

Lance & Monica Howard

12/20

Roseline & Eleazar Nwobi

12/28

Tri-State

Disciples

Florence Christian Church is joining with other Disciples

churches around the tri-state to offer a monthly youth

group experience for grades 6 – 12. Scheduled on the

afternoon/evenings of the 2nd Sunday each month, spe-

cial activities are being planned to bring together youth

for fun, fellowship, learning, worship & service.

Tri-State Disciples Youth

Christmas Party

Sun., Dec. 10, 2017

1:30 - 3:30 PM

Meet at Florence Christian at Noon

Join us for Christmas games, movie, music, food and

decorating cookies for homebound seniors. Meet at

Florence Christian church at Noon for lunch and to car-

pool. Bring a gift for a silly gift exchange, wrapped but

worth no more than $5.

If you plan to attend, please let Pastor Diana know

by Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Lunch will be pizza and salad.

Parents mark your calendars for

Sun., Jan. 29, 2018 at 4 PM to

attend the annual parent

update and vision meeting!

Have questions about more

upcoming events?

Pick up your copy of the

2018 Children & Youth Activities Calendar today!

Volunteer Worship Leader Opportunities

We have some wonderful faith

formation ministries for our

children and youth such as Chil-

dren Worship & Wonder for ages

4 to 7 and Kid’s Quest Worship for

ages 8 to 13. These worship expe-

riences take place during each

Sunday morning worship and

would not be possible without the

help of our many wonderful adult

worship leaders. It takes the team

work of over 16 dedicated volun-

teers to provide these experiences of God for our chil-

dren. If you have a passion for being with children and

would be willing to serve about one Sunday a month,

please contact Pastor Diana to learn about what op-

portunities may be available for you.

dhodgesbatzka@florencechristian.org

Christmas Children’s Choir

Does your child love to sing?

Encourage them up to participate in our Christmas

Children’s Choir! All ages are welcome! The choir will per-

form on Dec. 8th at the Florence Christian and Discover

Zone Christmas Pageant and at the 11 AM worship ser-

vice on Christmas Eve. Practice is on Sunday mornings at

10:10 AM in the Chapel.

Page 8 Florence Christian Church November Newsletter

Florence Christian Church

10/9/17 Board Meeting Summary

The regular meeting of the board of the

Florence Christian Church (Disciples of

Christ), Florence, KY was held October 9,

2017. A quorum of 20 was met. The

meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM,

the president, Josh Crabtree, being in the

chair and the secretary being present.

Vice chair, Drew Murphy, lit the Christ

Candle and opened with prayer. The

minutes of the previous meeting held

June 12, 2017, were approved as correct-

ed.

Chairman Josh reminded all members

that another member, deacon preferably,

for the constitution committee is needed.

Sue Bentle gave the Finance Report on

behalf of the Stewardship Committee.

Our church year ended with income over

expenditures of $7,268.45 for operating

fund. Our Discover Zone ended

$9,310.12 over expenditures. The surplus

money is in cash accounts. The current

year financials show a good increase over

last year at this same time period. The

surplus available for end of 2016 will be

used for IT hardware, wiring, building

assessment, as needed. Restricted ac-

counts show normal expenditures.

Old Business – Building Use Policy (Ken

Mead) It was revised with new rates

which are more consistent defining

Members, Non-Members, and Non-

Profit. Motion carried.

New Business – (1) Memorial Plaques

Recommendation – (Kay Williams and

Kay Garnett) Kay Garnett made the mo-

tion seconded by Brenda Sparks to up-

date our honor wall in the chapel. Six

members are being suggested as follows:

Lucille Souther, Lucille Turner, Fred Blaes-

ing, Thelma Castellini, Ruth Martin, Ber-

nice Denham. Discussion followed.

Anita Smith was already approved at the

congregational meeting in June and will

need to be included. Motion carried.

(2) Proposed additions to Discover Zone

(DZ) and church employee handbooks –

(Dan Kent) - Dan Kent made a motion

seconded by Patti Murphy that we make

changes to the employee handbooks to

reward good employees, help manage

vacation time, and create a grievance

policy. Discussion followed. The motion

was then amended to include the term

legal guardian in anti-nepotism policy.

Motion then carried as amended and

adopted.

(3) Pension Fund products available to

non-clergy staff for retirement planning

(Dan Kent) – Dan Kent made the motion

and Todd Reed seconded. Discussion

followed. This would allow the non-

clergy to get pre-tax contributions and

cost the church nothing. Motion carried

and adopted.

Committee Reports:

Architectural Consultation Update (Ken

Mead) – We are moving on schedule,

meeting with IT and audio and visual

people gathering information they need.

Vibrant Faith (Gerald Turner) – List of

Celebration Items: Meet the ministers,

Prison Mentorship, School Supply Drive

exceeded goal, Tri-State Disciples Small

Group Meetings with other DOC Church

Youth Groups, Special Olympics Banquet

with over 100 people attending, Picnic in

the Park, Yoga Group on Wednesdays.

Moving forward: switching welcome bag

to entry to identify guests, new welcome

center being made, Friends-Ministry

Partner event, Table Hosts and Follow-Up

Correspondence, handing out church

info at Trunk or Treat, Veterans Day Ser-

vice before Turkey Supper, getting a me-

dia team together, faith formation team

to implement an outdoor pantry, create a

shower ministry team working with

Melissa Stephens, secretary.

Outreach Committee (Todd Reed)- Tur-

key Supper, Tin Roof Fundraiser, Angel

Tree, Action Ministries, Prison Ministry,

Mary Rose Mission, School Supply Drive,

Pie Day/Home Touch, Week of Compas-

sion

Elders Report (Rob Carroll) – The elders

met on Sept. 11 and discussed the fol-

lowing: focusing on meeting as spiritual

leaders, covering a policy for sabbatical

as elders, lifting up the need to continue

Bible study, pastoral care demands, pray-

ing at the communion table, being an

inclusive church as needed in this time

period, helping pastors with hospital vis-

its. Finally, the new elder, Ben Iden had a

wonderful ordination service.

Diaconate Liaison Report (Peggy

Chukwudolue) – There was a training

meeting on Aug. 13 for all new and cur-

rent Elders and Deacons. Offering trays

should be passed down every row so that

each person can touch the tray and add a

blessing to it. This will give the congre-

gation a chance to put their communica-

tion cards in the tray. Communion prep

and clean-up was also discussed.

Clerk’s Report (Melanie Triplett) – Mem-

bers active – 239 (increase by 1) Prepara-

tory Candidate – 78 (increase by 5)

Homebound 13 (decrease by 1)

Discover Zone (Melanie Triplett) - High-

lights of Council meeting held July 17,

2017: There will be a price increase on

9/4 of $3. This originated from the work

with Megan Brooks and was validated by

the stewardship committee. Discount

incentives will be offered. To do recent

changes in Boone County kindergarten,

DZ is offering a ½ day kindergarten.

Senior Minister’s Report (Pastor Susan

Diamond) - written report submitted

Associate Minister’s Report – (Pastor Di-

ana Hodges-Batzka) - written report sub-

mitted

Celebrating God’s Welcome Table (Pastor

Ed Lybrook) – written report submitted

The meeting adjourned at 8:13 P. M. fol-

lowed by a word of prayer by Pastor Su-

san lifting up those with special prayer

needs.

Our next board meeting will be Dec. 11,

2017.

Board Secretary, Ginny Yahl

Mark your calendar for Date Nights in 2018!

Sat., Jan. 20, 2018

Sat., Feb. 10, 2018 [Note Date Change!]

Sat., Mar. 17, 2018

Sat., Apr. 21, 2018

Florence Christian Church November Newsletter Page 9

Children Worship & Wonder Sundays, 9 AM & 10:30 AM – Ages 4-7

Children Worship & Wonder is a very special worship experience designed for younger chil-

dren. It is influenced by Montessori ideas and creates a welcoming environment to grow in rela-

tionship with God through ritual, telling our sacred stories, and providing ways for the children

to develop their theological imagination. Children are invited to leave the sanctuary after the

children’s blessing and are escorted to the Children’s Worship Center in the atrium. Parents are

invited to reunite with their children after the close of worship outside the Children’s Worship

Center in the atrium.

Kid’s Quest - Sundays, 9 AM and 10:30 AM for ages 8-13 Kid’s Quest is a special worship experience for our older children in an environ-

ment of worship leadership and learning. It incorporates the same scripture as in

“Big Church” and provides children ways to interactively engage with the scripture

lesson and the worship experience. Children are invited to leave the sanctuary

during the children’s blessing and are escorted to the chapel or atrium. After the

conclusion of their activities, they are escorted back into the sanctuary to rejoin

their families for communion.

DATE STORY NAME 9:00 AM SERVICE 10:30 AM SERVICE

Storyteller Greeter Storyteller Greeter

Dec. 3 Mary & Joseph Show the Way

to Bethlehem Ivy Parks Sharon Stanley Pastor Diana Debbie Orcena

Dec. 10 The Shepherds Show the Way

to Bethlehem Lynn Caldwell Lizzie Hern Amy Turner Tricia Moore

Dec. 17 The Magi Show the Way to

Bethlehem Pastor Diana Peggy Chukwudolue Marie Combs Hannah Stanley

Dec. 24 No Worship & Wonder due to Christmas Eve Family Worship

Dec. 31 No Worship & Wonder due to New Years Eve Worship Service

Sunday worship is when all of us gather as the people of

God to praise God, to connect with God and each other.

At Florence Christian Church we encourage children to

begin worship in the sanctuary with their families. After the

music and opening prayer in a Children’s Blessing, one of

the pastors and the congregation bless the children to con-

tinue their worship in developmentally appropriate envi-

ronments. Special worship activities for children are also

available during both worship services.

Nursery Care: If you have a little one, nursery care is avail-

able at each service, so please make the choice that best

fits the needs of your family.

As always, children are welcome to worship in the Sanc-

tuary for the entirety of worship with their families. We

welcome their wiggles and giggles, cries and coos! They

are beloved members of the family of God.

DATE THEME/STORY SCRIPTURE WORSHIP LEADER

Dec. 3 The Journey to Bethlehem Luke 1:26-38 Danielle Lock

Dec. 10 The Journey Continues - Joseph of Bethlehem Matthew 1:18-25 Shari Iden

Dec. 17 From Nazareth to Bethlehem Luke 2:1-7 Clara Justice/Susan Mead

Dec. 24 No Kid’s Quest due to Christmas Eve Family Worship

Dec. 31 No Kid’s Quest due to New Years Eve Worship Service

Page 10 Florence Christian Church November Newsletter

December 3 9:00 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: John Reed

Morning Prayer: Josh Crabtree

Lay Reader: Kay Garnett

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Worship & Wonder: Ivy Parks, Sharon

Stanley

Kid’s Quest: Danielle Lock

10:30 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: Angie Schwartz-

McLemore

Morning Prayer: Ben Iden

Lay Reader: Chris McCoy

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Worship & Wonder: Pastor Diana,

Debbie Orcena

Kid’s Quest: Danielle Lock

First Time Visitor Gift Delivery:

Ted DeAlba

Mall Run: Ted DeAlba

Hospitality: Betty Williams, Lynn

Caldwell, Brenda Sparks, Amy Turner

December 10 9:00 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: Jim Galbraith

Morning Prayer: Sue Bentle

Lay Reader: Barbara Crume

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Worship & Wonder: Lynn Caldwell,

Lizzie Hern

Kid’s Quest: Shari Iden

10:30 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: Gerald Turner

Morning Prayer: Charlsey Smith

Lay Reader: Hannah Stanley

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Worship & Wonder: Amy Turner, Tri-

cia Moore

Kid’s Quest: Shari Iden

First Time Visitor Gift Delivery:

Mike Peacock

Mall Run: Mike Voskuhl

Hospitality: Kay & Greg Hamilton,

Donna Murphy, Karen Schadler

DEACONS Serving all month

9:00 AM Service

Ginny Yahl, Kathy Breeze,

Jennifer Hern, Mary Lucas,

Karen Schadler

10:30 AM Service

Jen Ruf, Kim McCoy, Ted

DeAlba, Amy Turner, Peggy

Chukwudolue

COMMUNION Serving all month

9:00 AM Prep:

Kay Garnett &

Bobby Hambrick

10:30 AM Clean-up:

Tricia Moore

December 17 9:00 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: Nancy Newberry,

Morning Prayer: Phyllis Reed

Lay Reader: Jim Galbraith

Scripture: Luke 2:1-18

Worship & Wonder: Pastor Diana,

Peggy Chukwudolue

Kid’s Quest: Clara/Susan

10:30 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: Ben Iden

Morning Prayer: Dan Kent

Lay Reader: Myrna Diamond

Scripture: Luke 2:1-18

Worship & Wonder: Marie Combs,

Hannah Stanley

Kid’s Quest: Clara/Susan

First Time Visitor Gift Delivery:

Laurie Rini

Mall Run: Jim Galbraith

Hospitality: Kay Garnett, Barb Crume,

Cheryl Haines

December 24

People in service for the Christmas Eve

Services will be notified.

No Mall Run on 12/25

December 31 9:00 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: Sue Bentle

Morning Prayer: Glenna Galbraith

Lay Reader: Glenna Galbraith

Scripture: TBA

No Children’s Worship

10:30 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: John McLemore

Morning Prayer: Shannon Galbraith-

Kent

Lay Reader: Carole Reed-Mahoney

Scripture: TBA

No Children’s Worship

No Mall Run on 1/1

USHERS 9:00 AM Service

The Triplett’s

10:30 AM Service

The Bonham’s

GREETERS 9:00 AM Service

Upper: The Bhirdo’s

Lower: Kay Williams &

Brenda Sparks

10:30 AM Service

Upper: Cassie Matlock &

Jonni Lynch

Lower: The Iden’s

CARING MEALS

MINISTRY Dec. 1-15 Ann Howard

859-371-5559

Dec. 16-31 Cheryl Haines

859-384-6445

Florence Christian Church

300 Main Street, Florence, KY 41042

Phone: 859-647-5000

Fax: 859-647-5004

Email: fccinfo@florencechristian.org

Website: www.florencechristian.org

Facebook: FlorenceChristianChurch

9:00 AM New Traditions Service - Communion Served

10:00 - 10:30 AM Hospitality Table

10:30 AM “Wired” Contemporary Service - Communion Served

Nursery care is available for both services in the Atrium.

Senior Minister

Rev. Dr. Susan Ward Diamond ................................................. Ext. 552

sdiamond@florencechristian.org

Associate Minister

Rev. Diana Hodges-Batzka ......................................................... Ext. 562

dhodgesbatzka@florencechristian.org

The Discover Zone Director

Julie Mondary-Linville .................................................................. Ext. 600

jlinville@florencechristian.org

Minister of Welcome

Rev. Ed Lybrook .............................................................................. Ext. 559

elybrook@florencechristian.org

Health Ministry Coordinator

Phyllis Reed ...................................................................................... Ext. 564

pbreed49@yahoo.com

Financial Secretary

Karen Schadler................................................................................. Ext. 551

karen.schadler1234@twc.com

Church Administrative Assistant

Melissa Stephens ............................................................................ Ext. 550

mstephens@florencechristian.org

9:00 AM Sundays

10:30 AM Sundays

10:30 AM Sundays

2:00 PM Wednesdays

Early Birds Group

Listener’s Class

Adult Discussion

Aging Well

Small Conference Room

Listener’s Class Room

Conference Room

Arcadia Park Apartments

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

7:00 PM Every other Wed.

7:00 PM Every other Wed.

Hebron Group

Pride Group

Rotating homes in Hebron

Rotating homes in Hebron

Dec. 6, 20

Dec. 13, 27

6:30 First Thursday

7:00 PM First Monday

6:30 PM Third Thursday

5:00 PM Third Saturday

6:30 Fourth Monday

Union Table Talk

Boys Basketball (ages 12+)

Independence Table Talk

Date Night

Mary/Deborah Group

Lynn Caldwell’s Home

Activity Center

Pastor Susan’s Home

Well, Atrium & Activity Center

The Well

Dec. 7

Dec. 21

Jan. 20

Jan. 22