New in the Library

The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

Calvin wrote this book in 1545 to give the believers (of France) a summary of the basic teachings of the Christian faith.  It has been translated into many languages through history.  Believers today still find “The Institutes” of great benefit in the Christian walk.  Borrow our copy and see for yourself the richness within–then you’ll need a copy of your own!

It’s new in our Library, so CHECK IT OUT!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Please join us for a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Monday, December 24 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.  This will be a wonderful time to celebrate the birth of our Savior with the whole family.  There will be special music, favorite Christmas Carols, a wonderful children’s program, a message by David Kaiser and the lighting of the candles to celebrate the eve of His birth.

Ladies Retreat – November 2012

Ladies Retreat November 2012

Some of our women enjoyed a Fall getaway at Potawatomi Inn, Angola IN during November.  It was a time of personal relaxation and spiritual refreshment through worship and reflection.   A few women from Christian Fellowship also shared their testimonies.  It was a great opportunity to get to know each other better.  Thanks to all who helped organize this event.

Mosaic Service-“Come Let Us Adore Him”

Our December 16th Mosaic service at Western Avenue ministries will focus on Jesus, the greatest gift.  Come join others from different races, classes, interests and neighborhoods. In a Mosaic, loose pieces come together in creative ways to form a new element, replacing brokenness with beauty.  The service starts at 5:00 pm.

From David Kaiser

For this week, I have long sensed that God wants us to look at some of the most basic of truths.  We are hoping to reaffirm our belief and trust in the Bible as God’s very word and the only true guideline for our understanding of His will for our lives.  I am boiling over with excitement on this topic and hope to communicate it in a way that is both inspirational as well as instructional, but overall, honoring to Him who loved us and gave Himself for us.

I am drawing my input from God, of course, but also men like Charles Ryrie, F.F. Bruce, and Warren Wiersbe.  What writers, teachers or other influences give you confidence in God’s word?

New in the Library

Chosen By God by R.C. Sproul

Chosen by God is a clear, biblical presentation of the doctrine of predestination.  It is a classic of 20th Century reformed literature, written with passion and clarity.  Many is the believer who counts this book as life-changing.  Check it out!

Senior High Gift Exchange

The Senior High Youth are having a gift exchange “with a twist” this Sunday evening from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Wurz’ home.  Everyone is asked to bring something they already own to be given as a gift to someone else.  These gifts should be useful and appropriate for both guys and gals (ex. CD, book, card game, etc.).  Wrap them to look enticing and bring them with you Sunday night.

Mitten Tree

The Mitten Tree is now in the Fellowship Hall.  Pioneer Club is asking for donations of warm weather accessories (gloves, hats, mittens, and scarves) for the people downtown at Western Avenue Ministries.  We are collecting for all ages (men, women and children).  Bring your donations to church by December 19 and hang them on the tree.  Once the tree gets too loaded…we can put them under the tree!

Hal and Beth Hansen visiting

Sunday, December 2, we welcome Hal and Beth Hansen who are serving with New Tribes Mission in Thailand.  They will be introduced during the 9:30 am worship service and then share with us during the Sunday School hour.  Hal teaches at the Church Development for Missions school which assists tribal churches in developing teachers/leaders and better equipping them to teach God’s Word.  The graduates then return to their own areas to serve the Lord.  Beth home schooled Jane and Riley, who are now at Oklahoma Christian University.  She serves the school and the Thai church in many ways.  We are privileged and blessed to have them here.

Western Avenue Christmas Caroling

It’s time once again for Christmas Caroling with Western Avenue church.  We will be meeting Friday, December 21 from 6:15 pm to 8:00 pm at the South Toledo Community Center (on Broadway across from Taco Bell, between South and Western.)  Dress warmly and bring flashlights or decoratively-lit hats.  Everyone is welcome (but it can be a bit cold for small children).  We will organize the teams and pray from 6:15-6:30 pm.  Then caroling is from 6:30-7:30 pm.  It’s not about singing well, it’s about being willing to “spread glad tiding of great joy!!”  From 7:30-8:00 pm we will have hot cocoa, share and pray.  Contact Penny Goodman if you are able to donate cookies and/or candy by December 19 to fill goody bags.  Also let Penny know if you would be willing to pray between 6:30 and 7:30 that night.