I think there is a whole lot of wingless chickens around somewhere.

The pre-game service will begin at 9:30 this Sunday at the Vergennes Congregational Church. This has not been publicized as much as I expected. ESPN hardly mentioned it.

But for those of us in the loop — the scriptures will be: Isaiah 40:27-31 and Mark 1:29-39 with a message entitled: “Finding Time.” We might do something a bit different this Sunday for the “message” time — we will sense how the Spirit moves.

We will share Communion together and the Bible Study on the Gospel of Mark will resume in the nursery following coffee hour.

If you wish to support the Deacons’ Fund you are invite to use the special offering envelopes in the pews.

Peace and Joy in Christ,

Gary

The Sunday morning service will focus on Mark 1:21-28 (the Sunday School focus text) and 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 with a message entitled: “Detours” something we all like and look forward to on our various journeys.

We are (Donna and Chuck) are trying – and I think it will happen – to have a
You Tube Video for the children during their opening time at Sunday School.
If you want to sneak a peak at what they will be seeing give this a
viewing – it only take 8 minutes or so. Just “Google” You Tube Jonah. A
little girl retells the story in a way that I could never do it. She adds a
bit of non-biblical stuff – especially the ending – but it is quite a show.
Don’t let the kids see it so they will have a fresh opportunity during their
Sunday School time. It is well worth watching even if you do not have kids.
Following coffee hour the M&M twins will be facilitating the Bible study of
Mark. We still have a few study books available so you are welcome to pick
one up and check out the study in the Nursery this Sunday.

Have a wonderful weekend.

In Christ,

Gary

This Sunday the scriptures will be:  1 Samuel 3:1-20 and John 1:43-51 with a

sermon entitled:  ”Listen Up.”  The first session of the Bible Study of Mark

will be this Sunday right after coffee hour in the Nursery.  We have more

books available.  If you want to pick one up at the breakfast tomorrow you

may do that or pick one up on Sunday morning.  Marybeth and Melissa are

planning 10 sessions as they facilitate this study through the first Gospel

written (Mark).

Peace and safe travels

In Christ,

Gary

As we officially begin our Capital Campaign tomorrow morning,

The planned schedule for tomorrow’s breakfast goes like this:

The CBC “crack breakfast crew” will assemble at 6:30 to set up and begin

preparing for a feast of eggs, pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice and coffee.

The church is invited to stop by and feast on the feast anytime from 8:00-

10:00.  Ann Vivian (the architect for the connector) will be here during

that time making herself available for questions or comments and she will

deliver a short presentation at 9:00.

Andrea Kerin has designed a bulletin board on which we will keep track of

our “pledge” progress toward our overall goal of $180,000 over 3 years.  The

first $115,000 in pledges will fund the connector portion and the remaining

amount will fund the Manse renovation piece.

Come to breakfast and share your ideas and learn about this very exciting

project.

In Joy in Christ,

Gary

As the college football season has ended and the professional football

season is coming to a close — our church will be bucking the trend again as

we have KICK-OFF Saturday to begin our Capital Campaign to build a bridge -

connecting more than buildings.

You are invited to share in this time in our church life as we offer

breakfast from 8 – 10 this Saturday in the Fellowship Hall.  Ann Vivian (the

architect of the connector project) will be here to give us an update and a

possible time-frame for the project as well as to be here for any questions

or comments. We will share more than food as we will be open to other fund

(fun) raising ideas.  There will be no charge for the breakfast — only a

bit of time.  Come and join us anytime between 8 and 10.  Bring the kids

(they will be the biggest beneficiaries of this project to make easier

access to the space next door for them and future generations).  This should

be a fun time.

I hope to see you then -

Faithfully

Gary

This Sunday will be an exciting Sunday — not only will we be gathering for worship together — not only will the Sunday School kick back into gear — not only will the choir kick back into gear (you are invited to join your voice to the choir beginning at 8:15 on Sunday) — not only will we be focusing on Mark 1:1-13 with some help from Genesis 1:1-5 — not only will the message entitled: “Claim – Proclaim – Reclaim” be delivered — BUT — we will be celebrating two (2) baptisms and receiving six (6) new members into the fellowship of our church. Following the service there will be CAKE — and during the cake eating (sometimes known as the coffee hour) you may purchase the study book about the Gospel of Mark in preparation for next Sundays Bible Study with Marybeth and Melissa Partington facilitating. Each book is $10.00 and if that is a bit out of the question — the church will cover the cost — just grab one in preparation for the 15th.

Following a bit of cake and coffee and book purchasing — you are invited to assist in the de-decorating of the sanctuary (FUN) as we take down the tree – rebox the Crèche Scene and dehang the garland. Talk about a fun day. looking forward to seeing you.

In Christ,

Gary

For those beginning the year with a New Year’s resolution we will have a certified, accurate to the nearest 10th of an ounce — scale to weigh people as they come in. It is good to have a beginning point. What I am thinking is that maybe we can take pictures of each person as well — maybe a profile shot and put the pictures with the weights on the bulletin board and on the web site and we can track how we are doing throughout the year. WOW what a full service church. OK we are not going to do that. Just a thought. I will let it pass.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Have a safe weekend.

in Christ,

Gary

The 7:00 service is our traditional Christmas Eve service which will include the choir and a Christmas message. Both services will include candle lighting at the end.

All of this leads up to the really big show — Sunday morning worship at 9:30 (Christmas Day).

Christmas Eve Family Service (with Marionettes) : Saturday Dec 24, 4:30 PM

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (with Choir) : Saturday Dec 24, 7:00 PM

Christmas Day Service: Sunday Dec 25, 9:30 AM