ADVENT The Advent series this year is entitled Arise and Shine. We will look at the themes of: Rising Light, Reflected Light, and Healing Light. The Advent services will be Wednesday evenings December 18 at 7:00 p.m. Plan to come and worship the Lord! The Wednesday evening Advent Service offerings have been designated for Helping Hands and C-U at Home.

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE OF HOPE On Saturday, December 21, we will have a Longest Night/Blue Christmas Service of Hope worship service at 7:00 p.m. The holiday season is not always a time of joy and celebration for everyone; perhaps the long nights and short days are hard to endure, perhaps someone has experienced a loss in their life, perhaps these days bring back unpleasant memories, or whatever the reason, this service is designed for those who are struggling at this time of year. It is a service of readings, songs, and the lighting of candles. Feel free to come, and to invite others who might benefit from this service.

THE CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE will be Tuesday, December 24th, at 7:00 p.m. Come and celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior!

JUST SAY CHEESE Our church photo board in the Narthex is missing some smiles. Over the holiday season, take a quick photo and share it with your church family. The board provides an easy way to put faces with names, as well as, provide visual connections. Place your labeled photo in Lisa Schwarzentraub’s church mailbox and it will be posted.

WE ARE DOING A BASKET FULL OF BLESSINGS again this year, if you can help with food please pick up the form in the narthex with the list of what is needed and if you know someone in need please pick up the form in the narthex to fill out with the recipient information.

THANK YOU for your contributions to New Beginnings Lutheran Church. The end of the calendar year will be December 31. Please have your financial contributions given by that day so that the financial records for 2019 can be completed. Also, please submit all forms and bills for reimbursement by December 31. And, feel free to use the envelopes in the pew racks for your offerings. If you give cash, and would like a record for taxes, please fill out the contact information on the envelope.

OSF HEALTHCARE HEART OF MARY MEDICAL CENTER FAITH IN ACTION “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center Faith in Action is looking for volunteers to provide transportation to seniors 55+ in Champaign County. Flexibility to work around your schedule. To learn more about volunteer opportunities please contact Volunteer Services at 217-337-2378 or Faith in Action at 217-337-2778.

CHRISTMAS BOX A wrapped gift box has been placed in the Narthex. It will be given to Pastor and Kathi after Christmas Eve services. Please feel free to place your Christmas greeting &/or gift in the box. We are blessed to have Pastor and Kathi Oman as part of our church family.

WINTER GIRLFRIENDS’ GETAWAY Wishing to escape the Illinois winter? Then “pack your bags” for Saturday, January 25th and a trip around the world (also known as then 2020 NBLC Women’s Retreat). More details coming but hold the date and spread the word!