Week of December 31, 2023 - the Christmas Season

So [the shepherds] hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.  - Luke 2:16-21 (NIV)

Christmas isn't just a day - it marks the beginning of a new era, one in which we live today.  The Christmas season encompasses "the 12 days of Christmas" - from the birth of Christ, which we celebrate on December 25, through Epiphany (representing the revealing of Christ and His redemptive ministry to the whole world) on January 6.

From the Etna Missions Committee:  The Etna Missions Committee is seeking volunteers to become members beginning in March.  Anyone who has

•     curiosity 
•     initiative
•     an interest in promoting the love of Christ through missions,
•     evaluating potential new ministries,
•     improving relationships with existing ministries and
•     devising innovative ways to keep the congregation fully involved in ministry scope, achievements and needs

is invited to talk with Abby Fellows or Ralph Puckett about committee membership, operations, supported ministries and any other issue you like.
We would love to have a dialogue with you and give you the current picture as we see it.  We cherish the opportunity of serving on this committee, getting to know extraordinary servants in our state and around the world and seeking to improve all we do.  
Come see us!

Zumba kickoff (dance-off?) for 2024:  Rhonda Fenton will be offering a free Zumba class, open to all, on Monday January 1, 2024. Bring your family and friends and come to dance and have fun for an hour!  Trumbull Hall at the Etna church, as usual, 10 am.  Don't miss this unique opportunity to give Zumba a try!

Bible Study Schedule: Wednesday Bible discussions resume this coming Wednesday, January 3, at 10 am.  The Sunday discussion resumes at 9 am on Sunday, January 7.  Join us for coffee, baked goods, and lively discussions of Scripture.  All are welcome, no previous experience required!

Flowers: There is a signup sheet in the hallway at the Etna church if you would like to provide flowers for the altar on a particular Sunday (e.g., in memory or in honor of a friend or relative, or in honor of a life milestone). If you have questions, please talk with one of the members of the Flower Committee — Susan Johnson or Rhonda Fenton.