FOR INFORMATION ON ALL OF THE CHRISTMAS HAPPENINGS,

SEE PAGE 3.

Vol. XXXI NOVEMBER 29, 2013

Our Mission:

To be a Spirit-led

church, reaching out

and meeting the needs of

people in the challenges

of daily living.

Visit us on the web at: www.ccchristianchurch.com

Published monthly for

family and friends of:

Creve Coeur

Christian Church

101 S. Thorncrest

Creve Coeur IL

61610

Phone: 309-699-8421

Fax: 309-699-0980

STAFF

Nick Oyler

Senior Minister

Josh Bloomfield

Student Minister

Sherry Stoltenberg

Rainbow’s End

Preschool Director

Tom & Deb Seckler

World Team-

Cambodia

Ami Coltrin

Ministry Assistant

SERVICES

Sunday Worship

8:00 & 10:45 AM

Sunday School

9:15 AM

Caller The

FFFAMILYAMILYAMILY CCCHRISTMASHRISTMASHRISTMAS CCCELEBRATIONELEBRATIONELEBRATION SSSIMULCASTIMULCASTIMULCAST A MA MA MEMORABLEEMORABLEEMORABLE & E& E& EXCITINGXCITINGXCITING EEEVENTVENTVENT FORFORFOR THETHETHE EEENTIRENTIRENTIRE FFFAMILYAMILYAMILY!!!

CCCREVEREVEREVE CCCOEUROEUROEUR CCCHRISTIANHRISTIANHRISTIAN CCCHURCHHURCHHURCH FFFRIDAYRIDAYRIDAY, D, D, DECEMBERECEMBERECEMBER 666THTHTH ATATAT 7:00PM D7:00PM D7:00PM DOORSOORSOORS WILLWILLWILL OPENOPENOPEN @ 6:00 PM@ 6:00 PM@ 6:00 PM TTTICKETSICKETSICKETS AREAREARE $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 EACHEACHEACH & & & AREAREARE ONONON SALESALESALE ATATAT WWWWWWWWW...CCCHRISTIANCHURCHCCCHRISTIANCHURCHCCCHRISTIANCHURCH...COMCOMCOM

OROROR ATATAT CHURCHCHURCHCHURCH ONONON SSSUNDAYUNDAYUNDAY MORNINGSMORNINGSMORNINGS. . .

YYYOUOUOU WILLWILLWILL NOT NOT NOT WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO MISSMISSMISS THISTHISTHIS VERYVERYVERY SPECIALSPECIALSPECIAL EVENTEVENTEVENT!!!

Devastation and...Hope This past Sunday, as we huddled in the basement and worshipped, friends and loved ones lost all of their worldly possessions. The storm raged and ravished our communities, but it also kindled our spirit and compassion for our neighbors. The cry of our church has been, "how can we help?" Our church family is so full of love and compassion for others that it bubbles over to those around us. We just want to show the love of Christ by helping out.

This week, I have been consumed with finding ways we can help. The first thing we did was started collecting items that were most needed, like water, blankets, coats, etc. Then we found out about a program through Crossroads Missions called Help Build Hope. This program builds storage sheds for families to store their items as they rebuild. We will help put roofs on them. We are also partnering with Washington Christian Church, Highview Christian Church and I.D.E.S. to help those affected by the storm. We are asking people to sign up to help, listing your skills and availability. We will be plugging in our teams as projects become available. Our role in this recovery is to be willing workers ready to serve. Join in! Get your gloves on and let's serve! Together we can bring hope in the devastation.

The Purpose of Christmas Christmas is my favorite time of year! I love the lights, the trees, the packages, the little faces, the food and time with family. I love the message and the music of Christmas. From the day after Thanksgiving to the day after Christmas, my iTunes playlist is dominated with the sounds of Christmas. It is such a wonderful time, however we sometimes lose the whole purpose of Christmas. What is the purpose of Christmas? The purpose of Christmas is to remind us that our God loved us so much that he became one of us. It is a time of Celebration! It is a time for Salvation! And it is a time for Reconciliation! Christmas brings us face to face with God's plan to win us back. Christmas shows us God's heart for every one of us, and this is why I love Christmas. This Christmas hear from the angels, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-11). Do you have a friend, loved one, coworker, or neighbor that needs to hear this message? If so, bring them with you to church this December and celebrate the purpose of Christmas with them. We have a lot to offer this December, our Christmas series, our Women of Faith Family Christmas and our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate Christmas with your church family.

DEVASTATION FROM THE TORNADOES THAT HIT OUR AREA ON NOVEMBER 17, 2013

Top three albums on my Christmas playlist:

♦ Chris Tomlin“Glory in the Highest”

♦ Michael Buble’ Christmas”

♦ Nat King Cole “Christmas Song”

Nick's Notes DEC-2013

MINISTRY TEAM NEWS

PAGE THREE

WASHINGTON CHRISTIAN

VILLAGE Donations are being collected for

the residents. Residents are

always in need of items such as

Kleenex, hard candies, lotions, socks, etc. If you can provide

some comfort to them, you may leave donations in the tote

marked WCV near the coat racks.

DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING MTG

THURSDAY, DEC. 5TH 6:30 PM

ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN IN AT ANY

TIME!

CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERY...CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERY...CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERY...The Fellowship Ministry Team will once again The Fellowship Ministry Team will once again The Fellowship Ministry Team will once again

offer Christmas Card Delivery. If you’d like to send a Christmas greeting to church offer Christmas Card Delivery. If you’d like to send a Christmas greeting to church offer Christmas Card Delivery. If you’d like to send a Christmas greeting to church families, watch for the Christmas Card Collection Box and drop your addressed cards families, watch for the Christmas Card Collection Box and drop your addressed cards families, watch for the Christmas Card Collection Box and drop your addressed cards inside BY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8TH. The Fellowship Team will collect, sort, package them inside BY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8TH. The Fellowship Team will collect, sort, package them inside BY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8TH. The Fellowship Team will collect, sort, package them and the bundles will be available by the following Sunday. and the bundles will be available by the following Sunday. and the bundles will be available by the following Sunday.

FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION DAY & PARTY!FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION DAY & PARTY!FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION DAY & PARTY! Dec. 14th from 1:00Dec. 14th from 1:00Dec. 14th from 1:00---4:00 PM4:00 PM4:00 PM For many, the holidays bring joy, but for others, there isn’t much joy to be had. We have always tried to For many, the holidays bring joy, but for others, there isn’t much joy to be had. We have always tried to For many, the holidays bring joy, but for others, there isn’t much joy to be had. We have always tried to make a difference to each person that comes to our church to pick up a Christmas Food Basket on Distri-make a difference to each person that comes to our church to pick up a Christmas Food Basket on Distri-make a difference to each person that comes to our church to pick up a Christmas Food Basket on Distri-bution Day. With refreshments, music and a friendly smile & conversation, we hope to bring a little bit bution Day. With refreshments, music and a friendly smile & conversation, we hope to bring a little bit bution Day. With refreshments, music and a friendly smile & conversation, we hope to bring a little bit of joy to the families’ this Christmas season. You can help make that happen in many different ways…of joy to the families’ this Christmas season. You can help make that happen in many different ways…of joy to the families’ this Christmas season. You can help make that happen in many different ways…

►►► Volunteer to be here on Distribution Day to help carry, help pack, be a greeter, bake cookies, etc. Volunteer to be here on Distribution Day to help carry, help pack, be a greeter, bake cookies, etc. Volunteer to be here on Distribution Day to help carry, help pack, be a greeter, bake cookies, etc. YYYOUROUROUR PRESENCEPRESENCEPRESENCE MAKESMAKESMAKES AAA DIFFERENCEDIFFERENCEDIFFERENCE!!!

►►► Donate funds or food to the Food Bank. Donate funds or food to the Food Bank. Donate funds or food to the Food Bank. YYYOUROUROUR GIFTSGIFTSGIFTS MAKEMAKEMAKE AAA DIFFERENCEDIFFERENCEDIFFERENCE!!!

If you have any questions or want more information, please speak with Barb Benson or Barb Angle.If you have any questions or want more information, please speak with Barb Benson or Barb Angle.If you have any questions or want more information, please speak with Barb Benson or Barb Angle.

Silent night! Holy night All is calm, all is bright

Round young virgin mother and child Holy infant so tender and mild

O come all ye faithful joyful & triumphant Oh come ye O come ye to Bethlehem;

Come & behold him born the King of angels; O come let us adore him Christ the Lord.

JANUARY SERMON SERIES

The coming of a new year encourages people to look at their lives &

determine what aspects of life they would like to

change. Don’t miss it.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

PLEASE SAVE YOUR LABELS... Rainbow’s End Preschool collects BOX TOPS and

LABELS FOR EDUCATION to benefit the preschool.

Tops can be put in the church office. This is money

that gets sent directly to the schools for the

purchase of new items for the kids.

PAGE FOUR

Thanks to all who donated to the Operation Christmas Child effort. CCCC was able to send off almost SIXTY Christmas boxes for kids all over the world. We appreciate all of your willingness to help. Please continue to pray for the boxes as they travel to their destinations.

RAINBOW’S END RAINBOW’S END RAINBOW’S END PRESCHOOL CHRISTMASPRESCHOOL CHRISTMASPRESCHOOL CHRISTMAS

The 2013 Rainbow’s End Preschool The 2013 Rainbow’s End Preschool The 2013 Rainbow’s End Preschool Christmas Program is set for Christmas Program is set for Christmas Program is set for

Sunday, December 8th at 2:00 PM. Sunday, December 8th at 2:00 PM. Sunday, December 8th at 2:00 PM. If you have any questions, see Sherry Stoltenberg.If you have any questions, see Sherry Stoltenberg.If you have any questions, see Sherry Stoltenberg.

NEW ADULT BIBLE STUDY NEW ADULT BIBLE STUDY NEW ADULT BIBLE STUDY BEGINS DECEMBER 1ST BEGINS DECEMBER 1ST BEGINS DECEMBER 1ST

The Purpose of Christmas features sessions taught by Rick The Purpose of Christmas features sessions taught by Rick The Purpose of Christmas features sessions taught by Rick Warren on why we celebrate Christmas and how it can Warren on why we celebrate Christmas and how it can Warren on why we celebrate Christmas and how it can change our lives forever. At the very first Christmas, “the change our lives forever. At the very first Christmas, “the change our lives forever. At the very first Christmas, “the birth of Jesus“, an angel announced three things. In those birth of Jesus“, an angel announced three things. In those birth of Jesus“, an angel announced three things. In those three statements of the angel, we find the three purposes three statements of the angel, we find the three purposes three statements of the angel, we find the three purposes of Christmas. This study will help us explore and of Christmas. This study will help us explore and of Christmas. This study will help us explore and understand…understand…understand…

Christmas Is a Time for CelebrationChristmas Is a Time for CelebrationChristmas Is a Time for Celebration Christmas Is a Time for SalvationChristmas Is a Time for SalvationChristmas Is a Time for Salvation Christmas Is a Time for Reconciliation Christmas Is a Time for Reconciliation Christmas Is a Time for Reconciliation

This group will meet in the fellowship hall and all adults are invited and encouraged to participate. This group will meet in the fellowship hall and all adults are invited and encouraged to participate. This group will meet in the fellowship hall and all adults are invited and encouraged to participate. Led by Nick Oyler. Please RSVP if you intend on joining the study.Led by Nick Oyler. Please RSVP if you intend on joining the study.Led by Nick Oyler. Please RSVP if you intend on joining the study.

“Jesus & the Just Reign of “Jesus & the Just Reign of

God”God”——led by Larry McMullen is led by Larry McMullen is

an all adult study on the Books an all adult study on the Books

of Luke & James. of Luke & James.

“Heaven”, “Heaven”, a continuation of a continuation of

the study, led by Pam Smith, is the study, led by Pam Smith, is

for ladies only and meets in the for ladies only and meets in the

Library. This group will provide Library. This group will provide

simple, clearsimple, clear--cut, biblically cut, biblically

based answers to questions based answers to questions

about heaven.about heaven.

NEW ADULT BIBLE STUDIES BEGIN!NEW ADULT BIBLE STUDIES BEGIN!NEW ADULT BIBLE STUDIES BEGIN!

Appalachia Mission Work by

Crossroads Missions

Please continue to pray for the area, the workers, the residents and for God to bless them all. Specifically, please pray for CJ, Josh, Lauren, Johnny, Don & Joy, Dave, Lisa & Marissa.

B4B4--WOMEN’S MINISTRYWOMEN’S MINISTRY--Believe, Befriend, Become & BelongBelieve, Befriend, Become & Belong

“THE GETAWAY” HAS RETURNED!

FRIDAY NIGHT, DECEMBER 12TH FROM 6:00PM—???

A night for women to come together, do crafts, play games, cook, be artistic or whatever! Anything done with good friends makes it even more FUN! Bring a project you’re working on, a game you’d like to play, a hobby to do or a sack of ingredients to cook & spend some time with us! If you have questions, see Ami Coltrin or Jackie Hale.

Thursday, December 19th from 6:30-8:00 PM CCCC Fellowship Hall

All ladies are invited to come with two dozen of their favorite Christmas Cookies. We will combine the cookies and pack delicious treats to be delivered to our shut-in friends of CCCC. Usually there are approximately 25 boxes to deliver. If you’d like to help deliver, please talk with Ami. It’s a great blessing to visit with our friends

who we don’t see every Sunday because of health, etc.

Secret Sisters 2013 identities will also be revealed! If you cannot attend and you were a Secret Sister this year, please let the office know so that arrangements to reveal your identity can be made.

If you were unable to attend the

2013 conference, we will show

portions of the amazing weekend

on DVD and have some surprises

as well! Don’t miss this January

event! Be on the lookout for

details in the coming weeks!

The Women’s MT Planning Team

has declared 2014 the year of…

“DO SOMETHING”. We can’t change the world by standing still.

It’s not enough to do nothing. Disciples of

Jesus do not stand idly by. Recharge will

bring ladies two studies that will challenge

and grow us. “Not A Fan” and “Gods at War” by Kyle Idleman.

When the first study shows us how to be a follower of Jesus and not

just a fan...the second study will identify the hurdles that stand in

the way of that quest to be a follower. Then, in the spring of 2014,

our faith will be put to the test with “Spring into Service”, service

projects to live out our faith. This will not be easy, but it’s

necessary. It will grow us, bless us and change the world (our home,

our schools, our church, our city, state, and country) that we live in.

YOU GAME?

family matters

† Tornado victims (Jean Seckler lost her

apartment in Washington)

† Dakota Wilson

† Beth O’Brien

† Marlan Reynolds heart surgery 11-15

† Carol Adams

† Jerry Bowen

† Chuck Lampman’s sister, Marilyn

† Diane Lane—gallbladder

† Sue Stanley, Melissi Cravens’ mother

† Shirley Julien

† Cleo Bunton

† Dee Elmore-cancer treatments

† Len Casey—leukemia

† The family of Michelle Howell after

her passing

† Malinda Gerhardt & family after the

passing of Malinda’s aunt.

1-Lacey Montour

3-Sheryl Delaney

5-Blanche Fosnaugh

Cy Fosnaugh

6-Andy Hebert

11-Linda Stien

13-Savanna Breedlove

15-Beth O’Brien

Natalie Robison

17-Audrey Merriman

Rich Vercler

20-Maxine Kramer

Lyn Julian

22-Becky Bush

23-Marlan Reynolds

24-Joey Benson

25-Garry Woodard

26-Marlys Grant

28-Brody Woodard

29-Emma Campbell

Thank you for your generous gift

during our time of need.

-Vince & Lori Crook

Thank you for your work with the

Snack Pack program and providing

food for our kids. Families have

unfortunate challenges, such as

parents in prison, on drugs, is

disabled, or is unemployed and the

children struggle. These snack packs

not only provide a basic need, but

also the reassurance that someone

cares.

-LaSalle School

Dear Snack Pack People,

Thank you for the Snack Pack. I like

to share it with my brother.

Sincerely, Malea

“FEED MY SHEEP” Pt. 2

WHY... To follow the Savior’s

example, each one of us must look around & reach out to the sheep who are facing tough circumstances, lift them up & encourage them to proceed on the journey.

We are called to practice the “one-anothers.” around 50 different “one-another” commands are given in the NT. There’s no better way to apply the “playbook instructions” than in committed relationships in a church family. We need people to get to know us really well. The grace & protection of “one-another” relationships is a great soul-safeguard. As we practice the “one-anothers” in our relationships, people will inevitably get to know us well. And we need that. The safety of our soul depends on people getting to know us for who we really are, just as the writer of Hebrews exhorted the church: “Take care, brothers, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb 3:12-13). Getting that daily encouragement, and so preventing us from falling away, happens best with people who know us well enough such that they see patterns in our lives where we may drift. Eric Davis, Cornerstone Church in Wyoming

10-David & Ami Coltrin

20-John & Mary Compton

28-Arnold & Barb Benson

34 “ONE-ANOTHERS” of THE BIBLE Part Two (20-34)

20. “Do not lie to each other…” (Colossians 3:9) 21. “Bear with each other…” (Colossians 3:13) 22. “…Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.” (Colossians 3:13) 23. “Teach…[one another”} (Colossians 3:16) 24. “…Love each other.” (I Thessa-lonians 4:9) 25. “…Build each other up…” (I Thessalonians 5:11) 26. “Encourage one another daily…” Hebrews 3:13) 27. “…Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) 28. “Don’t grumble against each other…” (James 5:9)

29. “Confess your sins to each other…” (James 5:16) 30. “…Pray for each other.” (James 5:16) 31. “…Love one another deeply, from the heart.” (I Peter 3:8) 32. “…Live in harmony with one another…” (I Peter 3:8) 33. “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (I Peter 4:9) 34. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others…” (I Peter 4:10) *From Carl F. George, Prepare Your Church for the Future (Tarrytown: Revell, 1991), 129-131.

PAGE SEVEN

Creve Coeur Christian Church

101 S. Thorncrest Ave.

Creve Coeur IL 61610

Please Deliver To:

Service Times

Sunday Worship 8:00 & 10:45 a.m.

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Student Ministry

Jr. High and Senior High

Youth Group

Wednesday 6:00-7:30pm

Some staples that we always need are: ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, tuna, pork & beans, canned fruit & vegetables, canned soups, cereal, macaroni & cheese, boxed potatoes, saltines, pancake mix & syrup, peanut butter, jelly, spaghetti & sauce, sloppy joe mix, Jell-o, pudding mix, muffin or biscuit mix, toilet paper, bath soap, dish soap & shampoo. If you would like more information about how to help out the people of Groveland Township (Creve Coeur, Marquette Heights, North Pekin), please talk with Barb Benson or Barb Angle. Basic needs being met while showing the love of Jesus to the people who need it most.

Greeters Van Driver

Prayer Room

Home Communion

Wee Worship

Bread Bakers

DEC 1ST

1ST—JUDY COFFEY 2ND—ROD & JANICE HILL JUDI SCHORR

BILL CONOVER

1ST—ELAINE DUNCAN 2ND—SARAH MCMULLEN

RYAN WOODARD

BARB ANGLE LAURA NIENHUESER

LYNDA BOLTON LINDSEY DUPAGE

DEC 8TH

1ST—RUSS STOLTENBERG SHERRY STOLTENBERG 2ND—LINDA MCMULLEN PAT DEFREITAS

ARNOLD BENSON

1ST—MONICA RAGON 2ND—PAT DEFREITAS

LARRY MCMULLEN

MALINDA GERHARDT LARRY & VELTA HAYNES

JOYCE HALE

DEC 15TH

1ST—MATT RAGON MONICA RAGON 2ND—BILL CONOVER SANDRA CONOVER

ROD O’BRIEN

1ST—STEVE CUSAC 2ND—LAISA SCHWEIGERT

NICK OYLER GEORGIANNE DUPAGE CHRISTINA PIRRO

RACHEL BOWEN LORI MERRITT

DEC 22ND

1ST—KARA HARVEY 2ND—MARIANNE SALES TINA GRAHAM

JOHN CRAVENS

1ST—KAY JONES 2ND—NATE DUPAGE

DAVID COLTRIN

AMI & DAVID COLTRIN SAM & ROSIE COLTRIN

SHERRY STOLTENBERG MALINDA GERHARDT

DEC 29TH

1ST—RUSS & SHERRY STOLTENBERG 2ND—LINDA MCMULLEN PAT DEFREITAS

BILL CONOVER

1ST—PAM SMITH 2ND—CATHY DOUGLAS

KELLY NIENHUESER

GEORGIANNE DUPAGE AMI & DAVID COLTRIN

TINA GRAHAM MICHELE WHITEHURST

SLIDE TECH 1ST—ASHLEY SMITH

2ND—CARLEE WOODARD

SOUND TECH 1ST—TERRY BOLTON

2ND—BRODY WOODARD

DATE SUNDAY SCHOOL 10:45 AM

12/1/13 SHIRLEY CUSAC & ASHLEY SMITH NATE & LINDSEY DUPAGE

12/8/13 RHONDA NIENHUESER JUDY CRACKEL & LORI CROOK

12/15/13 MATT & MONICA RAGON MICHELE & TORI WHITEHURST

12/22/13 LYNDA BOLTON DJ & CASSIE HAMMER

12/29/13 RACHEL BOWEN & AMI COLTRIN BETTY CASEY

12/1/13 LORI MERRITT, ROD O’BRIEN, TORI WHITEHURST

12/8/13 LORI MERRITT, CARLEE WOODARD, MELISSI CRA-VENS

12/15/13 LORI MERRITT, TARA MERRITT

12/22/13 UP SUNDAY

12/29/13 LORI MERRITT, VINCE CROOK

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

The Purpose of

Christmas

Sermon Series

& Adult Bible

Study Begins

2

3 4

Youth Group

6:00-7:30 PM

5

WCV

Volunteers

8:30 AM

6

WOF Christmas

Simulcast

7:00 PM

Doors open @

6:00 PM

7

8

Rainbow’s End

Christmas

Program

2:00 PM

9

Prayer MT Mtg

6:00 PM

10 11

Youth Group

6:00-7:30 PM

12

Rainbow’s End

Board Mtg

6:30 PM

13 14

Christmas Food

Basket

Giveaway Day

1:00-4:00 PM

15 16 17

WCV

Volunteers

8:30 AM

18

Youth Group

6:00-7:30 PM

19

Sweets for

Seniors

6:30-8:00 PM

20 21

22 23 24

Christmas Eve

Candlelight Svc

6:00 PM

25

MERRY

CHRISTMAS!

26 27 28

29

YOUTH

SUNDAY

SACK SUNDAY

30 31

December 2013

Church Office Closed

Rainbow’s End Preschool Vacation—Returns 1/7/14 & 1/8/14