The Night Before Christmas

“Twas the night before Christmas,”... and so begins the lovely story told to children of all ages, the young and the young at heart. I can not help but wonder what experiences were shared that first night before Christmas. The night before that Christmas seemed like any other for many. The common man lived his days from the cradle to the grave with little purpose, and little hope for tomorrow. Yes, the devout Jews all heard the story of a coming Messiah; but believed it may be just that, a story, folk lore. They were afraid to dream. The promises were given so long ago. Why had they not been fulfilled? The deliverer surely knew they really needed Him. Did He really care about the way the Roman government oppressed them? Did He really care about their poverty? Did He really care about the constant empty lonely feeling hidden deep within? They could almost convince themselves that they were living a full and meaningful life. “Twas the night before Christmas,”... It would be a special night, still, and quiet, a “Silent Night.” The King sent out a decree for all to be taxed and counted in a census. Mary and Joseph traveled far and long. They viewed their final destination, the birth city birth city of David, off in the distance. The donkey, burdened by the weight of this expectant mother moved slowly. Both Mary and Joseph were weary and worn. When they reached the city of Bethlehem their every bone cried out for rest. They both sensed the arrival of the holy child and knew last minute preparations must be made quickly. After seeking a place to spend the night and growing in their anxiety, their prayers were answered. They were given permission to stay in a stable, not their first choice I'm sure; but they both praised Jehovah Jireh, “The God that provides,” for a place of security, privacy, and location. At least they found shelter and were not forced to sleep out in the street like homeless beggars. They anticipated the approaching arrival of the Anointed One. He would be called Jesus; because He would save His people from their sins!

Continued on page 3

L I N G L E S T O W N

LIFE LINE Linglestown Life: A United Methodist Church

December 1, 2009 Volume 18 Issue 12

Linglestown Life Line Page 2 December 1, 2009

Thank you to all who attended and supported the Women at Risk Chest Party. We were able to raise $6,147 for the organization through all the merchandise sold. All of the money goes back into supporting programs to give women saved from human trafficking skills to support themselves and their children. I also would like to offer additional thanks to Janie Gardner for the refreshments, members of UMW and Maxine, and a huge, huge, huge, thank you to Lori Goldmann and Sue Lazar for all their help. Without these two women, the event would never have come to fruition. They spent hours inventorying jewelry, setting up the displays, selling, and promoting the event. I am so grateful for their service and I know WAR is too! Thanks again to everyone for supporting this amazing ministry. ~ Monica Ordanoff

I cannot thank the congregation enough for their support and prayers during my time on bed rest. The Sunshine Basket was such a wonderful idea and

really helped pass the time on some very long days. There was always something new to look forward to. I am so blessed to be part of such a thoughtful and caring group of people. ~ Kendra Estep

Friends of Linglestown Life Church, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your prayers, phone calls, cards, and visits. I would also like to thank the Pastors for their visits during this time with hospital stays. Thank you, Don Sanford

In This Issue Page 2

In the Mail

Page 3 The Night Before Christmas

(con’t from page 1) Consultation

Vacation Bible School

Page 4 Visitation Team

Book Club LCNS Gifts

Page 5 Cantata Dinner

Lessons and Carols Katie’s Kidz

Page 6 DiscipleMakers

Page 7 For Kids and Adults

Page 8 Birthdays and Anniversaries

Stewardship Report

Page 9 Worship Attendants

December 1, 2009 Page 3 Linglestown Life Line

The Night Before Christmas continued from page 1 “Twas the night before Christmas,”... A father always eagerly awaits the birth of his first child. It is a moment of great pride and yet also such a tremendous responsibility, that his knees shake. The night before the first Christmas, the heavenly Father also took great pride in His Son, who left heaven and emptied Himself, to take on the form of man. The fullness of time arrived for the coming of His Son Jesus. He would soon be born in the very world created by the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He made His entrance as a babe; He would be known as the Fathers Beloved Son, in whom He was well pleased! Oh, the sorrow to realize that one day this babe would die for the sins of humanity! As He awaited His birth, death crouched on the horizon. “Twas the night before Christmas,”... Here we are December twenty fourth, Christmas Eve...the night before Christmas. Where ever you and I spend this night we should “Stop, look, and listen.” First, stop! Stop rushing long enough to truly take in what Christmas is. Christmas is Immanuel, God with us! God does care! Jesus in the form of the Holy Spirit is with us, within us every moment! “O Come, Let Us Adore Him!” Second, look! Look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of Our Faith. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, what better opportunity could you have than this Christmas? You can celebrate two births each coming Christmas, His and your second birth! You must be born again. Last, listen! Listen to the children around you, “Out of the mouths of babes”...They will tell you the story of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the animals, and the angels. They love to tell the story! Take time to listen. Hear the message of God’s everlasting love. It is the greatest story ever told! The little ones love the live nativity scenes and singing “Away in a manger.” Listen! Do you hear the sound of the heavenly chorus? The shepherds in the field listened and went to find the baby lying in a manger, just as the angels said! Unless we have the faith of a child we cannot enter heaven. “Twas the night before Christmas!” O Holy Night!

~ Pam Ford Davis – Faith Writers

Consultation to Begin on Children’s Ministry

You are invited to participate in the consultation process to determine the future direction of children’s ministry at Linglestown Life. We feel that it is important to take some time up front, and assess and ascertain the needs of our ministry to the children and families of our church. We are pleased to have Helen Patrick serving as our consultant. Helen has served in a consultative role with the Conference and we look forward to her insights on children’s ministries. Four listening sessions have been scheduled to allow parents and interested persons to provide input to the consultation process. The three sessions for parents include: Wednesday, December 2 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 6 from 10:45 -11:30 am and from 5:00 -6:00 pm. You may attend any one of these sessions. A fourth session specifically for teachers will be held on Sunday, December 13 from 10:45 -11:30 am. Parents of middle school and high school youth are also welcome to attend. You will be helpful in providing insight from your previous experience and how to best facilitate a smooth program transition from elementary to high school programs.

Vacation Bible School 2010 Vacation Bible School 2010 probably seems a long way off. However, in order

to have a successful program, we need to start the planning process. Consequently, A VBS 2010 Organizational Team is being formed and we need a group of people who will commit to starting the process of organizing the 2010 VBS.

If you are interested in serving on this Team, which will begin its work in early January 2010, please indicate on your Response Card. For more details please contact Pastor George at LLifePastor@comcast.net.

Linglestown Life Line Page 4 December 1, 2009

Visitation Team Up and Running

That’s right! We now have a team of people that will be out and about visiting those unable to participate in the life of the church, whether at

home, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. This vital ministry will help Linglestown Life to love others by ensuring more visits and communication with the church. So if you are in the hospital or not able to make it to the church regularly, you might see one or more of these smiling faces including Sue Cartwright, Joanne Campbell, Danae Van Gerpen, Doug Kepler, Bill Gordon, and Karen Withrow. The staff is thrilled to see this ministry flourish as we all embrace the fact that God has called each disciple to ministry and service. An extension of this ministry will be the sharing of Communion at these visits on occasion. Pastor Adam Estep and some of the volunteers on the Visitation Team will be sharing the elements that were blessed in the Sunday morning worship service. Communion may be served by lay persons once it has been consecrated by Pastor George. We believe this ministry of serving communion to those unable to attend worship regularly will be a blessing to all involved. Perhaps the Visitation Ministry is a place where you can serve God and others! We could always use more volunteers to add to this new ministry. If you would like to learn more, let Pastor Adam know through the church office 545-5200. We look forward to seeing more disciples at Linglestown Life deployed to the mission and ministry of the church as we seek to Love God and Love Others!

Book Club The Book Discussion group started with "The Shack" and has continued. All are invited to participate in monthly Book Discussion group. Our next meeting is December 13 at 6:30 pm at Border's on route 22. The book for December is "Gone to Green"

Members select the books "of spiritual significance". So if you are interested in discussing a book, come to a meeting and suggest your book.

by Judy Christie, Abingdon Press.

This is a small group and it's necessary to know if you are coming so there will be somewhere for you to sit. Please reserve your spot by emailing Sherra Zavitsanos at sherrabob@verizon.net or call her at 717-319-6339 or 717-657-1156.

A Gift for the Christ Child Christmas is a time for gift giving yet many Christians forget to give a gift to the very One whose birthday we’re

celebrating: Jesus our Savior. Linglestown Christian Nursery School has been sharing Christ’s love with families in our community by providing a quality Christian preschool experience since 1981. Without the generous support of our friends, the Nursery School would not have the same ability to share the love of Jesus Christ with every person who seeks our top-quality Christian preschool experience for their child—no matter the financial circumstances at home. The mission of our teachers and support staff is to encourage the spiritual, emotional, physical, social and intellectual growth of each child in a loving Christian environment. These values are modeled every day at LCNS, not only to the children, but to their families as well. This Christmas add to your shopping list a gift to the Christ Child by contributing to the Nursery School Scholarship Fund. Currently, over $9,000 has been awarded as scholarships for this school year. Your investment will yield dividends greater than you can imagine. Contributions to the School are to be addressed and made payable to LCNS (Linglestown Christian Nursery School) and mailed to the church address at 1430 North Mountain Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112-1217. To assist you in making your gift, envelopes are available in the church pews. Remember whose birthday it is we’re celebrating and honor Jesus with a gift to a child at Linglestown Christian Nursery School.

December 1, 2009 Page 5 Linglestown Life Line

Cantata Dinner

It’s that time of year again. The Life Cell small group is whipping up another fantastic meal for our Annual Cantata Dinner. These dinners have become an annual holiday treat to experience and savor.

Here are some of the goodies to savor: Baked ham with pineapple sauce or raisin sauce Holiday potatoes Green bean almandine Corn Cranberry relish Coleslaw Snowflake rolls Fantastic homemade desserts Coffee, tea, and holiday punch This fantastic meal is set for 5:00 pm in Fellowship Hall on Saturday, December 19 between 3:30 pm and 6:15 pm Cantatas. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 7 and under. You can purchase tickets in the Hospitality Suite starting Sunday, November 29. Fellowship Hall has been packed these last 2 years, so we must limit the number of tickets. Come out and enjoy a great meal, good music, warm fellowship, and help support Lingleston Life.

SAVE THE DAY Saturday, December 19th

Lessons and Carols The traditional Christmas Eve service using Bible lessons and Christmas carols was first held in England in 1918 at Cambridge University’s King’s College. Eric Milner-White, a 34-year-old who had just been appointed dean

of King’s, planned the service. His previous experience as an army chaplain convinced him that the Church of England needed to make worship more expressive. The service has been broadcast from King’s annually since 1928, missing only one year (1930). Radio listeners could tune in and hear the service during World War II, although the name of King’s couldn’t be broadcast due to security precautions. During the war, the chapel’s antique glass — and thus all its heat — had been removed. Every year, millions of people worldwide listen to the “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.” Since 1919, the service has begun with the hymn “Once in Royal David’s City.”

Katie’s Kidz Katie Greene of Weddington, North Carolina, has a heart of love. At age 6, she thought about what sort of Christmas the patients in the Children’s Hospital would have. It occurred to Katie that, with help, she could provide a toy for each child. In 2006, she collected $167 toward her efforts, calling it “the best time of my life.” The next year, she began a Web site called Katie’s Kidz, and donations totaled $2,600. Katie and her parents shopped for art supplies, board games, playing cards, gift cards and even iPod Shuffles. On Christmas Day, they took 600 toys to the hospital. Katie put on a Santa hat and helped hospital workers deliver toys in red wagons. “Next year, we’re going to do two hospitals,” Katie said.

Linglestown Life Line Page 6 December 1, 2009

DiscipleMakers This past weekend, students from campuses across Pennsylvania gathered to study the Bible, worship God and fellowship together at DM’s annual Fall Conference. During the weekend, the two of us had the opportunity to minister together in a track called “The Gospel-Driven Life.” We led the students in studying the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), helping them to understand how the gospel fundamentally changes our relationship with God and our relationships with others. As we considered the Beatitudes, we learned that there is a continual process the Christian must go through in which he recognizes that Jesus becomes greater and he becomes less. As we acknowledge and mourn over our sin, we are humbled and gain a thirst for righteousness. As we understand the mercy we receive, we see God, and His peace enables us to minister the peace of the gospel to others. This process was a helpful reminder as we considered the instructions Jesus gives in this text. It became evident that we are unable to carry out his command, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” and that we’re unable to obtain a righteousness of our own. What we have instead is a heavenly Father who delights in giving good things to His children: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Mt. 6:33). In Christ, we receive His righteousness, blessings on earth, and an eternal reward! It’s always helpful for the students to share what they are learning and to process together in small group discussions. Students in Carin’s small group opened up to one another as they shared of struggles in relationships with roommates, peers, and members at their churches. They confessed ways that they have sinned against or not cared well for others, were reminded that in Christ they have everything they need, and encouraged one another to be “salt and light” to those around them. One student shared that her roommate left school on a medical leave because of depression. After sharing this burden with us, she felt refreshed to show compassion and empathy to her roommate. She is eager to introduce her roommate to our

heavenly Father who delights in her and desires good things for her. God’s Delight The theme of the conference was “God’s Delight.” During the evening sessions, DiscipleMakers staff taught from the Scriptures about how God delights in His name, in His Son, and in our obedience. It was helpful to realize that we can trust in God’s promises because He has a reputation to uphold and will be faithful to His word. Furthermore, we saw that the Father is overwhelmingly affectionate towards His Son, and that this affection has been transferred to us in Christ. Finally, our obedience brings glory to God because it reflects His power to change our hearts. At the end of the weekend, the students had an opportunity to share what they learned. Here is what a few of them shared: • A student from Muhlenberg College declared,

"A big thing God has been teaching me is that my salvation is definitely assured because God keeps his promises. It's not based on me leading a Bible study and looking good to other Christians–it's completely secure because God doesn't go back on his promises!"

• Dave from Penn State explained, "I'm learning that discipleship needs to be through Christ's power, not my own. I realized that I've been relying on myself to change people's hearts."

• A student from Kutztown University confessed, "I am very achievement oriented at school, but God hit me over the head with a talk based on Mark chapter 1. God is already pleased with me and I don't have to do anything to achieve that! My heart is being captivated by the love of the Father for his Son."

Family Update • We’re headed off on a (non-DM) missions trip

to the Dominican Republic and are eager to see God’s hand at work in another country. Please pray for our trip, November 7-14!

• Upon returning from the DR, we will be greeted by Carin’s parents who will have moved to State College from Harrisburg. Both of them had a change of jobs that allowed them to relocate. We are glad to have them closer to us!

Thank you for praying for and partnering with us in our work with DiscipleMakers. We are honored to be laboring with you! ~ Brian & Carin

For Kids and Adults

December 1, 2009 Page 7 Linglestown Life Line

Only one of the four gospels has the story of King Herod being fearful when he learned from the wise men that a special baby had been born. The wise men asked, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”

Shocked and threatened by their query, Herod pretended to want to pay his respects to the newborn himself. He asked the wise men to return and tell him where the child was. Then he ordered his soldiers to kill every male child age 2 and under. That ancient holocaust is often called the Slaughter of the Innocents, or the Massacre of the Infants. Which gospel contains the shocking story? A. Matthew B. Mark C. Luke D. John

Answer: A (See chapter 2.)

Linglestown Life Line Page 8 December 1, 2009

19 Melanie Wilson 20 Maryann Arnold Jenna Estep Brandon Meck 22 Arlene Hummel Dennis Weiser 23 Lynne Schnick 24 Bart Wagner Cheryl Weidenhammer 25 Baby Jesus Phyllis Deaner 26 Cindy Baker Adam Clark Richard Knupp Theo Mangle Cecily Staub 27 Megan Kerr Ray Landis Cliff Pogue Jay Smullen 28 Emily Henry 29 Darin Kehler Ashley Vuxta Nikki Vuxta 30 Karen Renn 31 Sarah Hammaker Audrey Nesbitt Chester Schnick

December Birthdays 1 Carol Wevodau George Williams 3 Kyle Boughter Gary Carpenter Rodney Keller Tom Sherk 4 Marlene Hartranft Matthew Heisey 5 Zachary Herigan Julie Sucheski 7 Virginia Little 9 Isobel Dottle 10 Hayden Barbush Marissa Starr 11 Ron Baker Melinda Celsky Arlene Peck Matt Wagner 13 Jordan Adkins Barry Brightbill Stephanie Foltz Hal Hammaker 14 Jennifer Berry Adam Cather Larry Knobl Doris Yontz 15 Jim Haslam Michael Machulsky 16 Paige Gordon 17 Denise Correll Sarah Doherty John Kepler 18 Alex Graham

December Anniversaries 2 Hal and Amy Hammaker

6 Brad and Bethany Goodyear 19 Don and Michelle Lyons 20 Arthur and Marlene Hartranft 24 Mike and Shelly Bagwell 26 James and Claire Dostich 31 Gary and Karen Carpenter Is your name missing from these lists? If so, please call Cherie Smith at 469-8481 or email at cherielsmith@comcast.net and we will be sure to include it the next time.

Monthly Stewardship Report October 2009

OPERATIONAL FUND Receipts for the Month: $ 34,762.42 Actual average per week $ 8,690.60 3rd Qtr Financial Plan per week $ 11,307.69 Under Per Week: $ 2,617.00 Under For Month: $ 10,468.34 Year-To-Date Summary: Financial plan year to date: $436,230.59 Actual Receipts 09: $414,791.69 Under Year To Date: $ 21,438.91 Actual Receipts 08: $407,846.34 Over 09 vs 08 $ 6,945.34 Loan Balances $334,250.00

ENTER THE DREAM CAMPAIGN Act Receipts October $ 9,559.50 Year to date giving $134,425.10

DESIGNATED GIVING Missions $ 747.23 Building Fund $ 719.23 Other: Reimbursement $ 1,151.44 Elevator Fund $ 511.00 Blanket $ 1,115..00 Pumpkin Patch $ 596.00 Hayride $ 1,212.56 Organ $ 20.00 Nursery School $ 432.00 Total All Giving October 09 $ 50,826.38

Worship Attendants

December 1, 2009 Page 9 Linglestown Life Line

SUNDAY, December 6

8:00 AM Worship Celebration USHERS: John Kepler, Lynn Heilman, Jim Nicholas GREETER: TBA HOSPITALITY: Joanne Campbell, Janie Gardner BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENER: Carla Carabini

9:30 AM Worship Celebration USHERS: Paul & Linda Fatula GREETERS: Rich Little & Diane Little SANCTUARY HOSTS: TBA HOSPITALITY: Carol Wevodau, Roberta Bilder BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENER: Jill Smullen

11:00 AM Worship Celebration USHERS: Gene Hummel, Matt Wagner, John Smith, Ron Estep GREETER: LaVerne Yingst HOSPITALITY: Clara Rowe, Carolyn Kepler

SUNDAY, December 13

8:00 AM Worship Celebration USHERS: Ross Yontz, Bob Garrett GREETER: TBA HOSPITALITY: Maryann Arnold

9:30 AM Worship Celebration USHERS: Brian & Trisha Zellers GREETERS: Doug & Missy Miller SANCTUARY HOSTS: TBA HOSPITALITY: Ginny Smith, Sandy Fowler

11:00 AM Worship Celebration USHERS: John Smith, Ron Labe, Ron Estep, Matt Wagner GREETER: Carolyn Kepler HOSPITALITY: Donna Daversa, Marty Collins

SUNDAY, December 20

8:00 AM Worship Celebration USHER: John Kepler, Lynn Heilman, Jim Nicholas GREETER: TBA HOSPITALITY: Phyllis Deaner

9:30 AM Worship Celebration USHERS: Eric & Barb Snyder GREETERS: Harry & Eileen Hoover SANCTUARY HOSTS: TBA HOSPITALITY: Joanne Houck

11:00 AM Worship Celebration

USHERS: Ron Labe, Dave Barlup, Matt Wagner, John Smith GREETER: Claire Dostich HOSPITALITY: Jim and Claire Dostich

SUNDAY, December 27

8:00 AM Worship Celebration USHERS: Ross Yontz & Bob Garrett GREETER: TBA HOSPITALITY: Mona Cunkle

9:30 AM Worship Celebration USHERS: Joel & Stephanie Hopkins GREETERS: Amy Schmoyer, Julie Cassel SANCTUARY HOSTS: TBA HOSPITALITY: Eileen & Harry Hoover

11:00 AM Worship Celebration USHERS: Ron Estep, Gene Hummel, David Barlup, Matt Wagner GREETER: Christine Wagner HOSPITALITY: Karen Renn, Cheryl Weidenhammer Please contact Matt Wagner at 566-6638 if there are any cancellations or if you would like to become a new usher.

Building Update Plans are moving ahead for an early December start to our building project. Final details are coming together with township permits, construction plan updates and loan details. Final arrangements are also being made for the extension of the water line to our property by United Water. The start of the Village of Linglestown project will not interfere with your access to the church. Current plans only involve temporary lane restrictions between 9:00am and 3:00pm weekdays at the western end of the Village.

2010 Softball Team Organizing After a successful first season, Linglestown Life softball team is looking for an even better 2010 season. Champions of the B-league, Linglestown Life had a great team that came together and enjoyed every minute of the game. Coach Rodney Grauel is looking for players to add to the roster for the next season. We have had interest enough to possibly form a second team. So if you are interested in playing (men and women) and can play all or part of a season, please contact Rodney at 671-5453 or by e-mail at rgrauel@verizon.net

Linglestown Life Partners with Sierra Leone Church After emerging from a bloody civil war of over 11 years, Sierra Leone is listed by the United Nations as one of the poorest countries in the world. As a result of this prolonged conflict the people and the churches of Sierra Leone are left to try and survive on a pittance. Hard hit by the devastation are the pastors and churches of the Sierra Leone Conference of the UM Church. Pastors have been unable to buy food for their families and the living conditions are atrocious. In 2007 a team from our Central PA Conference traveled to Sierra Leone to establish an initiative to overcome these problems. The Sierra Leone Initiative is now partnering local churches in our Conference with the churches is Sierra Leone and making financial commitments to pay salaries for local pastors. Linglestown Life has now been partnered with Yengema UM Church in the District of Kono and Pastor Do Ado-Kenge. We are excited to know that for $100 per month we will be able to support Pastor Kenge and others within Sierra Leone. We are also anticipating how we can do even more to support the Yengema UM Church. Watch for details of our partnership with the Sierra Leone Initiative beginning in January 2010. For more personal information contact: Jim and Karen Withrow, Chris Wagner, Darlene Smith or Pastor George.

Advent and Christmas Season Advent begins Sunday, November 29! This season’s sermon series is based on the title of our Christmas cantata: A Baby Changes Everything! The weekly messages during Advent and Christmas include: A Baby Changes… Nov 29 …Your Life Dec 6 …Your Expectations Dec 13 …Your Values Dec 20 …Your Heart Dec 24 …Your World Dec 27 …Your Destination Join us each Sunday morning for inspiring carols, the Lighting of the Advent candles and life application messages in our worship services at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00am. Christmas Eve Celebrations 5:00pm – Children’s Christmas Program A Musical celebration under the direction of Judy Stewart. Included will be a presentation from the Chime Choir. 7:00pm – Christmas Eve Candlelighting Complete with candles and carols this evening of worship will be a blessing to the whole family. 9:00pm – Christmas Eve Communion This late evening service features communion along with carols and the traditional candlelighting ceremony. Invite your family, friends and neighbors to join us in this festive evening of music and the celebration of Jesus’ birth!

A Baby Changes Everything The Christmas Musical: A Baby Changes Everything, will be held on Saturday, December 19 at 3:30 and 6:15pm in the sanctuary of Linglestown Life. The musical tells the story in song and drama of three troubled seekers who almost slept through the first Christmas- and the children who woke them in time to experience the life-changing miracle of Jesus’ birth. Join our Festival Choir and the actors and actresses who will bring the story to life for this enjoyable evening. And don’t forget to get your tickets for the Cantata dinner at 5:00pm. See the article elsewhere in the newsletter for details. Linglestown Life Welcomes New Disciples On Sunday, November 22 as a part of the Investment Sunday worship service Linglestown Life welcomed 9 new disciples into the church. Those completing the Exploring Discipleship class include: Sonny and Melinda Celsky, Dave and Jen Berry, Matt Yates, Beth Forbes, Brooks Foland, and Eric and Nancie Zanker. Sonny and Beth also received the sacrament of baptism as a part of their welcome into the church. The next Exploring Discipleship class begins early in 2010. If you are interested in learning more please speak to Adam Estep or indicate so on the response card in the weekly bulletin.

Do You Receive the Linglestown Life Weekly E-News on Wednesdays?

You can receive this weekly e-mail by signing up on our website home page: www.LinglestownLife.org

Website Survey Our Website Team is working on revamping our current website. Watch for details of a survey about how you use the current website and what would be helpful to have on the site in the future. If you’d like to be involved in the redesign process, please contact Brian Carl at marmosetb@comcast.net

Missed Investment Sunday? It’s not too late to make your Covenant for 2010 to support God’s work through Linglestown Life! If you missed the opportunity on Sunday, November 22 to complete a Covenant Card please pick one up at the church or call the church office to have one mailed to your home. Your Covenant Card helps us to establish our Plan for Ministry in 2010. Thanks to everyone who completed a card! Your presence and commitment on Investment Sunday tells God how appreciative you are for the blessings God has given you and for the ministry of Linglestown Life.

SUPPLIMENT TO LINGLESTOWN LIFE LINE DECEMBER 1, 2009 Dear family and friends of Linglestown Christian Nursery School,

We are very excited about the upcoming month. Our focus is on giving. The teachers work hard to help the children understand the story of Christmas and we reach out to family and friends through our many outreach activities.

Character Value: Giving; Color of the Month: Red; Shape of the Month: Star; Special Day: Christmas Party; Family Event: Nativity story by staff for the children & their families; Music & Movement: Christmas Carols & Reindeer Games Two Year old Class News Bible Verse: “God’s Son is born for us.” Isaiah 9:8 In December, the 2’s will be concentrating on the birth of Jesus. We will read the Christmas story every day and use a manger scene to reinforce the story of our Savior’s birth. We will be making many Christmas crafts including some secret ones! We will talk about giving when we sing for various groups around the school and give them candy bags. Three Year Old Class News Bible Verse: “God sent His only Son.” The three year old classes are learning about the birth of Baby Jesus. We read a few pages of the Christmas story each day. The last school day before Christmas break the children see the story come to life as the staff performs our famous Christmas pageant. We have been having a great time singing Christmas carols, making angels and family gifts. The children are also decorating bags to fill with candy. They will use the bags to give as gifts to our church staff and the bible study group. Second Step lessons will be “If—Then” and “Not now—maybe later”. Four Year Old Class News Bible Verse: “God sent His only Son.” John 3:16 The four year old classes are looking forward to a busy fun-filled month of December. The focus will be on the Christmas story this month. The last school day before Christmas break the children see the story come to life as the staff performs our famous Christmas pageant. To instill the true meaning of Christmas the morning classes will be preparing gifts to deliver on their field trip to the nursing homes and Senior Citizens groups. They will be singing all the wonderful Christmas carols during the month and conclude the month with classroom parties and a gift exchange. Handwriting: T/I, Rain songs/U Five Year Old Class News What a joyous time of the year for the Transitional Kindergarten class! We will be learning stories, songs, and finger plays about the birth of Jesus, angels, and Santa Claus. They will make a special Christmas “surprise” for their parents. Academically, we will continue with our listen and learn worksheets as well as letter tracing, dot-to-dot shapes, counting and patterns. The most exciting part of the month will be the Nativity re-enacted by the teachers, and a “Happy Birthday, Jesus” party to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. Bible Verses: Look unto me and be saved. Isaiah 45:22 My son, give me thine heart, Proverbs 23:26 No man can serve two masters. Matthew 6:24 O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good. Psalm 118:1

Upcoming Events If you or someone you know is interested in registering for the 2010-2011 school year, have them give me a call at 545-3617. Open Houses will be held at 9:45 am on Wednesday, January 20; Thursday, January 21; and Wednesday, February 11. Registration forms for new families can be obtained at any one of our Open Houses. Registration for current families and LLUMC families is February 1 at 9:20 am. Registration opens to the public on February 12 at 10:00 am. Yours for reaching and teaching children for Jesus, Nancy L. Cartwright, Director

Do You Receive the Linglestown Life Weekly E-News on Wednesdays? You can receive this weekly e-mail by signing up on our website home page:

www.LinglestownLife.org Website Survey Our Website Team is working on revamping our current website. Watch for details of a survey about how you use the current website and what would be helpful to have on the site in the future. If you’d like to be involved in the redesign process, please contact Brian Carl at marmosetb@comcast.net Missed Investment Sunday? It’s not too late to make your Covenant for 2010 to support God’s work through Linglestown Life! If you missed the opportunity on Sunday, November 22 to complete a Covenant Card please pick one up at the church or call the church office to have one mailed to your home. Your Covenant Card helps us to establish our Plan for Ministry in 2010. Thanks to everyone who completed a card! Your presence and commitment on Investment Sunday tells God how appreciative you are for the blessings God has given you and for the ministry of Linglestown Life.

Linglestown Life Line Volume 18 Issue 12 Is published monthly by Linglestown Life: A United Methodist Church 1430 North Mountain Road Harrisburg, PA 17112 Editor: Cherie Smith 469-8481 or email cherielsmith@comcast.net Deadline for copy: 15th of each month, prior to issue date. Lead Pastor: George Reynolds Nursery School Director: Nancy Cartwright Office Information Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed for Lunch) Phone: 717-545-5200 Fax: 717-651-5038 www.linglestownlife.org Sunday Worship Times Traditional Worship: 8:00 & 11:00 AM Praise Worship: 9:30 AM Church School: 9:30 AM Childcare provided 9:15 AM to noon

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