Silly Santas

We had a very messy but very jolly party last Sunday. Santa was well represented. First we had the real thing...

And then a host of imitators - some better than others...

You guys are always up for whatever crazy schemes I throw at you. Thanks for partying with me! An extra special heartfelt thank you to Matt & Matt, who stayed past 10 pm helping me mop up shaving cream. You guys are the best. I'm definitely raising your salaries in 2008.

A reminder that youth group is now on break until '08. Come on out this Sunday night for our church's candlelight service with live nativity! 5pm in the sanctuary. See you then.

A Christian Christmas

Isn't Christmas a Christian holiday? Well, sometimes. I think it depends on whether our focus is on shopping malls and stuff, or on the baby in the manger - the coming of the God who "emptied himself... taking the form of a slave..."(Philippians 2:5). And I think it depends on whether we're asking "how much can I get this christmas?" or "how much can I give?"

There are many ways to put the right stuff back into Christmas, and it doesn't mean we all have to become monks and nuns. I get mailings from an interesting organization called "Alternatives for Simple Living." Their website will get you started thinking about practicing a different kind of christmas celebration. And for a more radical take on celebrating Christmas differently, visit http://www.buynothingchristmas.org/.

Also, if you're looking for a good book to give as a gift, may I recommend Shane Claiborne's book as a great read for anyone on your list, teenagers and adults included. To hear from Shane himself a little bit about his own perspective and what he's about, check out this little clip

I hope you and your family experience true peace this Christmas.

I'm Dreaming of a White... Elephant?

So how perfect is it that its now officially the Christmas season, and we get this fluffy white snow falling from the sky??!! I couldn't be cozier sitting here in my office, watching the snow fall, sipping my coffee...

My friend Matt has a holiday tradition on his blog - every advent season he posts a link to the "Saint Nicholas website" - a helpful resource in learning about the man behind the myth. So I am following his lead - here you go.

Speaking of the big white guy in the sky - I have it on good authority that he's gonna pay an early visit to Haddonfield, this Sunday night in the youth lounge. In fact, his visit might just interrupt our Youth Group Christmas Party!! You won't want to miss it:

All Ages Christmas Party

Sunday Dec. 9th, 7-9pm

Youth Lounge

Bring: a White Elephant Gift

What's a white elephant gift, you ask? It's some piece of junk from your house (your old Barbie, a VHS recording of star treck, a used dog leash, your collection of little green army men, etc.) which is wrapped up to look like a perfectly nice gift. Remember, "one person's trash is another's treasure." You might leave with the Schreck poster you've always wanted! Plus, this is our last gathering until '08.

So, round up some friends, wrap up some junk, and be there Sunday night!

Real Live Missionary

Eryn Frederick is one of the missionaries we support as a church. She works for a group called "Foundation for Peace." She has been serving in the Dominican Republic these past few years, but is now moving on to serve in Africa, in the country of Kenya.


She will be coming to speak about her experiences here at our church - mark the date! Monday, December 10th @ 7 pm. I know she has some amazing stories to tell, and will be sharing what its like to "serve Jesus by serving the poor" in the third world. This event is open to anyone who wants to come. Be there!