A lot has happened in the Christmas Season, and I want all of us to be thankful for what has come to be.

On December 13th I loaded a Cruiser bus and Jerry helped and loaded his van as we took 28 Jr. and Sr. High to see the Nativity. We were the last ones in, and filled the theatre with our attendance. Not all of our folks could sit together, but it was a growing experience to say the least.

Over the whole month Troy Oaks has been super generous giving of themselves to come together and provide for our congregation. I want to say a big "THANK YOU" and a big "GOD BLESS YOU ALL" to them for all of the work they did for us.

They raised 51 hats and gloves and sets for the kids, families, and seniors in the area. They also with the help of John Barrett raised all kinds of presents, and walmart gift cards and not a single kid went without recieving something from our partnership with Troy Oaks, they definitely made an impact in our community, maybe making things a little brighter this season.
Also a member from Troy Oaks, Rich Allen arranged for his office to adopt one of the families from the Detroit Hope Congregation, and they met the needs of coats, small presents they were looking for and much more. I was not there to go with them, but Mike Slupinski showed him the way, and He and Rich filled a regularly empty living room full of presents and gifts for a large extended family. Thank you Rich and the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at your office for the support you have given this family in this new season. What a sign of good will and sharing.

Then after Rachel and I returned from Florida, where she grew up, we planned a gathering Christmas Party on December 27th that was awesome and such a warm and welcome sign of peace and sharing throughout the ministries of the church and the world. Thank you. It was capped with talking about the christmas gifts of the wise men, and what gifts we could give and what gifts Jesus would want to recieve and what we can give to others that would make Jesus happy, and how we could change our community and world. Seven Members of Troy Oaks Presented their giving, Pam and her sons, Alex and the gang. Linda, Tim and Theresa Brenner, all came out, and Missy. It was a great time, and it got to show what giving could do, and how it was so appreciated. It also taught some of our folks that we are not alone, and people do care about us out there in the world. Our kids were a little riled up because we had 42 members here, and 6 adults from their families, and 7 new people from troy oaks, and Rachel and I, and with 16 pizzas we were filled and had enough for some to have seconds. What a season of love, hope and giving, I was so proud to be even involved.