Christmas

December 1, 2008

ADVENT…a coming into being…an anticipation.  How do you prepare for Christmas? What do you do that helps build anticipation for that glorious celebration?  Through the years many things come to mind in my case.  As a young child we would receive a calendar from Uncle Jack who was stationed in Germany.  Each day leading up to Christmas we would tear off the tab with that day’s date on it.  It was Christmas Countdown for me.

In recent years I have collected Christmas Movie DVDs and watch them leading up to Christmas…”It’s A Wonderful Life” is not only the best Christmas Movie but the best movie ever made! Each Christmas Eve after the church service our family opens gifts and watches that great Frank Capra classic…whether they want to or not…and loves it.  Maybe you anticipate Christmas by shopping or going to parties or simply riding around and looking at the sights.  We all need to prepare for the celebration of the Christ Event.

I hope we will be able to assist your preparation this season by offering some opportunities that should help us “get ready” for Christmas.  First, I will begin a three part Christmas Sermon Series this Sunday titled Christmas Presents…watch the syllable where you place the emphasis because it can change the meaning of this word.

On December the 8th we will begin collecting can goods for the Atlanta Community Food Bank.  We need your help in manning the collection center.  Please contact Kerri Wakefield or Jimmie Jordan to volunteer.  On December 14th you are invited to our home anytime from 2-4 for an Open House.  You had better come since Linda is wearing me out getting things ready for your arrival.  Maps are available at the church facility and on our web page.  And on Christmas Eve we will gather for a wonderful time of carols, communion and candles.  I can’t wait…sounds like I have a lot of anticipation already present.

I received an email this week from the Scott Elementary Principal, Roxianne Smith concerning the status of the playground project.  She wrote, “I just wanted to update you on the status of the Atlanta Falcons’ grant that was to be used for the funding of the playground at Scott Elementary.  Originally, the Falcon Family Foundation was planning to fund 10 grants to various organizations.  Scott was one of the ten projects chosen for funding.  Unfortunately, the effects of the nation’s economy can be felt by all.  When the foundation took the proposals to the Board, they were told that the foundation would only be able to fund one playground at this time.  Of course when we heard the news we were heartbroken, but John Bear, from the foundation, has assisted us with another route.  He has nurtured a partnership between Scott Elementary and Safeplay Systems to install a starter playground.  While the starter playground is smaller than our earlier vision, it can be added upon as future funds become available.  We are even attempting to include Hands-On Atlanta with the playground installation to further cut down expenses.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for your hard work and commitment thus far with helping us secure the funds that the grant required.  Although the path has changed, I continue to request your support and financial support toward the new plan for a starter playground.  Many of you have already given checks to the school while others have committed to sending your donation by December 15th.  I wanted to inform you that we did not secure the grant and also ask if the funds you already committed to donating could still be used for the starter playground?”

The total cost of the starter playground is $19,428.00 which is almost $5,000 more than the $15,000 that needed to be raised for the matching grant of $35,000 from the Falcon Foundation.  We are trying to facilitate the raising of $10,000 of the $15,000 originally needed.  We have received $1800 and have a commitment of $5,000 from an endowment.  It would be great if we could raise even more than the goal we had since the cost has increased.  Can you think of a better Christmas present than providing a safe play space for these deserving children?

Finally, remember to check your stewardship records and make sure you have returned your whole tithe to the church this year.  We will need a huge month of giving in December to reach our budget goal.  Also remember that this is the season we support the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions.  Our Goal this year is $5,000.

Expectantly,
Jim