November/December 2014
Glorify God. Follow Christ. Transform Lives.
advent preparations
by Pastor Stan Van Den Berg
I was meeting with a group of people and they asked me, “Are you ready for your first Kansas winter?” I replied, “What do you mean?” They said I needed to disconnect my garden hoses, blow out my sprinkler lines with air, buy a snow shovel, and purchase some salt mixture for the porch and walkways. I suppose it is wise to be prepared for what is coming. Advent is a season for preparation. We not only prepare to celebrate the first Advent (coming) of Christ, but every Advent reminds us to be ready for the second Advent or coming of Christ, whether that meeting with Christ takes place at his coming to earth or us dying and meeting him face to face. Advent reminds us to live in such a way that we are always ready for our meeting with him. Advent is also a time to tell others about Jesus. The people who told me to prepare for the Kansas winter said this out of concern for me. Since all people will face the judgment seat of Christ, out of concern for them we should lead them to Jesus. This can be as simple as getting to know your neighbors and then inviting them to a Sunday service during Advent, a Christmas Concert, your youth group, or a Christmas Eve service. Everywhere we go, we want to be mindful that we represent Christ and are his messengers of salvation. If my sprinkler lines had burst because they froze, I might have wondered, “Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?” I certainly do not want a friend, co-worker, or neighbors saying the same about me when they face Jesus and do not know him. I know the winter is coming. So I am getting ready. I know Jesus is coming too. I need to be ready and help others be ready as well.
advent messages
Experience the Spirit of the Season November 30 • Two Advents Chili Christmas • 10:30 a.m. Acts 1:9-11; Pastor Stan
December 21 • Celebrate the Incarnation John 1:14; Pastor Stan
December 7 • Special Music Sunday: The Gift of Christmas Narration from Pastor Stan between musical selections
December 24 • Christmas Eve Services at 3, 4:30, 6 and 8 p.m. See details on the next page
December 14 • Angels Hebrews 1:4-14; Pastor Stan
2
Eastwind Newsletter
December 28 Dr. Hank Lederle
christmas eve services
Wednesday, December 24 Two identical children’s candlelight services 3 and 4:30 p.m. A festive Christmas play with live animals and the customary candle lighting.
Candlelight Services at 6 and 8 p.m. The evening candlelight services include traditional hymns, carols and worship with the choir and organ, plus a special message. Child care for newborns through 3 years old.
the gift of christmas
A Celebration of Carols and Hymns Sunday, December 7, during 9:30 & 11 a.m. services (no 8 a.m. service) Monday, December 8, at 7 p.m. (concert only)
We’ll host a time of musical celebration with the community to honor the greatest gift ever, Jesus Christ. This tradition draws people from across the city to hear Christmas carols and hymns with the Eastminster Chancel Choir, Hand Bells, full orchestra, piano and organ. This is a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to hear the hope of the gospel. Artists include Tom Wine (Chancel choir director), Deborah Harris (bell choir director), and Anna Jeter (organist) with special narration by Pastor Stan Van Den Berg.
a musical journey
by Dr. Tom Wine, Choir Director When does a new experience develop into a tradition? The Eastminster Christmas concert is entering its fourth year. As the tradition has grown, so has the depth of musical experiences. The program features a 70-voice choir accompanied by a full symphony orchestra. Adding hand bells and soloists creates a template of colors highlighting diverse talents. Putting all of this together with a Christmas message creates an evening of unmatched joy. This year’s concert focuses on telling the Christmas story through popular songs and familiar carols. The evening begins with Mary as she learns of her child (“Mary Did You Know?”) and travels to Bethlehem to give birth (“Breath of Heaven”). After the arrival of Christ, the story of the shepherds (“Shepherd’s Pipe Carol) and other visitors (“The Little Drummer Boy”) are presented. They then share their experience with the world (“Do You Hear What I Hear?”). The concert closes with a new arrangement (“Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day”) written in a lively Celtic dance. Those who attend the concert should be prepared to participate in the singing of Christmas carols. The concert includes several opportunities to join the choir and orchestra in the celebration of seasonal music. Please invite a friend to join you at Eastminster Monday, December 8, at 7 p.m. for an hour of music celebrating the birthday of a King. The Christmas season will come alive!
Eastminster Presbyterian Church
3
Stepping Out in Faith One Eastminster member chooses to follow the Lord’s path for her, no matter the cost. This year’s Christmas Eve offering will go to support Ebola relief. The ministry we will send funds through is SIM (Serving In Mission), an international organization working with more than 1,600 active missionaries serving in more than 60 countries in Africa, Asia and South America. One of our own Eastminster members is in Liberia now serving on their medical staff. Though she is not working directly with Ebola patients, she is serving others in need of quality medical care as the disease ravages the nation. Her name has been withheld from this publication for privacy purposes.
What prompted you to serve in Liberia? It was the type of thing that happens when you least expect it. I was contacted by the SIM office in Charlotte, N.C., asking for my address because one resident from Nigeria (where I served in 2009 – 2010) sent me a gift. That led them to ask me about my current plans and I said I was looking for short-term opportunities. Liberia was mentioned as a possibility and I felt the Lord wanted me to go there.
How did you feel God leading you to work in that country? When Liberia was mentioned, I said I needed to talk with my husband. I started asking the Lord for confirmation when discussing the opportunity with my husband and with my children. In addition, I also had some issues which would have prevented me from going if it were not God’s plan. One is that I don’t have a U.S. medical license, the other is that I cannot spend more than three months away from the U.S. due to immigration restrictions. But the Lord made everything work out. When that happens, you can understand it is he who is sending you there.
What should Americans back home know about the Ebola crisis? Maybe it is a time to reflect on our own beliefs and values. I see too much fear here and there; this is just another disease. It is destructive but it is controllable and preventable with simple practices. What happens in these countries is that the traditions and anti-hygienic practices combined with the lack of resources make it hard to control. In any case, God knows when and how we are going to go to his presence, which is so much better than
4
Eastwind Newsletter
this present life. It doesn’t mean to be careless but we should only fear God.
What is a typical day like in the hospital where you serve? At 7:30 a.m. we have devotions with the staff and afterwards everyone goes to their working areas. For me it means doing rounds in the medical wards. I check each patient dressed in light PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) because although these patients aren’t supposed to have Ebola, we cannot be absolutely positive about it. I talk with the patients and their relatives about the disease and prognosis, explaining what we can and cannot do here. Around mid-morning I go to the outpatient clinic until 3 p.m. Usually I order labs and X-rays that come back later the same day. I stay until everybody has been seen. Very often in between these patients, the nurses come to update me with new information about the patients in the wards. Sometimes I see very ill patients in the clinic, since there are no emergency services available for now. I admit them and stay with them until they are stable. After finishing with the clinic I go back to the wards to do a final round around 4 p.m. and finally walk back home.
Are you able to share your faith as you are serving? Yes, since many of the medical problems have such a bad prognosis. I always ask if they are Christian, if they know for sure where they are going if they died. I almost always tell them that medically there is little we can do, but God is the One who decides and heals if it is his will. I stay if I see a patient who will probably die soon to talk to him and the family. That has happened only once here.
What is it like to work with SIM? I really enjoy working with SIM. They take care of the missionaries the best they can given the field conditions, of course. They
care a lot for the missionary’s family too. From my experience in Nigeria, then with OCLA (Latin American office) and here in Liberia, I can tell that SIM missionaries are hard workers, committed to serve in a culturally sensitive manner and always with a firm foundation on the Word of God.
How is SIM making a difference? SIM’s hospital serves as a standard for other organizations here in the country. The last report from WHO says there are 620 Ebola beds in the whole country, and SIM has in its campus 310 of those beds. Two hundred fifty are managed by Doctors Without Borders and 60 managed by SIM’s hospital (with 40 more opening within a week of this writing). SIM generates the electricity and water needed in the whole campus, which includes Samaritan’s Purse headquarters and houses, and both SIM’s and Doctors Without Borders’ Ebola units. SIM’s hospital is currently the only maternity facility open, is the only place where surgeries are being performed, the only hospital treating severe malaria in children, and the only hospital treating medical problems in Monrovia and possibly in the country. All of this is funded and run by SIM staff and missionaries.
How do you see God working in Liberia? I think the same way he works everywhere – teaching and correcting us, many times through hardships. This is not a curse, this a trial for people in Liberia to reflect on their ways, faith and commitment to God. I see it as a test for the rest of God’s people too. He is giving us a big opportunity to bear fruit and extend our hand to the least of these. I have also seen Christian people learning and teaching so many lessons from this crisis. It has been interesting how God’s Word has special meanings through this time of great difficulty.
Why are you glad Eastminster is supporting SIM through the Christmas Eve offering? Because SIM is not a charity, it is a Christian organization representing Christ here, especially among the Ebola patients. Everyone under SIM knows that the physical life is important, but more important is the spiritual one. I think Eastminster is investing in a mission with an eternal purpose.
Anything else you’d like to share? I am very happy and blessed knowing that God chooses to use regular, common people like us as instruments for the extension of his kingdom. This is an historic moment, the biggest epidemic of modern time, and very few are taking the opportunity to help their neighbors. Eastminster is one of the few responding to the Lord’s calling, and I believe he is pleased with that missionary and generous heart.
Christmas Eve Offering
We seek to be a church that responds to the needs and suffering in the world. When ISIS overran cities in Iraq and Syria, we responded with a special offering of $28,000 to provide food, shelter and medicine to those who fled their terror. Now the world faces the crisis of Ebola. We are working to create a church that does not exist for itself, but acts with faith, courage and sacrifice to work with God. At Eastminster we are creating a culture of “Go,” whether we go to the end of the street or the ends of the world. This year’s Christmas Eve offering will help serve “the least of these” through Ebola relief. Funds from this offering will go to directly support the work of SIM with Ebola patients. There will be opportunities to give during our four Christmas Eve services, or you can note “Christmas Eve Offering” on your check any time through the end of the year.
did you know?
• SIM spends $100 in personal protection equipment for the staff every day • SIM has given its offices to the CDC to be used as the Ebola lab for the SIM hospital and Doctors Without Borders • SIM is bringing a new generator to campus to provide electrical power to the Ebola units • SIM is the only Christian organization with medical personnel working directly with Ebola patients in Liberia • SIM is currently the only Christian organization providing health care to other patients in Liberia • National mortality for Ebola is 66%, this month’s SIM Ebola mortality rate was 40% Eastminster Presbyterian Church
5
chili A true story of the real meaning of Christmas Rev. Dick Gorham
An interview with Patty Oberg & Monica Sawall on this community event and what it really means to celebrate Christmas. How have you been involved in Chili Christmas in the past? Patty: I think I was involved in the very first Chili Christmas. I remember checking on roasters filled with chili, plugged in all over the church, trying not to blow a fuse! For many years, I was involved in music, either singing, directing, or coordinating and selecting music for the children’s choir. It was definitely a labor of love! Monica: If I remember correctly, Eastminster began holding the Chili Christmas celebration when I was in high school. It was an evening event, then, and I remember playing violin in the small orchestra that accompanied the musical a couple of different times. Most of my involvement, however, has been in the past three years as the Kids’ Choir director. Three years ago, the Kids’ Choir performed the entire Chili Christmas program in the evening. Since then, it has become a Sunday morning event, involving all of the church music groups along with a full Sunday morning service.
What is so special about Chili Christmas? Patty: I think what I love most is the fact it is a multi-generational event, something that whole families can participate in together. We gather for a meal, choirs of all ages are involved in the program, grandparents come to watch, and afterwards, families in every corner of the church do crafts together. Before Chili Christmas, we rarely did things like this as a church family. Monica: Chili Christmas marks the beginning of the Advent season! It’s exciting to see the Sanctuary so beautifully decorated, to hear and sing the first carols of the season, and to celebrate the coming of Christ alongside your brothers and sisters from Eastminster that you may or may not have met before. Most importantly, with everything the world deems important at Christmas time, worshipping together at Chili Christmas serves as a reminder to set our hearts and minds on
6
Eastwind Newsletter
Jesus as we experience the Christmas season outside the walls of our church.
Why should others want to attend? Patty: I love that it’s the first event of the Christmas season at Eastminster. It’s a great way to get in the Christmas spirit, and what better place to be than surrounded by your church family! Monica: With three different services and so many new members joining our church each year, I think it’s very important to come together in one large service from time to time. Our pastors have been preaching a lot lately on walking together as “one body of believers.” Chili Christmas allows us to welcome in the Advent season together as that “one body,” reminding us that we are not three separate groups of Christians who happen to attend the same church, but one loving family, united by Christ. Each year I have met new people, whether in the pews or over a hot bowl of chili. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the chili is absolutely fabulous!
"worshipping together at Chili Christmas serves as a reminder to set our hearts and minds on Jesus" Do you have a favorite memory from a past Chili Christmas? Patty: Chili Christmas used to be on Sunday evening. I remember one in particular when we did a drama incorporating children’s and adult choirs. Our senior pastor at the time, Bob Henley, read the Christmas story, surrounded by children as he sat in a rocking chair.
It was a very special evening! Of course an annual highlight was singing Christmas carols, accompanied by the very talented Terry Glanville! Nobody can play “Go Tell It On the Mountain” like Terry!
How has your family been impacted by attending Chili Christmas? Patty: I think the most meaningful part was the feeling of being surrounded by people that meant so much to our family – those who have taken a real interest in our children. There really isn’t anything better than seeing others love on our kids! Our children are nearly grown, but I will never forget some of those memories. Our church family and the feeling of belonging is the reason we have called Easminster home for nearly 25 years! Chili Christmas has been a big part of that!
Why is it so special to be part of leading worship at Chili Christmas? Patty: Because I know the history of the event, it’s an honor to be a part of something that has been so significant to our church family. It’s the perfect time of year to come together and thank our Heavenly Father for his many blessings! He has been so good to Eastminster! Monica: I think many people would agree there is something deeply moving about the sound of children’s voices during the Christmas season. Chili Christmas would not be the same without that lovely, God-given sound filling our hearts with joy!
S u n d ay
November 30
10:30 a.m. Sanctuary
Eastminster's traditional Christmas celebration continues! We'll start Chili Christmas with one worship service at 10:30 a.m. featuring blended worship, carols by our children's choir, and a special message. Then, chili and hot dogs will be served in the Gym and Fellowship Hall. Be sure to bring a dessert to share! After enjoying the chili lunch, families will be able to complete a special craft together to prepare us for the advent season. Sunday school for adults, students & kids will meet at 9:30 a.m. only.
Eastminster Presbyterian Church
7
Life in the Margin by Amy Nichols
.1
The last, and depending on your perspective, most exhilarating or painful part of a race. A small margin and reminder that life is best lived in the little moments.
What started as a lofty goal to live boldly in 2014, broadly defined, led to many adventures, including running a first half marathon. Adventures snuck into small margins of life, moments of joy and praise of what God has done. For me, margin lies in the tiny borders required on a graduate research paper, the moments of short prayers throughout the day, in the small space the Starbucks barista leaves for cream, and the deep breaths at the water stations along longer runs. As a child, margin was defined as a small percentage of children who existed like me, the rarity of a disease and the few years of life wheelchair free. A good journalist never buries the lead to a story, a rule I just violated in the first few lines. If you’re still reading, a lead to this story could be ‘Celebration of 13 surgeries with 13.1 miles.” But, leads often feel too simplified to truly capture the full story. In this case, one of God’s immeasurable grace in the face of years of uncertainty. My story isn’t unique in the way it mirrors the normal story of a character who wants something and overcomes conflict to achieve victory. The journey wasn’t straight and narrow like the pink, fading, eight-inch scar on my left femur. A scar I, for years, tried to hide. A reminder that the past is real and how far I’ve come in life.
8
Eastwind Newsletter
It begins as a 7-year-old girl whose life was interrupted by a bone marrow infection in her tiny leg. An infection, cured in most patients with six to eight weeks of treatment, lingered for two years with little relief. I still remember the look of fear in my parents’ eyes as the infection spread and the treatment failed. With teary eyes, pleading prayers and unwavering faith, my family traveled to Chicago to seek a second opinion. Upon arrival, doctors discovered, along with a bone marrow infection, I also have an extremely rare genetic immune deficiency called C.G.D. The odds of having the disease at the time were one in 500,000, one in five million if you’re a girl. Most children undiagnosed didn’t live past the age of 5. I was 9. In addition to these staggering statistics, the hospital we randomly chose was the only hospital in the country with the test necessary to diagnose me with this rare genetic immune deficiency.
Life in the margin – defined this time in the refining moment you realize God has a plan to use even the trials in your life for his unique purposes. Upon receiving a diagnosis, doctors were able to treat both my leg and overall health, eventually returning my spirit to the semblance of a normal childhood. It was a normal childhood besides a view from a wheelchair – a humbling place, one I never regret. Lessons learned of reliance on others – including a loving God – joy in the little moments, and small successes – including learning how to play kickball on crutches. Doctors were uncertain whether I would ever fully run again. Doubts sparked a continual focus on enjoying every moment regardless of circumstances. Throughout it all, I was blessed to realize at a young age that Christ dearly loved me and that he gifted me with many unique abilities. Running, I believed, would simply never be one of these gifts. When the trials felt too weighty a verse provided encouragement: “Not only so, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us,” Romans 5:3-5. Endurance in the heart of a young girl produced a resilient spirit, leading me to always hold onto hope.
months of training leading to the full regaining of strength and a celebration of recovery. Early in the training, I quickly realized this adventure would be mcuh more difficult to do alone. Along many of the miles in solitude, I prayed for a friend to provide laughter, joy and steady encouragement to finish the race. The Lord provides, this time in an energetic, selfless friend named Kellyn, who upon learning of this new venture quickly volunteered to join the journey. Something powerful happens when you do life side by side with someone. Kellyn, a kindergarten teacher by trade and energy level, always listened, wouldn’t let me complain long, and humbly served as a steady presence and beautiful reminder that God doesn’t want us to do this life alone, but rather with others in the body of Christ. October 12, race day arrived. A demarcation of an ending of sorts. 13.1 miles. A mile for each surgery endured throughout my childhood. A course traveling past St. Francis hospital, the hospital where two years prior, surgery number 13 had taken place on my leg. The making of a story that continues to refine. A reality of life lived and a life begging to be lived. A course the Lord had already marked out for us in his infinite grace, healing power and joyous hope. As we reached the finish line, my parents greeted me with tearful eyes. The eyes of parents who for years dutifully pushed a wheelchair of the daughter they were told may never run. A reminder to continue in steady faith, believing with certainty the .1’s in life are known and perfectly designed by a loving God.
Eighteen years after initial diagnosis… A pursuit of running ensued upon receiving word that at least for now, I am fully healed. A journey marked by feet hitting the pavement week by week, day by day, mile by mile. Five
Life lived in the margin and never taken for granted. The space between the larger moments to celebrate the little blessings. May you never fail to see the beauty of margin moments in your own story. They are present for each of us.
Eastminster Presbyterian Church
9
“That” Christmas A true story of the real meaning of Christmas by Rev. Dick Gorham Do you gather your family around the piano during Advent singing carols as the lovely white snow descends outside? Well, we don’t! Christmas is a wonderful time, and not for a moment do I want to knock it, because I get just as much fun and enjoyment out of it as our grandchildren. But Christmas for people in ministry can be an exhausting time. Not only is there the rush and anticipation, but Advent means parties, dinners and open houses, not to mention coffees and gift buying, and wrapping and much decorating. The crises and emergencies that arise during December are real and demanding. The lonely and the depressed always require attention; add to that a couple of weddings, mix in a funeral or two, and experience life on the treadmill. To borrow from an old song, “I’m glad Christmas comes just once a year.” After the last worship service on Christmas Eve, I was pooped and looking forward to going home when we learned that a pipe had burst in the church library and help was needed to move books to drier ground. Often Christmas Eve is like the marathon runner finally reaching the finish line, because in most cases people seldom call on on Christmas Day with a need. Anyway, what is one more thing? So we all went in to help in the library as our son took the other car and headed for home. After getting the books moved, Marilyn and I drove home in silence, enjoying the quiet ride and the colorful lights along the way. It was the end of a good day. Marilyn once again had pulled our Christmas together in a grand and festive atmosphere with beautiful decorations of the season, the anticipated morning gift exchange with family, followed by a delicious Christmas dinner the following afternoon. Who knows, we might even be able to sleep in on Christmas morning until the grandchildren arrive. As we drove up to our house our son came storming down the driveway carrying a baseball bat. “What are you doing?” I yelled. “Dad, someone broke into the house while we were gone and if I could find him l would wrap this bat around his neck,” came the angry reply. Sure enough, the back door was kicked in and house was ransacked. They had taken everything imaginable – gifts from under the tree, most of Marilyn’s jewelry, lots of Jon’s clothes, credit cards and other important papers, a rifle, more clothes, the printer, etc. ... even frozen food from the freezer! The place was a wreck as drawers were pulled out and contents dumped on the floor. Our beloved hunting dog, Tessy, proved to be a wimp as her “ferocious” bark must not have scared off the intruders. We
10
Eastwind Newsletter
found her hiding in a bedroom under a bed, shaking like a leaf! We called the police, then called our daughter and when she arrived, she was stunned. Marilyn and I were too numb emotionally to be distressed. After all, being in ministry we were well acquainted with the joys as well as the agonies that accompany the season. Marilyn, who is a very detailed person, bent the ear of the officer itemizing the things that were stolen. On and on she went as other officers tried to find fingerprints. With the finger printing done, Marilyn sat down with the investigating officer as I began the tedious job of trying to call and cancel credit cards. By now it was probably 1 a.m. and calling the 800 numbers at that hour connects you immediately with a taped message. Generally, the messages would go something like this, “Thank you for your call and we want to wish you and yours a happy holiday season. Since Christmas is on Friday this year, our board of directors chose to give all of our faithful employees a long weekend, so please give us your name and number and we will contact you the first thing on Monday morning. Thank you for your business, and again, happy holidays.” After the second or third phone call I was ready to rip the telephone right off the wall. Jill went home around 2:30 a.m. as we scooped up some of the mess and did our best to restore order in our devastated home. We propped a chair up against the mangled door and went to bed about 4:30 a.m. with terrible headaches, hoping for “a long winter’s nap.” We talked for another hour as we were wide-eyed. Yes, we had lost some things and had life interrupted, but we were safe and life would go on. I heard a noise outside – could it be Santa or possibly the thief/thieves returning already to make an exchange? We laughed, knowing that he, she, it, or they wouldn’t encounter trouble getting in through the back door. With the reality of sin all around us that night, there still was the greater reality of our Redeemer entering the world at Christmas, offering his presence to broken people in the midst of a broken world. We rejoiced that he chose to make a personal appearance, rather than to send a taped message. In spite of the break-in, we had a great Christmas.
Chili Christmas Sunday, November 30, one service at 10:30 a.m. Adult, student & children’s classes at 9:30 a.m. See details on page 7.
MS Ugly Sweater Christmas Party Wednesday, December 3, 6 – 7:45 p.m.; Student Center In place of Wednesday Night, celebrate the season with a night of Christmas time fun, delicious holiday treats and more! We’ll finish the year with an ugly sweater contest, Christmas games and some hot chocolate!
Senior Holiday Dinner Sunday, December 7, 6 p.m.; Crestview Country Club Join us for a beautiful dinner hosted by Senior Ministries. Everyone is invited so come and bring a friend! Sign-ups will be taken Sundays, November 16, and November 23. Or contact Ginger Cox at 634.0337, ext. 200. Cost: $25 per person.
HS Open Mic Christmas Party Sunday, December 7, 7 – 9 p.m.; Student Center In place of Sunday Night, celebrate the season with a night of Christmas time fun, delicious holiday treats, karaoke and a poetry slam. Wear the tackiest outfit you can!
The Gift of Christmas Sunday, December 7, 9:30 & 11 a.m. (no 8 a.m. service) Monday, December 8, 7 p.m. (concert only); Sanctuary
at home. The morning will also include a missions outreach for Young Lives (the Young Life organization for teenage mothers), light brunch, community and music by the Collegiate girls choir. RSVP by December 5 to Ginger Cox at 634.0337, ext. 200, or gcox@eastminster.org. Child care available for 0 – 5 years with registration to Julie Pritchard at 634.0337, ext. 215, or jpritchard@eastminster.org by December 5. Please Bring 1) your friends 2) a show-and-tell Christmas item, decoration or tradition to share and take back home 3) items from the list below (new only, please) to bless expectant moms in Young Lives Young Lives Items Onesies, Rattles, Pacifiers, Socks, Headbands, Small blankets or receiving blankets, Baby shampoo/lotion/soap, Baby hygiene kits (thermometer, nail clippers, etc.)
Christmas Food Boxes Saturday, December 20, 9 a.m.; Gym We’ll bless those in our community who need a Christmas meal by filling and delivering boxes of delicious holiday food items. The morning includes both packing boxes and personally delivering them to families around our community.
See details on page 3.
Christmas Eve Services
Women’s Christmas Tea Thursday, December 11, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.; Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, December 24; Sanctuary Children’s service at 3 and 4:30 p.m. Candlelight Services at 6 & 8 p.m.
Enjoy hearing how Christ is alive within the traditions we celebrate
See details on page 3. Eastminster Presbyterian Church
11
Non Profit Org. US Postage
PAID
Wichita, KS Permit No. 1293
Eastminster Presbyterian Church 1958 N. Webb Road • Wichita, Kansas 67206 316.634.0337 • www.eastminster.org
Worship Services Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.
The goal of Eastwind is to support the mission of Eastminster Church: Glorify God. Follow Christ. Transform Lives. Director of Communications: Courtney Browning (cbrowning@eastminster.org). Associate Director of Communications: Hannah Lambert (hlambert@eastminster.org).
Preserving Bible Times
•Bringing Israel to the Church•
2015 SEminar // The Bible: Its Land and Culture January 23 & 24 at Eastminster • Register at eastminster.org/preservingbibletimes During Preserving Bible Times, we’ll experience the majesty and history of Israel in order to understand the Bible in the context it was written. Through a series of fascinating lectures and breathtaking photos and videos we will be equipped to read the Bible in its true context and gain a deeper understanding of Jesus and his Word. The Bible: Its Land and Culture is the third in a four-part series from Preserving Bible Times. Together we will visually explore the lands that hosted biblical events, as well as delve deeper into the cultural contexts of these lands during biblical times.