Winter eastwind final

Winter 2015

Glorify God. Follow Christ. Transform Lives.

h e y t n s a e w h w • •• • • • they rejoiced exceedingly

Sharing the News I like the restaurant at Stearman Field in Benton. I think it’s cool to sit outside and eat while planes are taxiing and taking off right in front of you. Someone told me about Stearman Field, and then someone else invited me there. I have gone back on my own numerous times.

I also like The Crossings restaurant in Yoder. Ben Marquez said it was a good place, so I gave it a try: Best cherry pie in Kansas or in America for that matter.

Again, someone told me about it.

A lot of the things I enjoy in life were told to me and introduced to me by someone else, like the Grand Canyon, gardening, Wichita summer theater, Botanica in Wichita and Jesus. I am grateful for all the people who have introduced me to great places, great restaurants and great people.

As we near the season to celebrate the birth of Jesus, it gives us an opportunity to talk to people about him or invite them

by Pastor Stan Van Den Berg

to a celebration of his birth. On December 13 we will feature a worship service built around the music of the season. That next Monday night, we will repeat the concert. Jesus will be celebrated in song and the gospel will be shared. If you know people who love choral music, this is a great opportunity to invite them.

Young families will enjoy our Christmas Eve services at 3 and 4:30 p.m. And all will be blessed and hear the gospel at our services at 6 and 8 p.m. Unchurched people who are invited to holiday services are usually very open to attending them with you. So invite them. Pick them up or agree to meet them at the entrance. After the service, add to the message by talking about what Jesus has meant to you.

We naturally tell people about places, experiences and other people that have impacted us. Certainly Jesus is among these.

Let us follow the example of the shepherds, who after meeting the Christ Child, “spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” We have the opportunity to share good news and have everlasting impact on people’s lives.

Advent Messages

November 29 • Making Room for Jesus Christ at Christmas One service at 10:30 a.m. • Chili Christmas Pastor Stan Van Den Berg December 6 Christmas Communion Service Ken Priddy December 13 • My Soul Magnifies the Lord Christmas Music Sunday • Services at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Pastor Stan Van Den Berg December 20 • Why Did God Send Jesus?

Pastor Stan Van Den Berg December 24 • Christmas Eve Happily Ever After?

Pastor Stan Van Den Berg Family Services at 3 and 4:30 p.m.

Traditional Services at 6 and 8 p.m.

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Eastwind Newsletter

Christmas Music Sunday offers a joyful morning of special Christmas music from our Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, orchestra, organ and piano, along with a gospel narrative from Pastor Stan on Sunday, December 13, during the 9:30 and 11 a.m. services (no 8 a.m. service). The concert repeats on Monday, December 14, at 7 p.m. (concert only). This is the perfect opportunity to invite friends, neighbors and family to hear the hope of the gospel during the Christmas season.

Magnificat Reflections

by Dr. Tom Wine, Choir Director Our Christmas Music Sunday and Concert will feature a special piece composed by Dr. Tom Wine, choir director.

He shares the behind-thescenes story of how this piece of music was created and the inspiration behind it.

If you are a teenager and suddenly find out you are pregnant, how might you react?

How remarkable that Mary’s first reaction was JOY! Imagine the depth of her faith to respond to an angel’s announcement by saying, “My soul magnifies the Lord.”

This is the basis for the beginning of the Magnificat, which I composed this spring and will be premiered at the annual Christmas program.

When I began composing this Magnificat, based on Luke 1:46-55, I envisioned it as a single piece of music. I wanted it to be majestic, so I chose to add brass instruments to the traditional choir and organ.

That worked really well for the beginning and ending of the piece with a lot of energy and a sense of power and righteousness. Adding timpani allowed certain sections to have more accents or punch to specific words.

The more I reflected on the text, I was intrigued by Mary’s second reaction to the announcement that she, as a virgin, was going to bear a child. Mary has some obvious trepidation as she thinks of the impact of this impending event – not only on her life but for generations to come.

She proclaims, “His mercy is on those that fear him from generation to generation.”

As a composer, I wanted to set this music apart from the rest of the song. Suddenly, the Magnificat was not a single piece of music. It became a setting of three different pieces with the middle selection

dedicated to this single line of Mary’s reflection on mercy.

Musically, I wanted to somehow indicate the sense of what “generation to generation” might mean to Mary. For inspiration, I reviewed the genealogy of Jesus as reflected in the “begat” sections of Matthew and Luke. It traces the lineage of Jesus from Abraham through King David to Joseph and Mary. By adding this sub-text to the “generation to generation” line, it hopefully conveys to the listener the feeling of time passing. By adding a long crescendo and building in the brass instruments, my goal was to make Mary’s understanding that this is a fulfilled prophecy even more dramatic.

There is a musical “geeked out” aspect to how I thought about this second movement called “Mercy.” It starts with a single timpani drum playing the pitch C as soft as possible. C major has no sharps or flats and would seem to be the perfect key for God. Musically, I wrote the voice parts in a key with one sharp, meaning humans are not quite in the same key as God. After the loudest section of the piece where the voices proclaim “Mary, the mother of Jesus,” the music returns to the soft contemplation of mercy. The timpani comes back, and in the final four measures of the song, the voices (humans) are gently led to the final chord in C major (our ultimate rest with God).

It is my sincere hope, as a composer, to touch the listener through this Magnificat in a personal and reflective way as well as inspire joy associated with this Christmas season.

See details about Christmas Music Sunday and Concert on Page 2.

Christmas Eve Services Thursday, December 24; Four Services in the Sanctuary at 3, 4:30, 6 and 8 p.m.

Two identical children’s candlelight services at 3 and 4:30 p.m.

A retelling of the Christmas story with live animals and the customary lighting of the candles.

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. Join us for a Christmas celebration as we remember the gift given to us through the birth of Christ.

Child care for newborns through 4 years old is offered at both 6 and 8 p.m.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

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What Our Children Will Remember A Case for Family Advent Devotions by Ben Marquez Most of our children know what Christmas is, but they may not necessarily know what Advent means. Advent comes from a Latin word which means coming. The celebration of Advent was a tradition that developed in the church and was set apart as a time to prepare for Christmas.1 The scripture does not command the observance of this season, but the significance of the entrance of Christ into the world brings a certain conviction to the hearts of believers that something must be done to prepare ourselves for the coming King. While I am not sure when and why the observance of Advent began, I will say that the increasingly consumer-oriented drive behind the Advent season in our culture brings with it a greater need for Christians to observe the true meaning of this special time with our children.

My wife bought something called the Cradle-to-Cross Wreath Plus which can purchased at joywares.com. Every evening at dinner we would light a candle on the wreath, read scripture from a small Advent calendar, and then say a short prayer inspired by the scripture. Since our kids are young, they enjoyed taking turns lighting the candle. The last thing we did as a family was make a birthday cake for Jesus. This was actually our daughter Gracie’s idea. On Christmas Day we made a yellow cake with chocolate frosting and sang happy birthday to Jesus! We were all smiles!

Since our nightly Advent devotional flopped last year, we are

“The increasingly consumer-oriented drive behind the Advent season in our culture brings with it a greater need for Christians to observe the true meaning of this special time with our children.”

Last year my wife and I felt a greater conviction to establish some sort of observance for this season in our family. I’m sure part of the reason for this was born out of our frustration from listening to our children share with us about all the things they wanted (they were driving us crazy), but another reason was the simple fact that we have a great desire to set meaningful traditions in our children’s lives that will be practiced for generations to come.

So while our observance began with a bit of an unhealthy fear that our children were too consumed with receiving gifts, the Lord took that fear and used it to establish a few fun, yet simple traditions that I hope stick with our family in the years to come.

There were three things we tried as a family last year, and two of them stuck! The first thing we tried was a devotional that we were going to incorporate during our nightly family devotions.

We tried this for about three nights and then we let it go! Why? Well, the book we picked was too wordy (if that’s a word). It just did not fit our family. Our second attempt at observing Advent was perfect!

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going to try a new nightly devotion this year from The Advent Jesse Tree: Devotions for Children and Adults to Prepare for the Coming of the Christ Child at Christmas by Dean Lambert Smith.

The idea for this devotional book was birthed from a women’s group in the author’s church who created an Advent Jesse Tree for a fundraising project for missions during the Christmas season. This devotional requires each family to get a Jesse Tree (a small tree in a pot). There are 25 devotions that correspond to each day up until Christmas. For each day there will be a symbol, a memory verse, a short devotion, questions for reflection, and a prayer. The neat part for families is that every night the symbol is different, and you are to either buy or make an ornament to hang on your Advent Jesse Tree. The symbols are used to portray the heritage of Christ from the Old Testament and serve to help us recall all the promises that would be fulfilled through the Christ Child.

John Piper. “Good News of Great Joy: Daily Readings for Advent.” iBooks Wilson, Douglas (2012-11-16). God Rest Ye Merry: Why Christmas is the Foundation for Everything (Kindle Locations 119-120). Kindle Edition.

Eastwind Newsletter

I believe this will be a great addition to the two other traditions that we began last year, and I would encourage all Eastminster families to try and start an Advent tradition this year if you already haven’t. I think the The Advent Jesse Tree: Devotions for Children and Adults to Prepare for the Coming of the Christ Child at Christmas by Dean Lambert Smith would be a great option for singles, young marrieds and families with children.

Rather, let us make a concerted effort to set time apart daily to prepare ourselves once again to celebrate and remember the first coming of our King. The traditions we begin as families now will be the traditions our children carry on with their children in the years to come.

If you’re a family that wants something short and sweet to read during dinner, then purchase a small Advent calendar at christianbook.com. I like the Baby in a Manger Advent calendar.

Another great devotional is Good News of Great Joy: Daily Readings for Advent by John Piper. Find a link to download your free copy at eastminster.org/blogs/stories.

Advent is a time for us to prepare ourselves to celebrate the fact that the one who spoke the galaxies into existence, took on human flesh and consented to have his diapers changed.2 Only a true, humble and loving king would think to come and save his people in a manner such as this. My prayer is that all families at Eastminster would not be overwhelmed by the whirlwind of distractions that often accompanies the Advent season.

Advent Devotional: Day One from Good News of Great Joy: Daily Readings for Advent by John Piper December 1 Prepare the Way “He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” – Luke 1:16-17 What John the Baptist did for Israel, Advent can do for us. Don’t let Christmas find you unprepared. I mean spiritually unprepared.

Its joy and impact will be so much greater if you are ready!

Second, engage in sober self-examination. Advent is to Christmas what Lent is to Easter. “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24) Let every heart prepare him room...by cleaning house.

Third, build God-centered anticipation and expectancy and excitement into your home – especially for the children. If you are excited about Christ, they will be too. If you can only make Christmas exciting with material things, how will the children get a thirst for God? Bend the efforts of your imagination to make the wonder of the King’s arrival visible for the children.

That you might be prepared...

First, meditate on the fact that we need a Savior. Christmas is an indictment before it becomes a delight. It will not have its intended effect until we feel desperately the need for a Savior. Let these short Advent meditations help awaken in you a bittersweet sense of need for the Savior.

Fourth, be much in the Scriptures, and memorize the great passages! “Is not my word like fire, says the Lord!” (Jeremiah 23:29) Gather ‘round that fire this Advent season. It is warm. It is sparkling with colors of grace. It is healing for a thousand hurts. It is light for dark nights.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

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Equipping Future Generations Eastminster’s Children’s Ministries Workers “The goal of Children’s Ministries is to offer the best future for the next generation.”

- Noemi Regier Now more than ever children are coming to Eastminster – whether it’s Sunday school, while their mother is at a weekly Bible study, for Kid’s Day Out or when their parents are attending a church event. With this, Children’s Ministries continues to be a significant, crucial ministry as we welcome children and families both within Eastminster and from the community.

Child care is offered at Eastminster five days a week plus at some weekend events. Most of the helpers work at least two days a week – sometimes more than once a day. They are fully invested in every child who crosses Eastminster’s door, pouring God’s love into them by singing songs about Jesus, praying before snack time, reading stories or bible verses, and even making crafts.

Rhonda Carroll has worked with Eastminster’s Children’s Ministries for 10 years. Her philosophy is to show the children Jesus loves them and to care for them. She says, “I am just a person planting a seed in their life. Hopefully, they accept Christ in their life.”

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Several of the helpers shared their passion for the children and their hope to lead by example.

“While it is difficult for children to comprehend spiritual issues at such a young age, my treatment and attitude toward the children reflect who God is in my life and they can perceive that I love God,” said fouryear child care veteran Noemi Regier. “I try to be a good example to all the children. I believe it’s important for them to see good character in us leaders at a young age.”

Having worked in Eastminster’s child care for 13 years, Isabel Harris brings her faith into her work by focusing on showing love, kindness and generosity. She believes “the kids see you finding ways to be a blessing. It will become a natural and normal way of life for them too.”

Ellen Thimesch, who has worked with Eastminster’s Children’s Ministries for nine years says she tries to lead by example in hopes she influences the children by showing them how to

incorporate their faith into daily activities, like how to treat others. She sees God working in the children every week, whether by helping a teacher or friend, playing nicely, sharing or giving a gentle hug when a friend is sad or hurt.

Ellen sees the importance of child care not only for the children, but for their parents as well. While the helpers nurture children’s faith, they are also allowing the parents the opportunity to explore their faith and be involved at the church. They provide a safe place for parents to bring their children. They make every effort to show the parents their children are experiencing a loving and safe environment when they come here.

Sarah Roper says, “I believe that what I do can bring a smile to the kids’ faces. It’s important because they will see that it is a safe place.”

These child care workers are truly a blessing – for our church, for the parents and for the children. They all know the importance they can play in the children’s lives. They want people to know they love what they do, they love the children, they have fun, it is a safe place, and most importantly, they are sharing Jesus’ love. So, next time you see someone leading a line of children through the halls of Eastminster, take a minute. You will see women truly loving children and genuinely caring for them.

This group is glorifying God, following Christ and transforming lives every day.

Have a heart for children? Want to serve with this fun group of people? Contact Julie Pritchard at 634.0337, ext. 215, or jpritchard@eastminster.org.

“We play a very important role in our children.

We build confidence, make them feel loved, happy and safe. We help them develop social skills, language and communication.”

Eastminster has been so blessed with new little ones - Isabel Harris.

Serve Now!

needing care! Children’s Ministries is looking for more great helping hands to love on children from our church and from the community!

Help with Weekly Programs Tuesday Night Bi-monthly Bible study (starts January) Wednesday Equipping Night Thursday Hannah Circle Sunday services

Help with Christmas Eve We need volunteers to serve at both 6 & 8 p.m. services!

Paid Position Opening Immediate need for Sundays and weekdays workers!

Contact Julie Pritchard at 634.0337, ext. 215, or jpritchard@eastminster.org Eastminster Presbyterian Church

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HEARTWORK: SPENDING FOR OTHERS MISSION BEFORE

When the high school and middle school students set out on a journey called Heartwork, they could not have guessed the effect it would have on each of them, their relationships with Christ, or even the tangible effect they would have. These students raised more than $5,000 to build three bathrooms in Kenya, where sanitation is a major issue affecting children’s health. The pictures to the right are examples of bathrooms in Kenya. Students gave more than $300 of their own money or savings.

AFTER

Isaiah 58:10 is the basis for Heartwork, “And if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” Eastminster students sacrificed and spent themselves for this great cause all in the name of the Lord. They became more aware of our consumerdriven culture and the importance we place on self-worth. Our students were changed and have been great examples to their peers of a life lived for Jesus.

students' SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS “I am giving up Instagram and Twitter for a project we are doing at church… this project is called 30 days of Heartwork and I encourage you to join!”

“Hey everyone, I’m going to sacrifice my Instagram for the next month (and texting). It’s for a really good cause called Heartwork.

Everyone who’s reading this should think about doing it too!”

“We are doing a project at church where we give 4 sacrifices, but we have decided to do 5. We will be carrying a bag of something around on our shoulder, taking a cold shower, sleeping on the ground, giving up our phone for 30 days, and no food that wouldn’t be available in Africa. You should join us with this project because it gives God joy in what he does, and in what we do.”

Fundraising projects The 8th grade girls hosted bake sales on a Wednesday night and Sunday morning to raise money.

The sophomore girls d-group made over 30 sandbags to carry around school to raise awareness for the project and empathize with others.

The junior guys had a car wash and raised over $500!

The sophomore girls d-group made a meal of rice and beans to share together to empathize with those who have no other option for food.

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Eastwind Newsletter

Read more at eastminster.org/blogs/student-ministries

RESULTS “I think it was a really cool experience, since we go to a public school and that might be the only Jesus some people are getting.

It might be something little, but it can go a long way if you’ve got God on your side.”

- Sidney Rucker

Sterling Pierce, Cade Gehring, Lilly Osborne, Breanna Hernandez, Chase Chanminaraj and Megan Whiddon raised $68 at a lemonade stand.

One girl was going to take a couple dollars from her savings to give to the project. But she said that after taking a few dollars she was wondering why she needed to hold on to the rest. So she ended up giving all of her savings, more than $50.

Gillian Haenggi was enlightened by how difficult it was to do these tasks (taking cold showers, sleeping on the floor, carrying sandbags, etc.) that people around the world have to do daily. She also said that Kenya is so far away that it is hard to really understand the poverty, but the 30 days of Heartwork also opened up her eyes to the poverty in Wichita.

Sidney Rucker said there was a girl in her school who openly talked about how judgmental Christians were – that they weren’t always doing good. This girl asked Sidney about the sandbag one day, so Sidney got to explain what it was for – the bathrooms they were building. The girl thought it was cool that there were some Christians doing good. So Sidney was able to break a stereotype for this girl that hopefully leads her to the Church one day.

Sidney also gave up certain things for the 30 days. For example, she only drank water during the project instead of other drinks. She said every time she thought about one of those things, it sparked a conversation with God that she normally wouldn’t have had.

Lizzi Stevens said she realized during the study how it seems like she always wants more and opened her eyes to how much she has.

When she carried her sandbag to cheer practice, only one other girl asked her about it. But Lizzi was able to share what the youth group was doing, and her friend was so intrigued she even went on to donate money to the cause. All just from carrying a sandbag!

Natalie Nichols said she doesn’t want to lose sight of her awareness of others in the world, and she will continue to do some of these challenges to keep herself humble.

Julia Schneider said she realized how selfish she can be when she has so much more compared to others. She said when she carried the sandbag around, she realized how much she complains when she does not really have a lot to complain about. She said this 30 days of Heartwork pushed her to really pursue a relationship with Jesus that she didn’t have before.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

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Do Christians in America Have an Oblig What the Bible says about this politically charged situation “I want the same human rights for my family as other people,” he says. “That’s why I left my country. Humans were killed worse than animals. What we want is dignity and a chance to succeed.”

These are the words of Abous,* an Afghan refugee who, with his wife and six-month-old son, walked more than 3,000 miles overland through Iran and Turkey in order to reach Europe this past summer.

The migration of hundreds of thousands of Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and African refugees to Europe this year is very likely the largest refugee crisis to impact Europe since World War II. Millions more refugees are in camps in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Egypt. Civil war in Syria, the activities of Islamist groups like ISIS and the Taliban, combined with extremely high unemployment in many African, Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries, have all contributed to the migration of millions of refugees. Here are some facts that give a glimpse of the magnitude of the refugee problem just from Syria alone: • With a population of 22 million people prior to the country’s civil war, Syria has seen over one-half of its population become refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs).1 • As of late September/early October this year, nearly 4.2 million Syrians had fled the country to escape the civil war and Islamic State (ISIS) activities, and over 7.6 million were internally displaced.

• Turkey is home to 2.1 million Syrian refugees; Lebanon, a country with a population of only 4.4 million, is host to 1.1 million Syrian refugees; Jordan, Iraq and Egypt combined are host to over 1 million Syrian refugees.

What’s a Country to do?

The United States is slated to receive 70,000 refugee immigrants in 2015; but, partly in response to the Syrian refugee crisis, the White House has announced that the number of refugees to be accepted into the United States will grow to 85,000 in 2016, and 100,000 in 2017.

Immigration reform has been a hot political topic in the U.S. for at least the last three presidential elections. It is indeed a complex problem with no easy answers. Perhaps you, like me, have had some of these thoughts:

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Eastwind Newsletter

• We have enough trouble dealing with illegal immigrants crossing our borders from Mexico and places in Central America. We don’t need more immigrants, even if they are legal.

• Who is going to pay for the cost to resettle all these refugees?

Why should our hard-earned tax dollars go to help these people? After all, it’s the Muslim extremists who are to blame for this mess.

• This is a ploy on behalf of Islam to overrun our borders and eventually take over our country. We’ve got to protect our way of life!

• How come the Gulf states on the Arabian peninsula are not taking in these refugees? These are their neighbors.

What’s a Christian to do?

Regardless of what happens politically, is there a proper biblical response to this crisis? How should we, as followers of Christ at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, view what is happening, and what should we do in response?

First, we are called by Christ to relieve suffering, regardless of who it is that is suffering. Jesus’ direct words in Matthew 25 show that whenever we minister to someone in need, to people who are different from us, and to those sick and in prison, we minister to him.

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer

ation to Refugees? him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Matthew 25:35-40 (ESV) In Luke chapter 10, Christ makes it clear that we are to offer assistance to anyone who is suffering, regardless of race, ethnicity or nationality. In response to the question posed by the teacher of the Old Testament law, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan who assisted a stranger who was robbed, beaten and left for dead: But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Luke 10:33-37 (ESV) Second, we must remember the fact that God is sovereign, and that the movement of entire peoples and nations is governed by him, even if it is precipitated by the actions of evil men. The apostle Paul declared to the people of Athens when he preached at the Areopagus: And he [God] made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,

Acts 17:26 (ESV) What is extremely significant for us and our response to refugees and immigrants as Christians is why God established the times and periods of all nations, which Paul goes on to explain: that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.

Acts 17:27a (ESV)

by Pastor Mike Goolsby

News is coming from all over the globe that people who are fed up with the likes of ISIS, the Taliban and Boko Haram, who have been forced to flee due to war, and many who are in refugee camps in the Middle East are showing an openness and a receptivity to the gospel like never before.

The refugee crisis that we are observing this Christmas, and the movement of refugees from one place to others like European nations and the United States – and even right here to Wichita – is being used

by God to cause people to seek him, and ultimately to find Christ. What men meant for evil, God meant for good.

Christmas Eve Offering Regardless of your political stance on refugees and immigration, I pray that you will open your hearts and wallets and purses in a huge way to help bring relief to refugees and IDPs who are suffering. I pray that you will also give of your time and resources to immigrants right here in Wichita. Do this so that they all will experience Christ’s love, seek God in the midst of their suffering, and find their Savior.

Proceeds from the Christmas Eve offering we will take this year will go to assist refugees/IDPs in the Middle East. In particular, it will be sent to one of our longtime mission partners providing relief, counseling and the gospel to Yazidi women and girls who have been abused by militants in Iraq. As I write this, research is also underway to find the best way to reach out to and bless immigrants right here in Wichita. May the Lord bless you as you give sacrificially, remembering his words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). * Name changed. This story was taken from a September 18, 2015, website article by Tyler Jump and Kulsoom Rizvi and posted on the International Rescue Committee website: http://www.rescue.org/ blog/fleeing-decades-war-afghanrefugees-start-3000-mile-trek-safety.

Refugees are defined as persons crossing the borders of their country into neighboring or other countries in order to escape war and/or potential persecution. Internally displaced persons, or IDPs, are those who have been uprooted from their homes, but are still living within the borders of their home country.

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Eastminster Presbyterian Church

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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: Jill Clavin (jclavin@eastminster.org).

Holiday Highlights Thanksgiving Food Boxes November 21, 9 a.m.; Gym Christmas Food Boxes December 19, 9 a.m.; Gym As the holiday season approaches, Eastminster is continuing our tradition of helping others through providing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. We’ll fill and deliver boxes full of delicious food to those in our community who may not otherwise have holiday dinners. This is a great opportunity for families to serve together, and even the littlest hands are welcome. The mornings include both packing boxes and personally delivering them to families around our community. To donate, please note “Holiday Food Boxes” on your check.

Women’s Christmas Brunch December 10, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.; Fellowship Hall Celebrate the Christmas season with good friends, a light brunch and a missions project. RSVP to Louisa Markley at 634.0337 or lmarkley@ eastminster.org. Child care for 0 – 5 is available with reservations to Julie Pritchard by December 6 (634.0337, ext. 215, or jpritchard@ eastminster.org).

Eastminster's traditional Christmas celebration continues! For the first Sunday of Advent, we will have one family-focused worship service at 10:30 a.m. with a special message from Pastor Stan out of the book of Luke. Then, immediately following the service there will be chili and hot dogs served in the Gym and Fellowship Hall. Be sure to bring a dessert to share! After lunch, families can complete a special craft together to prepare for the Advent season. Sunday classes for adults, students and Kids will Not meet, but child care/classes for children 0-4 will still be offered.