Greetings! I hope you are all staying warm! I don’t know about you, but I’m really excited about the start of another Chicago winter! I am looking forward to many activities like sledding, building snowmen, wrapping up in a warm blanket in front of the fire, and time together with friends and family. With every changing season I am continually amazed at God’s Creation. Even though it is chilly outside, to see beautiful sunrises and sunsets on clear, crisp, winter days, is truly amazing. One of my favorite winter sights is the icicles that form on roof tops, and tree branches. It is remarkable the way they just sparkle, and reflect the light on those sunny winter days. God’s work is everywhere around us!
This month as we celebrate the birth of God’s son, Our Saviour Jesus, let us be comforted by his presence! Even on those dark, dreary, winter days, when we feel like we don’t want to get out of bed, let us all rejoice that our Saviour is here with us! November was an amazing month at Grace! One of the most popular activities of the month was the youth projects and pizza party night. Twenty-seven youth and six adults came together to make blankets for the homeless and college care packages for our college youth who are away at school. It was truly a blessing to see God working through their hands and hearts.
We also decorated a tree at Brookfield Zoo. You can find the tree at the Zoo through the Holiday season -- Tree number 288 in the North Mall. Check it out! Here are some activities that are going on in December. Parents Day Out will be held on Sunday, December 6 from 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Last year, the Parents Night Out was a big hit. GLC youth and parents volunteers are offering parents a chance to have a few hours to finish up some Christmas shopping. We will have snacks, crafts, games, and movies here for the kids. Parents should sign their child(ren) up in Fellowship Hall so we can properly gather volunteers and materials.
The winter fundraiser for the youth of Grace is the Cookie Walk which will be held on Sunday, December 13 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall. Come and get your holiday cookies. Not only can you purchase fabulous Christmas cookies, but you can support the Cookie Walk by bringing in a batch of your favorite Christmas cookies as well. GLC youth gladly welcome donations of cookies. Thank you for your support!
Coming up on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, is the Wassail Fest. After the 11 p.m. service, come to the youth room for snacks, wassail, and conversation. High school and college youth get together and enjoy time sharing stories, and catching up on the past few months activities. We had a great time last year, and this year shouldn’t be any different.
LOGOS is in full swing. This month’s LOGOS dates are, December 2, December 9, and December 16! We will be off for two weeks, and then return for LOGOS on January 6. Come and check out LOGOS any time. Experience this amazing midweek program! I hope you all enjoy your Christmas Break with your families and friends! Before we know it, the holidays will be over, and we will be heading into 2010! Take the time this month and enjoy God’s chilly creation. What a year it has been, and what a year 2010 is going to be! May God Bless You and Your Families During This Holiday Season and Always!!
Peace,
Kerrie Folisi
