Lake Stevens Family Church

Merry Christmas Family Church ,

We want to wish the best for you and your family at the beginning of December and the month containing the greatest holiday of our faith. Remember, without Christmas there would be no Christ and without Christ there would be no Christmas. With that in mind I challenge you as a follower of Jesus in three tenants of our faith. Prayer, Fasting & Alms Giving.

Why these three? In early church history all Christians were commissioned in these three ‘marks’ of the faith. First we’re commissioned to prayer. This connects us to our conversational relationship to God, this is a mark of the true Christian. Then we’re commissioned to fast. Fasting is a discipline of our faith. Right before Jesus was crucified he spent time in the garden praying and fasting. Nowadays people have put fasting in one of two camps and I think John Wesley put it best when he said:

“Some have exalted religious fasting beyond all Scripture and reason; and others have utterly disregarded it.”

I encourage you in the Biblical discipline of fasting. The “three tenants” that we are focusing on all go hand-in-hand. Jesus teaching on fasting is directly in the context of his teaching on giving and praying. It is as if there is an almost unconscious assumption that giving, praying, and fasting are all part of Christian devotion. We have no more reason to exclude fasting from the teaching than we do giving. In Matthew 6:16 Jesus states, “When you fast…”. Jesus seems to make the assumption that you and I WILL FAST. So I challenge you this Christmas Season to exercise the spiritual discipline of fasting.

Lastly, giving to the poor, or Alms Giving. Of the three tenants of faith, alms giving is the highest ‘mark’ of faith towards others. Jesus teaches that we will be known as Christians by how we treat “outsiders”, those not in a relationship with Jesus. When we give to those in need we can literally be as if we are giving to God Himself. I thank God for a church that enjoys giving to those in need. Again, I encourage you to not forget to give a gift to the Christ that we are celebrating this Christmas. This is the most overlooked act of giving by those who follow Christ. One practical suggestion is this, whatever you plan on spending on one person’s gift (ie: $50.00 per family member), plan of giving at least that much in a special Christmas offering, and let your family know what you all are planning on doing. This is a offering that is more meaningful when everyone is involved. This is putting Jesus at the center of Christmas.

My prayer is that this Christmas Season is the best season of all for you and your family. May it be filled with blessing as we all commit ourselves to Prayer, Fasting and Alms Giving.

In His name,

Pastor Virgil

	Merry Christmas Family Church , We want to wish the best for you and your family at the beginning of December and the month containing the greatest holiday of our faith. Remember, without Christmas there would be no Christ and without Christ there would be no Christmas. With that in mind I challenge you as a follower of Jesus in three tenants of our faith. Prayer, Fasting & Alms Giving. Why these three? In early church history all Christians were commissioned in these three ‘marks’ of the faith. First we’re commissioned to prayer. This connects us to our conversational relationship to God, this is a mark of the true Christian. Then we’re commissioned to fast. Fasting is a discipline of our faith. Right before Jesus was crucified he spent time in the garden praying and fasting. Nowadays people have put fasting in one of two camps and I think John Wesley put it best when he said: “Some have exalted religious fasting beyond all Scripture and reason; and others have utterly disregarded it.” I encourage you in the Biblical discipline of fasting. The “three tenants” that we are focusing on all go hand-in-hand. Jesus teaching on fasting is directly in the context of his teaching on giving and praying. It is as if there is an almost unconscious assumption that giving, praying, and fasting are all part of Christian devotion. We have no more reason to exclude fasting from the teaching than we do giving. In Matthew 6:16 Jesus states, “When you fast…”. Jesus seems to make the assumption that you and I WILL FAST. So I challenge you this Christmas Season to exercise the spiritual discipline of fasting. Lastly, giving to the poor, or Alms Giving. Of the three tenants of faith, alms giving is the highest ‘mark’ of faith towards others. Jesus teaches that we will be known as Christians by how we treat “outsiders”, those not in a relationship with Jesus. When we give to those in need we can literally be as if we are giving to God Himself. I thank God for a church that enjoys giving to those in need. Again, I encourage you to not forget to give a gift to the Christ that we are celebrating this Christmas. This is the most overlooked act of giving by those who follow Christ. One practical suggestion is this, whatever you plan on spending on one person’s gift (ie: $50.00 per family member), plan of giving at least that much in a special Christmas offering, and let your family know what you all are planning on doing. This is a offering that is more meaningful when everyone is involved. This is putting Jesus at the center of Christmas. My prayer is that this Christmas Season is the best season of all for you and your family. May it be filled with blessing as we all commit ourselves to Prayer, Fasting and Alms Giving. In His name, Pastor Virgil		Pastor Virgil: "God's Christmas Gift To You" - MP3 - Sermon notes: GIF\| PDF
	UPCOMING EVENTS Holiday Line-Up Mark your calendar for these special dates and times during this Christmas Season: December 16^th, 5:00PM – New Member’s Meeting - Place: Lonnie & Laurie Gibson’s house. Please contact the church office for directions: LSFC@LakeStevensChurch.com or 425.334.5900. December 24^th, 5:00PM – Christmas Eve Service – Boys & Girls Club December 30^th, 10:30AM – One 10:30AM service – Boys & Girls Club Christmas Outreach - Lake Stevens Seniors This year, LSFC has the opportunity to help local low-income senior citizens. I am really excited about this new venture! The Lake Stevens Senior Center hosts a dinner on Christmas Day and a visit from Santa. Last year they hosted 47 seniors and this year expect over 60. The Senior Center hopes to give a bag full of supplies and gifts to each person in attendance. The bags will be assembled the weekend before Christmas. If you would like to help, please let me know. I will also provide more information as it becomes available. The following are the types of items to be included in the gift bags: Aspirin, Shampoo, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Hand Lotion, Vitamins, Paper Goods, Batteries, Light Bulbs, Cleaners, Soap, Tea, Coffee, Canned Nuts, Crackers, Cookies Candy (especially low sugar), Envelopes, Stationary, Postage Stamps, Yarn, Gift Cards… If you have other ideas, I am sure they would love it! Please bring items with you to church beginning December 9th or you can drop them by my house. Laurie Goodwin slgoodwin@verizon.net 425-397-7605 Jingle Jam 2007 Thank you to all who made Jingle Jam 2007 a Huge Success!!! Everything from the decorations to the kids’ was absolutely incredible. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! Membership Sunday One of the hallmarks of living for Christ is identifying with His church body. This is one of the oldest institutions He established and gave His life for. Membership is something to be taken seriously and intentionally. If you are not currently a member of LSFC – please take a moment and fill out the “Application of Membership” Card – located at the information table and place in the offering today. Membership Meeting: Today, December 16th, 5:00PM at Lonnie & Laurie Gibson’s house. For more information contact see Angela Brown. Kid's CD Project That’s right! The Lake Stevens Community Kids Choir is heading to the studio January 5^th, 2008-10:00AM. It’s not too late to get your kids involved! For more information contact Angela Brown at angela@lakestevenschurch.com or 425-334-5900. (for more information regarding Imperative Studios visit www.imperativestudios.com) Youth Winter Camp If your student is between the ages of 6^th & 12^th grade they are not going to want to miss out on this year’s Winter Retreat. That’s right, February 15-17, 2008 our students will be heading to LEAVENWORTH for some great speaking, worship, & of course LOTS of fun!!! Cost will be $140 per student, and $100 for each additional sibling (family discount). Snowboarding/skiing will be available on Sat. for an additional cost. Other Sat. activities include a scavenger hunt though the town of Leavenworth! Be watching for more information. If you have any questions about these upcoming events please email us or call 425.334.5900.



	UPCOMING MESSAGES The Jesus Story 12/09/07 - God’s Christmas Gift To You 12/16/07 - Don’t Miss The Miracle In The Middle Of The Madness 12/23/07 - What’s So Merry About Christmas? You will not want to miss any of these incredible weekend messages. But if you do miss a week, make sure you subscribe to our weekly “podcast”. All of our weekend messages are available online at www.lakestevenschurch.com.

	WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK Sunday - Lake Stevens Community Kid's Choir Kids – ages K-7^th grade - Join us this Sunday, from 4:30-6:00PM, as we have officially launched the 2007/2008 Lake Stevens Community Kids’ Choir. This past year through Kids’ Convention, Army Camp, Bible Camp & VBS, kids have experienced a taste of the high powered, high energy music that will continue on through this choir. If your kids are in elementary school or the beginning of middle school, they are not going to want to miss out. We will be performing live throughout the year and will head to Imperative Studios (www.imperativestudios.com) in January to record an album. Registration is $30 which includes a t-shirt. For more information contact Angela Brown at angela@lakestevenschurch.com or 425.334.5900. Tuesday - Volleyball (A-Level Play) 8:00 -10:00 PM at the Snohomish Boys and Girls Club. Enjoy an energetic workout with friends from church and the community! Contact Virgil Brown: virgil@lakestevenschurch.com Wednesday - Poker and Wings 6:30 PM at various locations. Guys hanging out, playing poker, eating wings, getting to know each other. Contact John Shorb: john.shorb@cedarpark.org Thursday - Mom's Play Group For mothers of children ages birth through preschool. Come fellowship with other moms and let the little ones play! Meets Thursdays at 11:00 AM at Brittney Shorb 's house. Contact: bshorbie@hotmail.com for more information. Thursday - Volleyball (C-Level Play) 7:30 - 10:00 PM at Lake Stevens Middle School. Enjoy an energetic workout with friends from church and the community! Contact Virgil Brown: virgil@lakestevenschurch.com		For more information on Small Groups, visit our our website.
	KIDS' MINISTRIES This week’s Nursery Teachers: 9:30am = Sarah R./Bryce B. 11:00am = Rachel A./Ami B. This week’s Elementary Teachers (K - 5th): 9:30am = Brittney S./Brianne P./Laurie G. 11:00am = Mikey and Thomas T./Linda W. We are always looking to add people to our great team of teachers and helpers…Get involved – you will find great reward!!! For more information on how you can get involved in our children’s department, contact bshorbie@hotmail.com If you'd like to be a part of the great kids' leadership team - please contact Angela Brown at angela@lakestevenschurch.com


	MUSIC Psalm 96:1-2 says, “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim his salvation day after day.” Weekend Music for December 16th: Song by Artist from Album: How Great Thou Art by Paul Baloche How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin from Passion O Come All Ye Faithful by John Francis Wade from Hymnal Go Tell it On the Mountain by John W. Work ll from Hymnal Little Drummer Boy by Jars of Clay from Wow: Christmas
	CONTACTING US Virgil Brown - Lead Pastor - virgil@lakestevenschurch.com Angela Brown - Music - angela@lakestevenschurch.com Ben Smith - Music Associate - ben@lakestevenschurch.com Rick Doucette - Media Director - rick@lakestevenschurch.com