11/20/18
- Bob and Mary Kropf would like to take this means to thank all of the wonderful people who helped us in any way to prepare for our trip to Mission Central. In no particular order they are: Pastor Mike; Nick, Andrea, and Haylie Sloup; Megan and Ethan Boggs; Pat Cochran; Matt and Kim Myers; Brenda Rief; and Bill Schranz.
Your assistance was greatly appreciated and made our job much more manageable! Thank you, thank you! All of you are Not Normal! 😁 - The 5-6th grade FaithInk kids are in need of socks for a project. If you have stray socks without their matching sock, too-small-socks, or socks that are too ugly to wear (but not holey), please bring them along this or next Sunday. We’ll also gladly take crafting scraps like bits of ribbon, felt, fabric, etc. A collection bag will be on the table in the Cafe, or find Kim Myers.
- Stepping Stones and FaithInk will not meet tomorrow (Wednesday, November 21) so our volunteers can prepare/travel for Thanksgiving. We’ll meet again as normal the following week. (We’ll take a break for the Christmas/New Year holidays on 12/26 and 1/2 as well.) Godparents groups should contact their leaders for information.
- All through November, we’ll be collecting toothpaste for the Blue Valley Food Pantry item for October. The collection box is in The Rock cafe. December’s item will be tuna.
- We have faith growth opportunities on Sunday mornings: Going Deeper, room 213, 8:45 with Pastor Mike; Women’s study, room 217, 8:45, with Ann Schranz.
- Yoga at The Rock: Marge Rhodes is now teaching Yoga at The Rock on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. (though not on Thanksgiving). All are welcome! YogaFaith with Sara Moll and Erika Rolf meets in Room 216 on the following dates: Tuesday, November 27 at 5:30 p.m. (Erika) and Friday, November 30 at 9:45 a.m. (Sara). Everyone is welcome to join us for a 1 hour long Christ centered yoga class – your first class is FREE! Please contact Sara at tmoll@neb.rr.com if you have any questions. Also, find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/YogaFaith-Seward-256010628294784/ for more updates about other classes we offer, including the December schedule.
Managing Holiday Stress
“Joy to the World….” But sometimes when we think of December and the New Year’s Eve/Day, we have a hard time feeling joyful. We may feel overwhelmed with all we think needs to get done. Or we may want the “perfect” home and gifts for everyone. So instead of joy, we feel stress.
As we begin December, here are some ideas to help keep our stress in check:
- Write down your top three priorities for this season. A priority example is time with family. Check decisions to see if they fit within your priorities. If not, you can feel good about saying “No”.
- Simplify your activities and traditions. Decide with your family which traditions are most important. It’s okay to make changes in past traditions.
- Schedule regular times for being still. Use Scripture, prayer, and devotionals to center your focus on your Heavenly Father. God will help you see if your choices align with what’s important.
- Build in regular “unplugged” time for your family. For example: Read a book or Advent devotion together. Listen to Christmas music and wrap presents. Drink hot chocolate and share Christmas memories. These moments may become your family’s favorite memory.
God, help us this season to be joy givers, not stress givers, to our family and friends. Amen
“Rejoice in the Lord always…. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
