The Church Courier, December 2008

The Church Courier

VOL. 9, ISSUE 12 DECEMBER 2008

For a child is born to us, A son is given to us… And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne Of his ancestor David for all eternity. Isaiah 9:6-7

In this Issue: Parson to Person························ 2 Pixie Pins-Up ···························· 5 Getting to Know························ 7 My Favorite Christmas ············· 8 Church @ Work ······················ 10

Years ago when our children were small, we'd begin asking them what they wanted for Christmas. We usually began asking that question sometime in September or October. When we asked them they would always look puzzled for a moment and then say something like, "I don't know." But then they would turn to each other and begin talking about it. They would come up with things like a doll, or a bike, or a game. So, we'd tell them to think about it for a while and we'd talk about it again soon. But "soon" to them was only a few minutes or maybe the very next day! We thought they had lots of time to decide--after all they had over two months! But they wanted to get their bids in early! The only problem with that was they'd begin changing their minds almost every day or at least every couple of days! With three girls changing their minds so quickly it got to be confusing as to who wanted what! Of course we wanted to give them something that would make them happy---we loved them and wanted to show our love in a tangible way. I suppose that's what most parents try to do at Christmas. After all, giving is what Christmas is about, isn't it? Didn't God give His best when He gave us His Son? Didn't Jesus give up the glory of heaven to come to this sinful world? Didn't Jesus give His all when He died for us? Yes, giving is what Christmas is all about! What about us? What will we give to the Lord to show our appreciation for all He has done for our world, our families, us? As you plan your Christmas giving please remember the Savior who gave everything for everyone! May your Christmas be filled with the joy of giving to the Lord as well as those you love! Yours for giving our best for the Master, Pastor and Sharon Webb

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The Church Courier

Happy 1st Birthday! By: Juan Rivera

Your church website, www.nprsda.org, is celebrating its 1st Birthday this month. How we have grown during this year! We have News Events like the weekly bulletin, the monthly Church Courier newsletter, calendar of events, and church news. In our Resources section we have t he NPRSDA church sermon and musical meditation library, online Bible studies, and the Sabbath School lesson. We have sections that are Just For Kids, Youth, Recipes, Photo Gallery, Inspirational presentations, Prayers Requests, and so much more! Did you know that many parts of the world have also been watching us grow? It’s true! Our first online prayer request came from Spain. Our website has been visVol. 9, Issue 12

ited by friends in states all over the USA, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Italy, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, Panama, Cote D’ivoire, Republic of Tanzania, Canada, Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Kenya, Turkey, Costa Rica, Sweden, New Zealand, China, Malawi, Japan, Peru, and Puerto Rico… just to name a few! As you can see, this is a powerful tool that can reach the whole world. Join us in celebrating your church’s website 1st Birthday. Let’s continue to grow and reach out to the rest of world. Share the good news with your friends and family and may God continue to bless this ministry. Page 3

By David Hecht 8th Grade fundraisers

First ever School cook book “Childhood Favorites” selling now, get your copy today! Congo River Golf

Tickets on sale $8 “Great Deal” save a $1.45 to $2.45 per ticket. For more info about the two fundraisers contact the School (842-8919) or Leann Hecht (843-0981) Merry Christmas from your Youth Group!

Christmas Gifts As you consider your Christmas giving, please remember our Christmas Tree Fund. This year the funds will be split between the School Portable and the Pathfinders Camporee to Oshkosh Transportation Support our Youth! Page 4

The Church Courier

PIXIE PIN-UPS DO YOU KNOW ME? If you think you know this church member, submit your guess to us, either by phone or email. You can submit your baby pix by email or directly to us. Photos can be black and white or color and will be promptly returned. For more information please contact us. The king is coming to town.

November baby was baby was: Bill Stricker Clue: You will never guess his hair was once so dark. Our winners were: Nobody guessed.  Thanks for participating!

Think about it…  He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. -Roy L. Smith  How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few, his precepts! O! ’tis easier to keep holidays than commandments. -Benjamin Franklin

 Christians and camels receive their burdens kneeling.

Vol. 9, Issue 12

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Pathfinder Campout at Crews Lake October 3-5, 2008 Singing

Team Building Experience

Learning Seeds

Cooking

Hang

ing ou

t

Pioneers class

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The Church Courier

Many of you visited the Adventist Christian School Pre-K Art Exhibition, I’m sure you enjoyed it as much as we did. So many talented kids in our School. The School, family and friends voted and today you will learn a little more about our winner.

The Bride By Jalise Powell

Q: Why did you decide to dress your turkey like that? A: We (my mom and I) went to Target looking for stuff for the turkey and we saw the bride dress. Q: Who helped you in disguising your turkey? A: My mom and dad. Q: What was the best part of this activity? A: My favorite part was when we put the veil on the turkey and when my mom said that the turkey loss a lot of weight for the wedding, that was funny. I liked to see all the turkeys my friends did, they all looked very nice. Q: What is your favorite color, story and song? A: My favorite color is white, my favorite song is: “Jesus loves me”, and my favorite story is Barbie's Friends story. Q: What is your Mom and Dad’s name? A: Sarah and Jason Powell Q: What do you like the best about being in the Adventist Christian School? A: I like my bible class, because I learn things I didn’t know. Congratulations Jalise, your Turkey was very creative. Congratulations also to all my Pre-K parents and students that participated in this activity. God bless you all and Merry Christmas! To see second and third place and other wonderful turkeys please go to page 9.

Vol. 9, Issue 12

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We asked some members to tell us about a special memory they had about Christmas or a Christmas tradition in their countries... my father, a icity. One year, tr ec el no d ha tree in up on We lit a Christmas r. The island I grew to ra ne ge a ith arvel at e home w to our house to m e sea captain, cam m ca rs de an isl e other the front yard. Th Patsy Gartner e. sit l this wonderfu We have a few traditions: One of them is es al Attending Handals Messiah Concert. The I missed, Tam Howard Family for Christmas. Colleen Paul Christmas trad ition in my co untry Dominic our thanksgivi an Republican ng day is on C , hristmas eve, night where w that is the e gather toge th er a big meal an as a family an d on Christmas d we have day usually w clothes. Arace e wear new lis Garcia

On December 8th our city (Medellin, Colombia) would turn on the Christmas Lights. All of the major parks and tourist areas in the city are decorated with Christmas lights. It is tradition to go on a tour in the city at night to see the beautiful Christmas decoration all over the city. Yvonne Suescum (to see it go to: www.lopaisa.com/alumbrados_medellin A family tradition when I was 5 until 18, every New Years Day my parents and myself took the train to New York to see the Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall. Steve Biedinger One thing I really enjoyed and miss during Christmas are the “Parrandas”. In my country, Puerto Rico, we would start the singing with various instruments including guitars, maracas, “guiros”. We would gather a few and gather quietly in front of a friends house and start singing loudly together (the noise is big and the face of the host is worth a million dollars) The host would open the door and listen to our song and once finished, they would invite us in for food and hot chocolate. We gathered everyone from the first house and continue onto the next. I hope I can go to some “Parrandas” on my Christmas vacation this year.  Omayra Rivera Page 8

The Church Courier

Thanks to our speakers in their medical presentation. The ladies Oct 5th, Dr. Yvonne Suescum and the men's’ November 2nd, Dr. Terry Howard. They were outstanding medical reports. Good compliments were given and the attendance was good. More events coming soon! Ann Holland, Health & Temperance

More Turkeys from the ACS Pre-K

Donald Duck By Caleb

The Pirate By Owen

Art Exhibition

Gobble Granny By Alana

Super Turkey By Benjamin

Garbage Can By Mrs. Omy

My Coast Guard Dad By Braxton

Fireman By Maylun

Princess Ballerina By Isys

Pray for me By Mrs. Lura

Vol. 9, Issue 12

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School Christmas Program We want to invite you to share Christmas with us Saturday 13 @ 11:00 AM with our annual School program. This year’s program is entitled “Glory to God in the Highest” with performances from our PreK through 8th grade students. Also our...

Day Care Christmas Program will be Sunday, 21 @ 2:00 PM. Please remember these two special dates because I’m sure these two special holiday programs will sparkle the rest of the season! Please come and support our kids! Bowling Season Coming soon! Application in the foyer

School Yearbook Advertisements If you are interested in advertise in this years school yearbook please submit the Ad Form Application. If you need one please contact the Church or School Office. Few spaces left.

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The Love of God at Christmas –New Port Richey Sanctuary Choir Praising our Savior and elevating our voices to the Lord in a program called: The Love of God at Christmas. Join us in worship this year as once again we celebrate the birth of our Savior through this beautiful and uplifting musical presentation. Sabbath, December 20th at 11:00 AM. Use this opportunity to invite your family and friends! The Church Courier

We asked a few of our members about a Christmas tradition in their towns or with their families. Here is mine. Christmas in Puerto Rico starts the night after Thanksgiving and last thru Jan 6 (The Three Kings Day). In my town (San Sebastian), as on a few others, we extend Christmas for 8 more days. It is during those days that we celebrate The Festival of the “Novilla”. People from town dress and paint a “novilla” (calf) and walk her thru the towns streets. It is a big celebration that bring people from all over the Island. There is a lot of food and music. And if you think our Christmas season is too long let me tell you that this festival is just the opening for 7 to 14 days of more fiestas. Yes!, Christmas season in my town ends near February. We all can try to keep the joy, hope, and peace of Christmas in our hearts for the whole year, after all, Jesus is born in a new heart every day. Alex Ortiz

This newsletter is published monthly by the NPR SDA Church. If you have any comments to make about the newsletter, wish to make a donation, or wish to submit an article, please send it to the church or to us.

CONTACT US

Alexander Ortiz 727-365-2892

Omayra Rivera 727-372-0052

[email protected] NPR Seventh-day Adventist Church 6424 Trouble Creek Road New Port Richey, FL 34653 727-848-4567 Visit us on the web: www.nprsda.org/newsletter Vol. 9, Issue 12

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New Port Richey Seventh–day Adventist Church 6424 Trouble Creek Road New Port Richey, FL 34653