The Christmas edition of the Oakville News is now online. Click below to read the newsletter–it includes a complete listing of holiday events at Oakville!

Click here for a full pdf file of the Nov-Dec 2011 newsletter. Scroll down for full text of the newsletter articles.

John’s Jots

Once again we are entering the season of Advent – celebrating that history-changing event  when God “became flesh and dwelt among us.” It is a time of preparation and waiting.

Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) was a Dutch Catholic Priest, psychologist, and spiritual writer. Below are some lines from his article, “Waiting for God:”

Waiting is not a very popular attitude. Waiting is not something that people think about with great sympathy. In fact, most people consider waiting a waste of time. Perhaps this is because the culture in which we live is basically saying, “Get going! Do something! Don’t just sit there and wait!” For many people, waiting is an awful desert between where they are and where they want to go. And people do not like such a place..

It impresses me, therefore, that all the figures who appear in the first pages of Luke’s Gospel are waiting. Zechariah and Elizabeth are waiting. Mary is waiting. Simeon and Anna are waiting. The whole opening scene of the good news is filled with waiting people. And right at the beginning all those people in some way or another hear the words, “Do not be afraid. I have something to say to you.”

   The psalms are full of this attitude: “My soul is waiting for the Lord.”

   Waiting as we see in the gospel is waiting with a sense of promise. People who wait have received a promise that allows them to wait.

Waiting is also active. It means to be present fully to the moment, in the conviction that something is happening where you are and that you want to be present in it.

Waiting also means to be patient. Simone Weil, a Jewish writer, said, “Waiting patiently in expectation is the foundation of the spiritual life.” Jesus says you must stand ready, stay awake, stay tuned to the word of God, so that you will survive all that is going to happen, and be able to stand confidently in the presence of God together in community. That is the attitude of waiting that allows us to be people who can live in a very chaotic world and survive spiritually.

As we prepare for Christmas, let us wait with anticipation and proclaim the good news that a Savior is born!

Celebrating the season: Oakville Holiday Events

Thurs., Nov. 24th : Thanksgiving Service

This brief, informal service at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day  is an Oakville community tradition, providing  an opportunity to  give thanks to God for his bounty.

Nov.-Dec.: Host a student for a holiday meal

You can be a missionary in your own home by inviting an international students (or a domestic student who is away from home) to share a meal with you. Contact the church and we will connect you with a student.

Sun., Nov. 27th: Hanging of the Greens

This special service occurs during our 11 a.m. worship on the first Sunday of Advent. We decorate the church with the symbols of Christmas and prepare for the coming of the Christ child.

Fri., Dec. 2nd: Ladies’ Craft and Baking Night

Gather at the church at 6 p.m. for a night of Christmas crafts, baking, and candy-making. Bring your crafts and supplies or recipes and ingredients

Sun., Dec. 11th: Christmas Caroling

We will meet at the church at 6 p.m. and carpool to homes to share the joy of Christmas with others by blessing them with carols at their door.  We will conclude in a warm home with hot drinks and Christmas goodies!

Now — Dec. 12th: The Giving Tree

As is our tradition, the Giving Tree will be in the Fellowship Hall during the holidays. You can take one or more tags and return your wrapped gift by Dec. 12th. This is a great way to reach out to those in need this Christmas.

Now — Dec. 31: Year-End Giving

We deeply appreciate your support of the ministry of Oakville Church. The 2011 books will close on December 31, 2011.  All donations received after that date will be recorded in the 2012 books.

Sun., Dec. 18th: Christmas Pageant

Help us tell the incredible story of Jesus’ birth by participating in the Christmas pageant! If you want to sing, play an instrument, read a Bible passage, shepherd kids, organize props or dress up in a costume for Jesus, we want you!  There are no lines to memorize and we want all ages to be involved. Rehearsals are from 1:30-3 p.m. Dec. 4 and 11. We will perform at 6 p.m. Sun., Dec. 18. If you want to help, contact Bridgette Tedrow:  chaseandbridgette@gmail.com, or (503) 550-4749.

Sat. Dec. 24th: Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

Join us at the church at 7:30 p.m. to reflect on the nativity and celebrate Christ’s birth with candles and carols.

Sat., Dec. 24th: Christmas Open House at the Manse

Head over to the Manse following the Christmas Eve service and join Pastor John and his family as they open their home for refreshments and fellowship.

Sun., Dec. 25th: Christmas Worship Service

Our Christmas Day services will  be held at the regular times of 9:45 a.m. for Sunday School and 11 a.m. for worship. Worship will include carols and will  focus on the miracle of Christ’s birth.

 

Operation Christmas Child sends hope around the world

Ninety six children in countries around the world will receive gifts and a message about the love of God this Christmas, thanks to donations from Oakville.

Each shoebox includes small gifts, toiletries, school supplies, and other items purchased by  the donor.  Samaritan’s Purse, a non-profit organization that works in developing countries around the world, delivers the items to children in need at Christmastime, along with an offer of a Gospel storybook and an invitation to attend discipleship classes.

 

Poinsettia tradition continues: order yours today

Every year, members of the Oakville congregation decorate the front of the sanctuary with poinsettias around Christmastime.

Donated by members of the congregation, the plants are  to honor members of the congregation or commemorate the life of a loved one who has passed away.

Donations are currently being accepted for the 2011 poinsettia order. If you would like to participate in this holiday  tradition, fill out the form below and send it to the church office.

Poinsettias are $8 each. Donors may take the plants with them after the Christmas service.

 

Christmas Poinsettia Orders

Your name: ____________________________________________

 

In honor of:   (or )  In memory of:  (please circle one)

______________________________________________________

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