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During the Sunday School hour, families gathered to work on the Advent Project. This
was a wooden shepherd and lamb. While already cut out, it needed paint, clothes and hair. This project
continues with what was started two years ago in putting together a Nativity Set. Two years ago it was
Mary, Joesph and the Manger, last year's project was the Angel. This picture shows only a few of the many
familes that participated. |
We also celebrated Thanksgiving Dinner on this day. This picture shows the dinner line
that formed right after second service. As people left the worship service, they took a few steps and were
right in the dinner line. Everyone, (except Pastor Bob who greeted people leaving the service, which
consequently put him at the end of the line) enjoyed this arrangement. |
As you see many people attended. In addition to the good food, they had a little time
to catch on events with people sitting near them.
The proceeds from this year's free will offering are going to the South Gate Youth Program and Habitat for Humanity. |
The South Gate Youth hosted this event and while there were many things to do, they
pitched in together to accomplish the tasks. Pictured are some of the clean up crew at work in the kitchen
afterwards. |
Continuing on during this busy day was the "Hanging of the Greens"
immediately following the Thanksgiving Dinner. This picture shows some of the church families involved in
decorating the Sancturary and there were others in the foyer, Memorial Hall and the Sunday School
Classrooms. This included people of all ages and sizes, all working together and having fun. A lot to be
done, but many helping hands accomplished a lot in a short time. |
The Christmas Tree and Advent Candles are in place and are ready for Advent, even if
we are not. Please take a few moments of your time to view the paintings on the Sanctuary Windows and the
lively Christmas Decorations in the classrooms, the Memorial Hall Christmas Tree and other decorations
that remind us of the Advent Season.
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Sunday, December 8 - Children's Nativity Program & Christmas Caroling
 The Children's Nativity Program was presented during the 10:45 Worship Service. It
told the story of the birth of Jesus. It was a narrated program in which the children acted out the scenes
and sang Christmas songs. |
 Sunday evening approximately 80 people gathered at the church to participate in Christmas Caroling.
We split up in to six groups and each group spent some time caroling at nursing homes, assisted living
homes, the Lincoln Regional Center and also stopped at some church members homes. Here is one of the
groups caroling in the hallway at The Waterford. |
 Ruth and Ken enjoying some of the Christmas Carols shared by the group. In addition to the exchange
of Season's Greetings and music, Ken had a few Christmas related stories to share as well. After the
visits, the groups met back together at the church to share in cookies and conversation. |
Thursday, December 12 - UMW Salad Supper
 UMW met for a Salad Supper and the installation of next year's officers. |
Saturday, January 14 - The Herd
 The Herd hosted a gathering for the congregation Saturday evening, particularly for the children.
There were lots of fun activities for the children. Santa also got to come to the fun party. He got to sit down and visit with each of the kids, to hear about what they want for Christmas and to have his picture taken with some of his favorite friends. Each of the children also received a bag of popcorn and candy. |
 Santa is getting to see the kid's work on reindeer pictures. The children had fun coloring and
decorating the pictures, as well as playing games and eating. |
Sunday, January 15 - All Choirs Anthems and Missions Breakfast
 The congregation was treated to some special music this Sunday. For both services, all the choirs
joined together to sing the two anthems "Behold, That Star" and "Silent Night".
Jessica and Ryan N. also played a duet piano arrangement of "Go Tell it on the Mountain".
The Missions Committee hosted a breakfast for the congregation. Andrew H. played Christmas Songs on his clarinet for our entertainment during the breakfast. The free will offering proceeds will go to the Emergency Assistance Fund, which is just being set up by the Missions Committee. The fund will be used to meet the needs of transients, local citizens and members of South Gate. |
Tuesday, January 17 - Happy Circle
 Happy Circle gathered in Memorial Hall for their Christmas Celebration. They joined together for an
evening of fun which included singing Christmas songs, peppermint ice cream and cookies. Santa was able to
join later to wish them a "Merry Christmas" and to hand out a card and bag of goodies to each of
them. |
Tuesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve Services
 South Gate provided three candlelight and communion worship services on Christmas Eve
at 3:00, 6:00 and 8:00. Each of the services included special music. The Brothers in Harmony provided two
anthems at the 3:00 service. |
 The present and past members of the Spirit Singers provided three anthems during the
6:00 service. Jessica N. (piano), Carrie B. (piano/voice) and Kali S. (flute) provided the prelude music,
Carrie B. a voice solo during the service and Jessica & Ryan N. (duet piano) postlude.
Carrie B.provided the special music (piano & voice) for the 8:00 service. |
 Here is the lighting of the candles, as the lights are being dimmed, while the entire
congregation sings "Silent Night".
Special Thanks to Barb N. who directed & accompanied the 3:00 and 6:00 services and Kathy E. who accompanied the 8:00 service that made for a wonderful music filled Christmas Eve Service for all who attended. |
 For many attending, the Nativity Silhouette is the last sight of the church as they
leave. It serves to remind us the true reason we gather to celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ,
Our Savior. MERRY CHRISTMAS! |
3500 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68506-4853
(402) 489-1641