Valois United Church

Greetings to you all!

We are about to arrive at one of the most important days of the Christian calendar.  And while we have been hearing the Christmas music of weeks in the malls, it is a challenge to keep the Gift of this special day in focus.  Somehow the manger becomes hidden behind all the boxes in colourful wrappings and sparkling bows.

We can keep Christmas well by beginning with worship - whether we are at home or anywhere in the world.  And when we have guests in our homes - invite them along!

Christmas Eve we have two services.  The first is the Family Service at 7:00 p.m.  I would like to encourage children to dress in costume for any one of the parts of the Nativity story - Mary, Joseph, and angel, Jesus, .... whoever!  All the children will have a part to play - even if we have 25 Josephs or 35 angels!   But if you are hal-way to church and remember that you forgot the costume - don't worry, for there is still another part to play.

The second service, the communion service, is at 9:00 p.m.  The men's choir has been practiciing so that they are ready to lead the congregation in an inspirational service of worship with lots of music.

December 28:  We will be worshipping at St. John's United at 11:00 a.m.

Finally, an invitation to go beyond our local horizons, and look at a couple of interesting links:

The Moderator of the United Church is the person who chairs the meetings of General Council and its Executive.  The Moderator is seen as a spokesperson for the United Church in certain areas, and is sometimes refered to as the "head" of the  UCC.

The Moderator's 2008 Christmas message, "A Feast for the Hungry,"
posted as a video and in English and French text:

http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/moderator/081210

You can also visit TheUnited Church of Canada's YouTube channel for additional seasonal videos
such as Seasons of Lights:

http://ca.youtube.com/unitedchurchofcanada

 May you have a blessed and wonderful Christmas.  May hope and joy be yours.

peace

kent

Kent Chown, Intentional Interim Minister, Valois United Church