SUNDAY, December 10, 2017 CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP AT 9:00 a.m.

WORSHIP AT 10:30 a.m. Millikin Chamber Orchestra

Dr. Sergey Bogza Text: Isaiah 64:1-2 Michael E. Karunas

Welcome New Members!!! With joy and thanksgiving we welcome Tim and Ann Miller to the Central Christian family. Ann grew up in the church, the daughter of Merle and Bev Chapman. She and Tim moved to Decatur last May after spending many years in Nevada. They immediately began attending Central again and came forward to transfer their membership during the 9:00 a.m. service. Welcome Millers!!!

Campus Clean-up The Property Committee will be holding a campus clean-up day on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 9. Tools, etc. will be provided by the church. Volunteers should bring their own work gloves. We will have coffee and donuts available.

Paul Gorden Property Chair

Come Home For Christmas On December 17, we would like to invite everyone to celebrate Come Home for Christmas. Immediately after the 8:00 service, we will offer breakfast in the Friendship Area. We will also offer breakfast in the Great Hall for those attending the 9:00 service. Finally, we will serve lunch in the Great Hall immediately following the 10:30 service. Please sign up on the pew pads by indicating “Come Home”, which meal you will attend, and how many in your party. Also you can call the church office for reservations. Please sign up by December 10.

Friendship Center Artwork Update The committee working with an artist to prepare a piece of artwork for the elevated wall on the south side of the Friendship Center would like to invite you to a brief open house in the Connection Café on 12/10 immediately following the 10:30 a.m. service. The group has selected an artist with whom to work and is very pleased with the progress being made. They would like to share a report on that progress, including showing a very preliminary sketch of the proposed design.

Women’s Book Club Women’s Book Club will meet at Panera on:

Mon, Dec. 11 - 12:30 pm & Tues, Dec. 12 - 5:30 pm

This Month’s Read is A Lowcountry Christmas by Mary Alice Monroe.

Description: A wounded warrior and his younger brother

discover the true meaning of Christmas in this timeless story of family bonds.

Good Samaritan Lunch

Good Sam is coming up on December 9th. We need 5 to 6 people to help prepare at 8:00am to 11:00am, and 12 to 14 people to serve and

clean-up after from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

Everyone is welcome to stay after 1:00 to have a meal. Please sign-up at the Welcome Center, email central@cccdisciples.org or call

the church office at 217-428-4336.

Vol. LXXXIX Decatur, Illinois, December 6, 2017 No. 49

A weekly visitor to your home bringing you news from Central Christian Church

Our mission … Sharing Christ, Changing Lives, Delivering Hope

Counting On You Sunday, December 3, 2017

Worship Attendance ..................... 273 Sunday School & Small Groups………24

Central Visitor The

“Giving a Different Kind of Christmas Gift” Two weeks ago, Tina mentioned the faith of Ananias in her sermon. The following week, our two Journeymen bible studies examined that story in greater detail and each engaged in fruitful discussion. Ananias famously comes to us in the story of the conversion of Paul in the Book of Acts (9:1-19). Formerly a persecutor of Christians, Paul is struck down to the ground and blinded when the voice of Jesus challenges him to stop persecuting Christians and rather follow God down a new path. In the story of that conver-sion, there are four primary figures. First, naturally, is Paul who undergoes the actual conversion and is truly humbled in his being knocked down and blinded. Second, however, are a group of friends traveling with Paul. We know neither their names nor their number. But they escort Paul into the city after he’s blinded. The third is Judas. Again, we don’t know much about him other than that his name is a popular one. But he is the one who opens his door to the blinded Paul and his fellow sojourners. Finally, there is Ananias. The voice of the Lord challenges him to go to the house of Judas, lay hands on Paul (which will restore his sight) and thereby communicate to him the gift of the Holy Spirit. In other words, God asks Ananias to accept Paul into the mission and ministry of Christ. For the conversion to be completed and fulfilled, all four were needed. Were it not for Paul’s friends to escort him to the house of Judas; were it not for Judas’ hospitality; and were it not for Ananias’ own courage and faith, Paul never would have had the conversion that he did. At different times in our lives, we may find ourselves in the position of each of them. There may be times when we are knocked down by physical infirmity and become dependent on others to help us. Or we may be asked to reach out and help someone in need, providing them an escort or showing them the path they are to follow. Or, like Judas, we may be asked to open the doors of our homes or church to house someone in need of rest. Or, like Ananias, we may be asked to grant forgiveness, even if at first we are reluctant to do so. During this Advent season, as we prepare for Christmas, we will undoubtedly be making lists of those to whom we want to give presents. I’m not suggesting we abandon the shopping plans we have already, but perhaps we might also think of giving the kinds of spiritual gifts illustrated for us in Acts 9. Like Paul, may we consider giving our humility when it is needed. Like the anonymous friends, may we be prepared to give our support; like Judas, our hospitality and like Ananias our forgiveness. These are a “different” kind of Christmas gift for sure. But far more spiritually appropriate than the usual sorts of things we find on Christmas wish lists.

Blessings – Michael

Results from Congregational Meeting At the annual congregational meeting on Sunday December 3, two items of business were presented to the congregation for approval. First was the 2018 budget. Second was the list of Trustees, Elders and Deacons to begin terms of service on January 1, 2018. We are happy to announce that both items were approved by means of a secret ballot vote.

12/17 Youth Group 4-6pm Caroling & Soup 12/24 No Youth Group 12/31 No Youth Group

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Christmas Greetings, On behalf of the Christian Educa-tion Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to send a letter of thanks and appreciation to you for your participation in this year’s Children’s Craft Workshop. I know that it takes many hours of planning and preparation behind the scenes for such a wonderful event to be shared in what seems like a matter of moments! Those moments brought smiles and hap-piness to 28 children. As you served at the workshop this past Saturday, hands and hearts worked together to make beautiful crafts. It seemed like each conversation and action con-nected people with the creative love of God! Again, thank you so much for tak-ing the time out of your schedule to help. I hope that you had fun and I trust you will have a wonder-ful Christmas season and a very blessed and Happy New Year.

~ Tina Miller

Minister’s Article

OUR CHURCH IS GROWING! We will have 4 babies delivered by the end of Summer.

Meal delivery program team members are needed!

Do you enjoy cooking and hospitality? Join in on the fun of welcoming new family members.

We prepare and deliver meals to new parents who are members,

regular attenders, or friends of Central Christian Church.

Please fill out the form below and return it to the office. Or email tmiller@cccdisciples.org.

Our first family is expecting to deliver mid-January.

Chalice Class

Title: Called to Love Focus: In this second week of Advent, we focus on love. What did Jesus teach us about love? How are we called to respond with Christlike love to a hurting world? Where do we see acts of love in the world today?

Preschool News

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Our students have enjoyed seeing the Christmas decorations throughout the church. They have been busy making their own decorations also. If you happen to be near the preschool wing, come see our bulletin boards. On behalf of the preschool, I would like to thank everyone who purchased tickets or made a donation towards our Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser. The support we receive from church members goes a long way towards helping us meet the needs of our students. Thank you all so much!

Jennifer Van Dyke Director

Just Flicks Presents Songcatcher

Sunday, December 10, 2017 6:00 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church Doug Nicholson & Bob Wollenberg

Discussion Leaders

Heart & Soul sings Christmas Carols Tuesday, December 12th at 7:00pm

Central Christian Church, Friendship Center All are welcome!

New Year’s Eve Pops Concert Sunday, December 31st at 7:30pm

Jonathan Young, organ

Sunday, December 10, 2017 Music: Offertory & Anthem—Millikin Chamber Orchestra 9:00-New Worship, Great Hall 9:00-Fellowship Coffee 10:30-MDSO Chamber Orchestra Advent Worship Service 11:30-Artwork Open House, Connect. Café 4:00-Youth Group 6:00-Just Flicks, First Presbyterian Church Monday (11) 9:00-Good Sam 10:30-PS-Gingerbread House Making, 260 12:30-Women’s Book Club, Panera 5:30-Advent Bible School, Connect. Café Tuesday (12) 7:00-Journeymen, Connection Café 5:30-Media Shout Training 5:30-Women’s Book Club, Panera 6:30-Heart & Soul 7:30-Heart & Soul Performance, FC Wednesday (13) 8:30-Preschool-Cookie Decorating, DR 10:15-Chapel 10:30-Ministers’ Meeting 4:15-Peace & Justice, 240 5:30-Elders Meeting, Disciples Room Thursday (14) 10:00-Alanon, 240 10:30-Preschool-Christmas Party, G. Hall 4:00-Journeymen2, Connection Café 5:30-Cont. Worship Rehearsal, Great Hall 6:00-Brass Choir, Disciples Room 7:00-Chancel Choir Friday (15) 12:00-Baby Talk-Cookie Making, 260 Saturday (16) 4:00-Staff Christmas Party Sunday (17) 9:00-New Worship, Great Hall 9:00-Come Home For Christmas Brunch, F.C 9:00-Fellowship Coffee 10:30-Worship Service 12:00-Come Home For Christmas Dinner, G.H. 3:00-Service for Healing & Hope, First Presb. 4:00-Youth Group – Soup & Caroling

In the Hospital... DMH:

Ellen Sheffer St. Mary’s:

No One

Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 650 West William Street Decatur, IL 62522

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The Central Visitor (USPS 098-520) is published weekly by Central Christian Church, 650 W. William, Decatur, IL 62522.

Periodical Postage paid at Decatur, IL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Central Visitor, 650 W.

William St., Decatur, IL 62522.

Serving Schedule—Sunday, December 10 Elders: 10:30 - Krista Rohrscheib, Jan Dobbs

Deacons: 10:30 - Team 2 - Christine Lyman-Harm, Janet Lyman, Dale & Judy Ford,

Erik Harm, Kathy Kauzlarich, Ron Oliver, Steve Swarthout, Andy Fulk, Janelle Beedle, Tom & Diane Ritter, Paul Gorden, Roberta Gorden, Kim Maple

10:30 - Team 4 - Jeannie Backes, Sue Ann Cain, Matthew Swarthout, Kevin Wilmot, Jon French, David Martin, Zach Martin, Julie Martin, Jacob Colbert, Mark Beal, Doug Soebbing, Roger Rutherford, Ron & Gwen Miller

Ushers: 10:30 - Team 2 - Becky Johnston, Betty Scott, Bruce Campbell 10:30 - Team 7 - George Virgil, Capt., Linda Virgil, Jean Voice,

Jon & Jane French

Greeters: 10:30 - Jerry & Susie Bean 10:30 - Larry & Michele Bafford

Acolytes: 10:30 - Isabella Karunas

P.A. Operator: 10:30 - Jim Bednar 10:30 - Keith Backes

Preparation of Communion: Ron & Jan Dobbs, Becky Johnston, Karen Penn

Van Drivers: 9:00 service & 9:15 Sunday School - Dave Sheffer 853-2779 9:15 Sunday School and 10:30 service - John Baird 429-5651 10:30 service only - Ron Oliver 875-0223

Visitor Mailing Crew: Claudine Nichols, Ellen Sheffer, Marilyn Ward, Laura Sperry

Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

650 West William Street Decatur, Illinois 62522 Telephone (217)428-4336 FAX (217)428-1700

www.cccdisciples.org e-mail: central@cccdisciples.org

Michael E. Karunas…………………………………………………….Senior Minister Don Martin……………………………………………………………..Minister of Music Tina Miller……………………………..Associate Minister of CE & Family Life David Martin..……………………………………………………………..Youth Director Cordelia “Dee Dee” Gain ………………………………………..…………...Organist Ashely Sparks………………………………………………..Administrative Assistant Yvonne Boyd………………………………………………..Administrative Assistant Charla Stone………………………………………….………….....Nursery Attendant Cheryl Williams .................................... ………………...Nursery Attendant Melissa Gillis ........................................ ………………...Nursery Attendant Jennifer Van Dyke………………………………………………….Preschool Director Angela Moore…………………......…………………………….....Director Assistant Lisa Coates….………………………...……………………………..Preschool Teacher Kay Villarreal...……………………….……………………………..Preschool Teacher Sharon Renfro...…………………….………………………........Preschool Teacher Samantha West……………………………………………….…...Preschool Teacher Paula Partain………………………………………………………….Teacher Assistant Lora Wright ……………………………………………………………….Lead Caretaker Jim Denzer…………………………………………………..……………….......Caretaker Vernon Wimberly……………………………………………………….…..….Caretaker Andrew Evans……….……………………..…………………………….…..….Caretaker

Main Entrance Door Hosts: December 11 8:30-12:00 - Sandy Garver December 12 8:30-12:00 - Janet Gray December 13 8:30-12:00 - Dave Flanders December 14 8:30-12:00 - Nancy Taylor December 15 8:30-12:00 - Gail Prince