January 24, 2010

Prayer List - To see prayer concerns, please visit our prayer board here.

Upper Midwest Regional Prayer Calendar - may be viewed here

Pastor's Pen - Click here to read Pastor Shane's latest letter

Important Dates
Jan 24 4th Sunday Youth Event 3 pm
Jan 26 Newsletter Folding
Jan. 30 “Up” 3 pm
Jan. 31 HeartSong Concert 3:30 pm
Mission Team Meeting 11:30 am

Go to All Peoples:
Transforming Community with Disciples

For 2010, the plan is to spend all year excavating, exploring, and being formed by the many ideas this theme can ignite. Three things will form the core of what we will hopefully achieve this year together:

1. 2010 will not be all about us! Our theme verses are Matthew 28:19-20, known by many as “The Great Commandment.” The theme begins like the verses do, though “Go to All Peoples” is my translation, rather than the typical, “Go, therefore, and make…”
2. That begins by reigniting our innate love for community!
3. Our community is unique: We are Disciples of Christ!

Mission of the Month – The Partners at Our Table

REMEMBER

-Turn in your worship volunteer forms found in the January Newsletter. Contact the church office if you need a copy of the form.
-Give your birthday & anniversary additions and corrections to the church office (secretary@plymouthcreek.org, 763-559-1469, or leave a note on the desk)

January 17- “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”

January 24- “To Kill a Mockingbird”
January 31- “Up”
February 7- “Dead Poets Society”

Fourth Sunday Youth Events

This month, the fourth Sunday is January 24, and we’ve been invited by Becky B and Lorn B to come over for pizza and a movie (and, rumor has it, ice cream sundaes…). Simple, low key, this is a perfect chance to relax, bring friends and otherwise hang out outside the church.

Arrive by 3. The show begins soon after.
Pastor Shane wants to know how many to expect, so let him know at church, or via email (pastor@plymouthcreek.org). And if you need a ride, he’ll help you figure that out too.

HeartSong Concert Coming in January

Mark your 2010 calendar for a musical event you won’t want to miss! On Sunday, Jan. 31, 3:30 p.m., a new concert called HeartSong will feature musicians from area churches, including: a 30-piece orchestra, vocalists, violinists, guitarists, pianists, and a worship band. The concert, to be held at Messiah Methodist Church, 17805 Co. Rd. 6, Plymouth, celebrates all the work Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners has done over the past 31 years. No tickets needed; a freewill offering will support IOCP. Please come!
Read more!

January 17, 2010

Prayer List - To see prayer concerns, please visit our prayer board here.

Upper Midwest Regional Prayer Calendar - may be viewed here

Pastor's Pen - Click here to read Pastor Shane's latest letter

Important Dates
Jan 20, 27 -Choir - 7 pm
Jan 22 - Newsletter Deadline
Jan 23, 30 Sermon Series Movie 3 pm
Jan 24 - 4th Sunday Youth Event
Jan 26 - Newsletter Folding
Jan. 31 - Mission Team Meeting
HeartSong Concert 3:30 pm

Go to All Peoples:
Transforming Community with Disciples

For 2010, the plan is to spend all year excavating, exploring, and being formed by the many ideas this theme can ignite. Three things will form the core of what we will hopefully achieve this year together:

1. 2010 will not be all about us! Our theme verses are Matthew 28:19-20, known by many as “The Great Commandment.” The theme begins like the verses do, though “Go to All Peoples” is my translation, rather than the typical, “Go, therefore, and make…”
2. That begins by reigniting our innate love for community!
3. Our community is unique: We are Disciples of Christ!

Mission of the Month – The Partners at Our Table

REMEMBER
-Turn in your worship volunteer forms found in the January Newsletter. Contact the church office if you need a copy of the form.
-Give your birthday & anniversary additions and corrections to the church office (secretary@plymouthcreek.org, 763-559-1469, or leave a note on the desk)

January 17- “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
January 24- “To Kill a Mockingbird”
January 31- “Up”
February 7- “Dead Poets Society”

Fourth Sunday Youth Events

This month, the fourth Sunday is January 24, and we’ve been invited by Becky B and Lorn B to come over for pizza and a movie (and, rumor has it, ice cream sundaes…). Simple, low key, this is a perfect chance to relax, bring friends and otherwise hang out outside the church.

Arrive by 3. The show begins soon after.
Pastor Shane wants to know how many to expect, so let him know at church, or via email (pastor@plymouthcreek.org). And if you need a ride, he’ll help you figure that out too.

HeartSong Concert Coming in January

Mark your 2010 calendar for a musical event you won’t want to miss! On Sunday, Jan. 31, 3:30 p.m., a new concert called HeartSong will feature musicians from area churches, including: a 30-piece orchestra, vocalists, violinists, guitarists, pianists, and a worship band. The concert, to be held at Messiah Methodist Church, 17805 Co. Rd. 6, Plymouth, celebrates all the work Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners has done over the past 31 years. No tickets needed; a freewill offering will support IOCP. Please come!

Dear PCCC Family,

Thank you for your most generous Christmas gift.

I will purchase some new music with it and then go shopping for that special something that will remind me of you.

In Christ's love,
Jeremae

Dear "Plymouth Creekers",

Thank you for your kind and generous Christmas gift. I haven't decided what I'm getting yet, but I feel some retail therapy is definitely in order for the near future!

Shalom,
Kimberly

Many thanks for your generous Christmas gift! It helped purchase a new phone, which replaced the old pastor's cell and will greatly improve my chronically underwhelming organizational capacity. So give me a call! I'd love to chat.

Shane

Read more!

January 10, 2010

Prayer List - To see prayer concerns, please visit our prayer board here.

Upper Midwest Regional Prayer Calendar - may be viewed here

Pastor's Pen - Click here to read Pastor Shane's latest letter

Important Dates
Jan 6, 13, 20, 27 Choir 7 pm
Jan 8 Scrapbooking 7 pm
Jan 16 Take down greens and arrange sanctuary 10 am
"O Brother Where Art Thou" PG-13 3 pm
Jan 22 Newsletter Deadline
Jan 24 4th Sunday Youth Event
Jan 26 Newsletter Folding
Jan. 31 Mission Team Meeting
HeartSong Concert 3:30 pm
Jan 16, 23, 30 Sermon Series Movie 3 pm

Pastor Shane will be out-of-town until January 16

Go to All Peoples:
Transforming Community with Disciples

For 2010, the plan is to spend all year excavating, exploring, and being formed by the many ideas this theme can ignite. Three things will form the core of what we will hopefully achieve this year together:

1. 2010 will not be all about us! Our theme verses are Matthew 28:19-20, known by many as “The Great Commandment.” The theme begins like the verses do, though “Go to All Peoples” is my translation, rather than the typical, “Go, therefore, and make…”
2. That begins by reigniting our innate love for community!
3. Our community is unique: We are Disciples of Christ!

Mission of the Month – The Partners at Our Table

We Need You!
We are taking down the greens on January 16th at 10 a.m. and rearranging the sanctuary. We would appreciate it very much for any help you can provide. Come help in the sanctuary and stay for the movie! (Sermon Series Matinee at 3 pm – “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”)

REMEMBER
-Turn in your worship volunteer forms found in the January Newsletter. Contact the church office if you need a copy of the form.
-Give your birthday & anniversary additions and corrections to the church office (secretary@plymouthcreek.org, 763-559-1469, or leave a note on the desk)

January 17- “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
January 24- “To Kill a Mockingbird”
January 31- “Up”
February 7- “Dead Poets Society”

Fourth Sunday Youth Events

This month, the fourth Sunday is January 24, and we’ve been invited by Becky B and Lorn B to come over for pizza and a movie (and, rumor has it, ice cream sundaes…). Simple, low key, this is a perfect chance to relax, bring friends and otherwise hang out outside the church.

Arrive by 3. The show begins soon after.
Pastor Shane wants to know how many to expect, so let him know at church, or via email (pastor@plymouthcreek.org). And if you need a ride, he’ll help you figure that out too.

HeartSong Concert Coming in January

Mark your 2010 calendar for a musical event you won’t want to miss! On Sunday, Jan. 31, 3:30 p.m., a new concert called HeartSong will feature musicians from area churches, including: a 30-piece orchestra, vocalists, violinists, guitarists, pianists, and a worship band. The concert, to be held at Messiah Methodist Church, 17805 Co. Rd. 6, Plymouth, celebrates all the work Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners has done over the past 31 years. No tickets needed; a freewill offering will support IOCP. Please come!

Dear PCCC Family,

Thank you for your most generous Christmas gift.

I will purchase some new music with it and then go shopping for that special something that will remind me of you.

In Christ's love,
Jeremae

Dear "Plymouth Creekers",

Thank you for your kind and generous Christmas gift. I haven't decided what I'm getting yet, but I feel some retail therapy is definitely in order for the near future!

Shalom,
Kimberly

Read more!

January 3, 2010

Prayer List - To see prayer concerns, please visit our prayer board here.

Upper Midwest Regional Prayer Calendar - may be viewed here

Pastor's Pen - Click here to read Pastor Shane's latest letter

Important Dates
Jan 6, 13, 20, 27 Choir 7 pm
Jan. 31 HeartSong Concert 3:30 pm
Jan 16, 23, 30 Sermon Series Movie 3 pm

Go to All Peoples:
Transforming Community with Disciples

For 2010, the plan is to spend all year excavating, exploring, and being formed by the many ideas this theme can ignite. Three things will form the core of what we will hopefully achieve this year together:

1. 2010 will not be all about us! Our theme verses are Matthew 28:19-20, known by many as “The Great Commandment.” The theme begins like the verses do, though “Go to All Peoples” is my translation, rather than the typical, “Go, therefore, and make…”
2. That begins by reigniting our innate love for community!
3. Our community is unique: We are Disciples of Christ!

Mission of the Month – The Partners at Our Table

January 17- “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
January 24- “To Kill a Mockingbird”
January 31- “Up”
February 7- “Dead Poets Society”

Fourth Sunday Youth Events

This month, the fourth Sunday is January 24, and we’ve been invited by Becky B and Lorn B to come over for pizza and a movie (and, rumor has it, ice cream sundaes…). Simple, low key, this is a perfect chance to relax, bring friends and otherwise hang out outside the church.

Arrive by 3. The show begins soon after.
Pastor Shane wants to know how many to expect, so let him know at church, or via email (pastor@plymouthcreek.org). And if you need a ride, he’ll help you figure that out too.

HeartSong Concert Coming in January

Mark your 2010 calendar for a musical event you won’t want to miss! On Sunday, Jan. 31, 3:30 p.m., a new concert called HeartSong will feature musicians from area churches, including: a 30-piece orchestra, vocalists, violinists, guitarists, pianists, and a worship band. The concert, to be held at Messiah Methodist Church, 17805 Co. Rd. 6, Plymouth, celebrates all the work Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners has done over the past 31 years. No tickets needed; a freewill offering will support IOCP. Please come!

THIS I BELIEVE . . .
May years ago, in a land far, far away…or so I thought when I moved there to get my first job...there was a gentle soul, out to make the world a better place. I was very happy at first. I finally had a job in my field and I was good at my job…not perfect…but good!
I made some friends at work, but there wasn’t much to do in this small town. I’d been there about 21 months when I had my first real performance review. I was devastated by what I was told. There was not a single piece of positive feedback in the entire review. I was also confused. I had been told of very positive client feedback from another co-worker, who said it was mentioned to my supervisor. But somehow this positive feedback never got into my review. I was given a probationary period to improve. And improve I did…to the point of becoming a role model. I received no congratulations from my supervisor...only a statement that said I could be terminated at any time on the spot. I never understood why my supervisor hated me so much. Was it because I had better credentials? Was I better at my job? Was I better looking? I would never know. I only knew that I had to get out of there. I put in my 2 months notice for my apartment, moved most of my stuff home, and waited. I gave my 2 weeks notice at work and left. I got a job back in Minneapolis. It paid better and was a nicer place to work. But I never forgot my old employer. I wanted revenge! I used to try to think of ways to secretly hurt this person. Could I damage their car? Could I damage their reputation? It affected my emotional state for years. I cringed whenever I had a performance review, even when they were good. I felt better, but I truly wasn’t happy with my life. This one pathetic person ruined my life years ago and I was continuing to let this person still ruin my life. It was not until I had heard the phrase, “Let go, let God” that I knew what to do. I prayed for peace. And peace is what I got! I realized that it was not me that had lost anything, but my former employer had lost what could have been their best employee ever! I took me some time to realize that losing that job was the best thing that ever happened to me. I have gone further in my field than my old supervisor ever would. Now I am truly happy! So I learned an important lesson. When someone closes a door, God opens a window. When things “get me down” now…I simply let go…and let God! And I have never been disappointed. Read more!

December 27, 2009

Prayer List - To see prayer concerns, please visit our prayer board here.

Upper Midwest Regional Prayer Calendar - may be viewed here

Pastor's Pen - Click here to read Pastor Shane's latest letter

Heartsong Concert Coming in January
Mark your 2010 calendar for a musical event you won’t want to miss! On Sunday, Jan. 31, 3:30 p.m., a new concert called Heartsong will feature musicians from area churches, including: a 30-piece orchestra, vocalists, violinists, guitarists, pianists, and a worship band. The concert, to be held at Messiah Methodist Church, 17805 Co. Rd. 6, Plymouth, celebrates all the work Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners has done over the past 31 years. No tickets needed; a freewill offering will support IOCP. Please come!

Important Dates

Dec. 29 Newsletter folding
Jan. 31 HeartSong Concert 3:30 pm

Nursery Volunteer Schedule
Jan. 3- Chana W
Jan. 10 - Maya I
Jan. 17 - Carlos O
Jan. 24 - Hillary P
Jan. 31 - LeAnn V

BAG THE BASICS!
for the
INTERFAITH OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
FoodShelf

110 Grand Avenue Wayzata MN 55391
952-473-2436

fruit juice condiments, cereal pkg’d/canned potatoes, pancake mix, meal-in-a-box or can, syrup, spaghetti sauce, dry/canned milk, cake or muffin mix, canned meat or fish, dish/laundry soap, canned fruit, cleaning products, canned vegetables, disposable diapers (sz. M and L), rice, bathroom tissue, pasta, paper towels, canned tomato products, facial tissue, toiletries, cream/broth/variety soups, personal care products, * sugar, * healthy snacks, * cooking oil,
* honey, * pickles, * mayo, *dried fruits, * beans (dried & canned), * *easy open/single serving items for those without cooking or refrigeration options

PLEASE CALL FOR DONATION DROP OFF HOURS

* most requested item

This list can be found online at
pccc.pbworks.com/General-needs or go to pccc.pbworks.com/IOCP for more IOCP news

Sleep Out = A Hopeful Future

IOCP is grateful for the $835,000 received to date for the Sleep Out Campaign. This means 418 families will be assured help with housing in the coming year. Let's build on that success and encourage others to champion the cause. We acknowledge it's been a tough year all around, but especially for the families who need help with housing. During this season of expectation and hope, stay with us to ensure that all families in our community enjoy shelter from the storm and a more hopeful future. To support the Sleep Out, go to www.iocp.org or call Jill Kohler, 952-494-9388. Thank you!

First Light: Jesus and the Kingdom of God

The Adult Sunday School class wants to invite everyone to its newest series; a DVD-based discussion about Jesus and the historical life he lived. These videos travel through the Jewish countryside where Jesus grew up and ministered, and describe that very different world with the best information that modern scholarship has to offer.

Taught by two of America’s leading Biblical Scholars, John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg, men with over 20 books published between them (some of which are on many best-sellers lists), these sessions aim to get behind the written words of the Gospel, and into the social reality that Jesus and his followers navigated. The end result, well, that’s up to you; rest assured, it’s a different Jesus than is popularly discussed, more mature and realistic, perhaps, certainly challenging and empowering. Come be inspired! No previous Sunday School experience required...


A Table Before Me: God's Open-Armed Adventure
Come Join the Adventure!

2009 Adventure in Mission– TABLE HOSPITALITY

Every month will include a different focus; every quarter will bring a new activity; every season will provide more challenge to increase your understanding of Mission, deepen your commitment to Mission, develop your capacity for Mission stewardship.

December Mission Focus: Toys for Tots

Sharing Our Stories. . .
Waiting for your story!

Based on the NPR “This I Believe” series
Check out thisibelieve.org if you want to learn more
We invite every person at Plymouth Creek to write a "This I Believe" essay regarding one aspect of your faith.

1)350-500 words,
2)Tell a story; make it personal,
3)Describe one thing about your faith, i.e. don't try to include everything.
4)Email them to pastor@plymouthcreek.org, or hand it to Pastor Shane, or send it via snail mail, or slide it under the office door.

Each week for the next year, we will put one or two of these in the weekly bulletin insert, so that we can learn from each other what's important about faith, and how to put that into words.

Every essay will be anonymous- so no one needs to feel self-conscious, competitive or worried about judgment. Only Pastor Shane will know who wrote the essay (or not, if you just slip it under his door!). Read more!

December 20, 2009

Prayer List - To see prayer concerns, please visit our prayer board here.

Upper Midwest Regional Prayer Calendar - may be viewed here

Heartsong Concert Coming in January
Mark your 2010 calendar for a musical event you won’t want to miss! On Sunday, Jan. 31, 3:30 p.m., a new concert called Heartsong will feature musicians from area churches, including: a 30-piece orchestra, vocalists, violinists, guitarists, pianists, and a worship band. The concert, to be held at Messiah Methodist Church, 17805 Co. Rd. 6, Plymouth, celebrates all the work Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners has done over the past 31 years. No tickets needed; a freewill offering will support IOCP. Please come!

Important Dates

Dec. 24 Candlelight Service 5 pm
Dec. 29 Newsletter folding
Jan. 31 HeartSong Concert 3:30 pm

Nursery Volunteer Schedule
Dec. 6 - Chana W
Dec. 13 - Maya I
Dec. 20 - Carlos O
Dec. 27 - Hillary P
Jan. 3- Chana W
Jan. 10 - Maya I
Jan. 17 - Carlos O
Jan. 24 - Hillary P
Jan. 31 - LeAnn V

BAG THE BASICS!
for the
INTERFAITH OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
FoodShelf

110 Grand Avenue Wayzata MN 55391
952-473-2436

fruit juice condiments, cereal pkg’d/canned potatoes, pancake mix, meal-in-a-box or can, syrup, spaghetti sauce, dry/canned milk, cake or muffin mix, canned meat or fish, dish/laundry soap, canned fruit, cleaning products, canned vegetables, disposable diapers (sz. M and L), rice, bathroom tissue, pasta, paper towels, canned tomato products, facial tissue, toiletries, cream/broth/variety soups, personal care products, * sugar, * healthy snacks, * cooking oil,
* honey, * pickles, * mayo, *dried fruits, * beans (dried & canned), * *easy open/single serving items for those without cooking or refrigeration options

PLEASE CALL FOR DONATION DROP OFF HOURS

* most requested item

This list can be found online at
pccc.pbworks.com/General-needs or go to pccc.pbworks.com/IOCP for more IOCP news

Sleep Out = A Hopeful Future

IOCP is grateful for the $835,000 received to date for the Sleep Out Campaign. This means 418 families will be assured help with housing in the coming year. Let's build on that success and encourage others to champion the cause. We acknowledge it's been a tough year all around, but especially for the families who need help with housing. During this season of expectation and hope, stay with us to ensure that all families in our community enjoy shelter from the storm and a more hopeful future. To support the Sleep Out, go to www.iocp.org or call Jill Kohler, 952-494-9388. Thank you!

First Light: Jesus and the Kingdom of God

The Adult Sunday School class wants to invite everyone to its newest series; a DVD-based discussion about Jesus and the historical life he lived. These videos travel through the Jewish countryside where Jesus grew up and ministered, and describe that very different world with the best information that modern scholarship has to offer.

Taught by two of America’s leading Biblical Scholars, John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg, men with over 20 books published between them (some of which are on many best-sellers lists), these sessions aim to get behind the written words of the Gospel, and into the social reality that Jesus and his followers navigated. The end result, well, that’s up to you; rest assured, it’s a different Jesus than is popularly discussed, more mature and realistic, perhaps, certainly challenging and empowering. Come be inspired! No previous Sunday School experience required...


A Table Before Me: God's Open-Armed Adventure
Come Join the Adventure!

2009 Adventure in Mission– TABLE HOSPITALITY

Every month will include a different focus; every quarter will bring a new activity; every season will provide more challenge to increase your understanding of Mission, deepen your commitment to Mission, develop your capacity for Mission stewardship.

December Mission Focus: Toys for Tots

Sharing Our Stories. . .
Waiting for your story!

Based on the NPR “This I Believe” series
Check out thisibelieve.org if you want to learn more
We invite every person at Plymouth Creek to write a "This I Believe" essay regarding one aspect of your faith.

1)350-500 words,
2)Tell a story; make it personal,
3)Describe one thing about your faith, i.e. don't try to include everything.
4)Email them to pastor@plymouthcreek.org, or hand it to Pastor Shane, or send it via snail mail, or slide it under the office door.

Each week for the next year, we will put one or two of these in the weekly bulletin insert, so that we can learn from each other what's important about faith, and how to put that into words.

Every essay will be anonymous- so no one needs to feel self-conscious, competitive or worried about judgment. Only Pastor Shane will know who wrote the essay (or not, if you just slip it under his door!).

Holiday Schedule
Dec. 5 Choir Rehearsal
- Sanctuary 9 am - 12 pm
Dec. 12 Choir Rehearsal
- Sanctuary 9 am - 12 pm
Dec. 13 Christmas Musical 10 am
Dec. 19 Toys for Tots Distribution
-8 am - 4 pm
Dec. 24 Candlelight Service 5 pm

Alternative Gifts
(Consider giving a tax-deductible gift that can change lives)

Take part in a growing holiday tradition by giving gifts that help those in need.
Instead of material gifts, choose gifts from the Heifer International catalog to honor your friends, family or business associates -- gifts that help struggling families lift themselves out of poverty. You can also use the catalog to make a regular charitable gift. Copies of the Heifer International catalog can be found on the table in the Narthex at church or online at www.heifer.org/catalog

Your honorees will receive a beautifully designed gift card letting them know that, in their names, you've given the gift of self-reliance to a struggling family. The card explains Heifer's mission and how the gift you made in their honor will make a difference to a family in need.

SALE OF CHRISTMAS CARDS HELP FEED HUNGRY

Disciples are invited to participate in helping end hunger around the world by purchasing special Bread for the World Christmas cards for family and friends. Three designs are available this year—all using dramatic photos to convey a message of peace, joy, and hope. The photographs reflect the world in which Bread for the World seeks to make a difference.

The cards may be purchased for $10 per pack. Each pack contains 10 cards.
For more, see: www.bread.org/emails/order-christmas-cards.html


A Best Gift helps bring genuine and lasting change to those who need it most.

All gifts are examples of how Church World Service works in partnership to assist people in the world's poorest countries to find effective ways of tackling poverty and injustice. Whatever gift you buy, your money will fund one of the program areas related to your gift: agriculture and livestock, emergency and disaster preparedness, care for vulnerable children, water and environment, or women's empowerment For example, if you buy a goat, rabbits, or a beehive, your money will go to agriculture or livestock programs that can boost people's income.

When you place your Best Gift order, CWS will mail you or your gift recipient on gift card per gift ordered. If you do not want a card or would rather send an eCard or printable card, you can indicate this in the checkout process. The card can be delivered to you or directly to your gift recipient. A short descriptive vignette pertaining to your gift category will be enclosed with each card.

visit www.churchworldservice.org and click on Best Gift Catolog in the "Featured Links" section


Giving a Gift of Service is a perfect way to honor friends, family, or colleagues for birthdays, holidays, weddings, or any occasion. You will also be helping Seva Foundation reduce suffering in eleven countries around the world.

When you make your Gift, you can send an eCard to your honoree, and we’ll also send you a beautiful paper card for you to personalize.

Gifts fall into the categories of sight restoration, clean water, literacy, community health, economic development, and mothers and babies.

Go to www.seva.org and click on “Gifts of Service”

Pastor's Pen - Click here to read Pastor Shane's latest letter

Read more!

December 13, 2009

Prayer List - To see prayer concerns, please visit our prayer board here.

Upper Midwest Regional Prayer Calendar - may be viewed here


Thy Word will once again be heading up collection and distribution of toys for the Toys for Tots program.

We are in need of donations and people to help distribute. A particular need is for the 14-16 year old age group. Last year, some children in that age group did not receive gifts because of a shortage of items.

If you would like to donate, bring new unwrapped items to church by December 13. Toy distribution will take place on December 19 from 8am - 4 pm.

Please contact Al J if you would like to help distribute, or for more information.

Important Dates

Dec. 13 Eat at Punch’s Pizza to raise
Money for The Sleep Out 2009
Dec. 18 Senior's Lunch 11:30 am
Potluck @ Ruth Porter's House
Amahl and the Night Visitors 7:30 pm
@ FCC Minneapolis
Salvation Army Bell Ringing 6-8 pm
@ Maple Grove Walmart
Dec. 19 Toys for Tots Distribution 8 am - 4 pm
Dec. 22 Newsletter folding
Dec. 24 Candlelight Service 5 pm

Nursery Volunteer Schedule
Dec. 6 - Chana W
Dec. 13 - Maya I
Dec. 20 - Carlos O
Dec. 27 - Hillary P
Jan. 3- Chana W
Jan. 10 - Maya I
Jan. 17 - Carlos O
Jan. 24 - Hillary P
Jan. 31 - LeAnn V

Bell Ringing

If you are interested in being a part of this year’s PCCC bell ringing (and singing!) for the Salvation Army kettle campaign, check your calendars for December 18. Rachel Weaver has scheduled a PCCC 2 hour block (6-8 p.m.) at the Walmart in Maple Grove. Those wishing to participate can let Rachel know. Plan to dress warmly!


Plan now to enjoy Punch Pizza next Sunday, Dec. 13, and support the Sleep Out. At the Wayzata Punch Pizza location, 50% of the proceeds for that day will help 15-year-old Peter Larson toward his goal of raising $100,000 for IOCP's Sleep Out Campaign. Call before 4 p.m. for carry out: 952-476-7991. For details, or to make a donation, go to www.iocp.org or call Jill Kohler at 952-404-9388.

Thanks to everyone who has already given to the Sleep Out! As of 11/30, IOCP had raised $582,085, which will help 290 families with housing in the coming year. Families like the Lombards.

The Lombard Family
If you had told me 3 years ago that my husband would leave our marriage, I’d lose my job in a dental office, and I’d be homeless with a child, I wouldn’t have believed you. I still could hardly believe it a year ago when I stood outside a shelter in Minneapolis, hoping for a place to sleep. Everything I had fit in two boxes.

But that’s what happened. When I shared my story with the social worker at the shelter, he connected me with IOCP. They had recently completed a housing development in Plymouth that had townhomes for families like ours, who had been homeless for more than a year.

I was so eager to get settled, for my sake and my son’s. The IOCP case manager helped us get food and furniture, and connected me with employment services through IOCP. That’s how I found a job as a dental assistant. The county is helping me with child care, and IOCP provides bus passes so I can get to and from work. Whenever there’s a community dinner or neighborhood meeting, I go. We have a home now, and it feels so good to know I’m not alone.

With Sleep Out funds, IOCP is able to provide affordable housing, employment services, community resources, and ongoing support to homeless families like the Lombards.


First Light: Jesus and the Kingdom of God

The Adult Sunday School class wants to invite everyone to its newest series; a DVD-based discussion about Jesus and the historical life he lived. These videos travel through the Jewish countryside where Jesus grew up and ministered, and describe that very different world with the best information that modern scholarship has to offer.

Taught by two of America’s leading Biblical Scholars, John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg, men with over 20 books published between them (some of which are on many best-sellers lists), these sessions aim to get behind the written words of the Gospel, and into the social reality that Jesus and his followers navigated. The end result, well, that’s up to you; rest assured, it’s a different Jesus than is popularly discussed, more mature and realistic, perhaps, certainly challenging and empowering. Come be inspired! No previous Sunday School experience required...


A Table Before Me: God's Open-Armed Adventure
Come Join the Adventure!

2009 Adventure in Mission– TABLE HOSPITALITY

Every month will include a different focus; every quarter will bring a new activity; every season will provide more challenge to increase your understanding of Mission, deepen your commitment to Mission, develop your capacity for Mission stewardship.

December Mission Focus: Toys for Tots

Sharing Our Stories. . .
Waiting for your story!

Based on the NPR “This I Believe” series
Check out thisibelieve.org if you want to learn more
We invite every person at Plymouth Creek to write a "This I Believe" essay regarding one aspect of your faith.

1)350-500 words,
2)Tell a story; make it personal,
3)Describe one thing about your faith, i.e. don't try to include everything.
4)Email them to pastor@plymouthcreek.org, or hand it to Pastor Shane, or send it via snail mail, or slide it under the office door.

Each week for the next year, we will put one or two of these in the weekly bulletin insert, so that we can learn from each other what's important about faith, and how to put that into words.

Every essay will be anonymous- so no one needs to feel self-conscious, competitive or worried about judgment. Only Pastor Shane will know who wrote the essay (or not, if you just slip it under his door!).

Holiday Schedule
Dec. 5 Choir Rehearsal
- Sanctuary 9 am - 12 pm
Dec. 12 Choir Rehearsal
- Sanctuary 9 am - 12 pm
Dec. 13 Christmas Musical 10 am
Dec. 19 Toys for Tots Distribution
-8 am - 4 pm
Dec. 24 Candlelight Service 5 pm

Amahl and the Night Visitors
First Christian is proud to present Gian-Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors on Friday, December 18 at 7:30pm. The production features members of the First Christian Church choir and the University of Minnesota Opera.

Please join us at this benefit to support Feed My Starving Children, a Twin Cities-based charity that has been involved in making sure that all of God’s little ones around the world are fed.

First Christian is located at 2201 First Avenue South in Minneapolis.

Alternative Gifts
(Consider giving a tax-deductible gift that can change lives)

Take part in a growing holiday tradition by giving gifts that help those in need.
Instead of material gifts, choose gifts from the Heifer International catalog to honor your friends, family or business associates -- gifts that help struggling families lift themselves out of poverty. You can also use the catalog to make a regular charitable gift. Copies of the Heifer International catalog can be found on the table in the Narthex at church or online at www.heifer.org/catalog

Your honorees will receive a beautifully designed gift card letting them know that, in their names, you've given the gift of self-reliance to a struggling family. The card explains Heifer's mission and how the gift you made in their honor will make a difference to a family in need.

SALE OF CHRISTMAS CARDS HELP FEED HUNGRY

Disciples are invited to participate in helping end hunger around the world by purchasing special Bread for the World Christmas cards for family and friends. Three designs are available this year—all using dramatic photos to convey a message of peace, joy, and hope. The photographs reflect the world in which Bread for the World seeks to make a difference.

The cards may be purchased for $10 per pack. Each pack contains 10 cards.
For more, see: www.bread.org/emails/order-christmas-cards.html


A Best Gift helps bring genuine and lasting change to those who need it most.

All gifts are examples of how Church World Service works in partnership to assist people in the world's poorest countries to find effective ways of tackling poverty and injustice. Whatever gift you buy, your money will fund one of the program areas related to your gift: agriculture and livestock, emergency and disaster preparedness, care for vulnerable children, water and environment, or women's empowerment For example, if you buy a goat, rabbits, or a beehive, your money will go to agriculture or livestock programs that can boost people's income.

When you place your Best Gift order, CWS will mail you or your gift recipient on gift card per gift ordered. If you do not want a card or would rather send an eCard or printable card, you can indicate this in the checkout process. The card can be delivered to you or directly to your gift recipient. A short descriptive vignette pertaining to your gift category will be enclosed with each card.

visit www.churchworldservice.org and click on Best Gift Catolog in the "Featured Links" section


Giving a Gift of Service is a perfect way to honor friends, family, or colleagues for birthdays, holidays, weddings, or any occasion. You will also be helping Seva Foundation reduce suffering in eleven countries around the world.

When you make your Gift, you can send an eCard to your honoree, and we’ll also send you a beautiful paper card for you to personalize.

Gifts fall into the categories of sight restoration, clean water, literacy, community health, economic development, and mothers and babies.

Go to www.seva.org and click on “Gifts of Service”

Pastor's Pen - Click here to read Pastor Shane's latest letter

Read more!