December 19th was our annual Christmas Party and potluck. We had awesome food (not all desserts this year!). Santa again put in his appearance during the gift exchange, this time with a little surprise with him. Poor Vincent had his gifts 'stolen' several times, even his little doggie friend. David provided the Christmas Carols.
Have a wonderful Christmas! Our next meeting is January 2 for Game Night. Sarah will be at Disneyland for New Year's, contact her directly if you want to go.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Happy New Year!
The first Sunday in Advent is New Year's Day in the Church. As we begin to prepare for the celebration of the birth of the Savior, God's gift of love, the Advent season also reminds us to wait with hopeful anticipation for the time when Christ will come again in power and glory at the close of the age.
The third week of advent is a time for Joy. We light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, sometimes called the Mary candle which traditionally represents Joy. Mary's song of Praise and Joy from the Gospel of Luke remind us of Joy even in uncertain times. Her words can guide us to look for the Joy of God, even when things may be uncertain in our lives.
Wednesday, December 12 - Rachel concluded her two part series on Advent with additional insight into the Advent Season.
We then participated in lighting the first three candles of the Advent wreath (first = Hope, second = Peace, third = Joy) with readings and song, singing 
> after lighting the pink candle.
After selected readings from the old and new testaments, Rachel led us in creating Christmas ornaments from symbols that we noted from the readings. Wow, we have some artistic people in this group. Make sure you come by on Wednesday, December 19 for the Christmas Party and Potluck (check calendar for details). You can see the water in the desert, children playing with snakes, angels, stars, sheep, etc. Be sure not to miss the ferocious beast (and his girlfriend)!
Please pray these prayers:
* Kelli and her family - illness
* Kelli's friend - loss
* Michelle - finding a job, Kelli - being happy in her job, Ellen - decision of job transfer, Alex - wisdom in deciding his future job.
* Alex and his brother, sister-in-law, nephew - illness, separation
* Praises: Sarah - safe and happy return from her trip, Alex - graduation, Victor - his many blessings since his return
The third week of advent is a time for Joy. We light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, sometimes called the Mary candle which traditionally represents Joy. Mary's song of Praise and Joy from the Gospel of Luke remind us of Joy even in uncertain times. Her words can guide us to look for the Joy of God, even when things may be uncertain in our lives.
Wednesday, December 12 - Rachel concluded her two part series on Advent with additional insight into the Advent Season.
We then participated in lighting the first three candles of the Advent wreath (first = Hope, second = Peace, third = Joy) with readings and song, singing 
> after lighting the pink candle.After selected readings from the old and new testaments, Rachel led us in creating Christmas ornaments from symbols that we noted from the readings. Wow, we have some artistic people in this group. Make sure you come by on Wednesday, December 19 for the Christmas Party and Potluck (check calendar for details). You can see the water in the desert, children playing with snakes, angels, stars, sheep, etc. Be sure not to miss the ferocious beast (and his girlfriend)!
Please pray these prayers:
* Kelli and her family - illness
* Kelli's friend - loss
* Michelle - finding a job, Kelli - being happy in her job, Ellen - decision of job transfer, Alex - wisdom in deciding his future job.
* Alex and his brother, sister-in-law, nephew - illness, separation
* Praises: Sarah - safe and happy return from her trip, Alex - graduation, Victor - his many blessings since his return
Saturday, December 8, 2007
December 5th, 2007
We ended up not having a game night this month as another opportunity presented itself. Cindy McQuade (from Upward Bound House) was very impressed with the showing that the bridge had at Westside Thanksgiving. The Board of UBH offered seats to bridge members to go to the UBH Annual Fundraising Dinner event as their guests.
Next Wednesday is Advent Part 2 with Rachel! And remember the Christmas potluck and gift exchange on the 19th!
Next Wednesday is Advent Part 2 with Rachel! And remember the Christmas potluck and gift exchange on the 19th!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
November 28, 2007
We had a great time on Wednesday with Rachel facilitating part one of her Advent series. We learned about Advent as separate from Christmas. It is actually a time of preparation for the celebration of Jesus' birth (similar to Lent as a time of preparation for Easter). Members discussed how they celebrate the season. We learned about the meanings of some of the things that we see at this time of year. Advent Calendar, Advent Wreath, significance of colors, ornaments, candles, trees...
Rachel also brought materials to make an Advent Wreath for the bridge room which we lit during a short devotional. I hope to see everyone at the bridge meetings in December as we continue lighting candles (yes, even on game night) until we have them all lit at our Christmas Potluck and gift exchange on December 19th.
Please feel free to bring items to decorate our bridge room. I brought a Nativity Scene and we have the Advent Wreath.
Please pray these prayers:
* Pray for Ellen's friend Karen who is suffering from MS
* Continued prayers for Rachel's family, especially her brother, David, and Eliza's family for their terrible and unexpected loss.
* Pray for Alex's nephew who is suffering from seizures and Alex's brother and his wife
* Pray for Michelle to find a job to use her wonderful talents
* Pray for David to gain understanding in deeper faith
* Pray for Victor who gives praise the many blessings that he experiences in his life, but prays for stronger faith and that God will touch his ex-fiancee to bring out the faith that he sees in her.
Shannon
Rachel also brought materials to make an Advent Wreath for the bridge room which we lit during a short devotional. I hope to see everyone at the bridge meetings in December as we continue lighting candles (yes, even on game night) until we have them all lit at our Christmas Potluck and gift exchange on December 19th.
Please feel free to bring items to decorate our bridge room. I brought a Nativity Scene and we have the Advent Wreath.
Please pray these prayers:
* Pray for Ellen's friend Karen who is suffering from MS
* Continued prayers for Rachel's family, especially her brother, David, and Eliza's family for their terrible and unexpected loss.
* Pray for Alex's nephew who is suffering from seizures and Alex's brother and his wife
* Pray for Michelle to find a job to use her wonderful talents
* Pray for David to gain understanding in deeper faith
* Pray for Victor who gives praise the many blessings that he experiences in his life, but prays for stronger faith and that God will touch his ex-fiancee to bring out the faith that he sees in her.
Shannon
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