Innisfil

Community

Church

NEWSLETTER

JANUARY, 2003

PASTOR'S NOTE:

As we approach another New Year, that of 2003, we want to express our personal thanks to God for His presence and blessings over the past year. We have seen His hand at work in many ways.

YOU have been a significant part of what has been accomplished this past year. YOUR PRAYERS and financial gifts have allowed us the privilege to help many throughout our community.

We say "THANKS" to you for this. With God's help we will endeavor to continue to be faithful in serving Him and you.

We also want to say a special WELCOME to all the new families who have joined our church family in this past year.

May God bless and prosper you in the new year!

FREE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER

Several volunteered to assist Marion Boone, our church secretary, as she coordinated and hosted our free Community Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve. Early reports at the time of this writing indicate a very strong response by both those who want to avail themselves of this offer and those who wish to help by providing finances or products for the evening.

The Mayor of Innisfil, Mr. Brian Jackson, committed himself and his wife to serve punch during the evening, and our local Member of Provincial Parliament, Mr. Joe Tascona consented to say the grace. Thanks to Mrs. Boone for her efforts in heading up this year's dinner.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CONCERT

The annual Sunday School Concert was led and directed by Karen French this year. It went off without a hitch on Sunday evening, December 15. Close to 200 attended and the "Not So Silent Christmas" was well portrayed by the Sunday School students.

Thanks to all the teachers and helpers in putting this year's concert together!

BLOOD DONOR CLINIC

Another Blood Donor Clinic was held at Innisfil Church on Friday, December 20. We continue to encourage those who can give to do so.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MUSICAL- DRAMA

Under the direction of Betty Anne Taylor, this year's musical drama entitled "Four Tickets To Christmas" was a wonderful success. The Friday and Saturday "Dessert Theater" nights were full and the Sunday Night performance was very well attended in spite of a significant winter storm.

Special thanks to Betty Anne for her many hours of volunteer work!

PRIMETIMERS CHRISTMAS DINNER

The Primetimers enjoyed a enjoyable time together with a full course Christmas dinner on Wednesday, December 11. Glenda Mitchell did another wonderful job catering this full course meal.

There was a time of carol singing and sharing following the meal.

Earlier in the month, the seniors also enjoyed a bus tour of the Christmas Lights throughout the community and shared a Christmas dinner at the Golden Griddle. A special thanks once again to Gil and Delores for all their hard work and faithful service in coordinating these great occasions and activities for the seniors.

MORE BANQUET NEWS!

Innisfil Community Church youth "SoulWinners" hosted their annual Christmas Banquet on Saturday, December 14. The roast beef meal was catered by Glenda Mitchell and was delicious. The kids enjoyed a variety program during the evening and concluded with a movie.

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS FOR NEEDY FAMILIES

Every year Innisfil Church coordinates efforts to serve a number of needy families.

For years now there have been families in the church as well as those from the community who provide "a complete Christmas package" for needy families. The donors simply call the church and the church assigns a family to them. The names remain anonymous. Donating families are given the family structure and ages of the children. Not only is food provided (everything needed for a full turkey dinner), but also gifts are purchased for the specific children. The hampers are then dropped off at the church, and the church arranges for delivery. This too serves to protect the anonymity of those receiving assistance.

The church also refers requests for assistance to the Christmas Cheer program.

Christmas Cheer recipients in Innisfil normally exceed the amount of food and donations given in support of the Christmas Cheer program from the area.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST

Diane Bourne is in need of our prayers following a serious car accident. She is in Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto.

TITHE ENVELOPES AVAILABLE NOW!

For those who wish to regularly support the on-going ministries of Innisfil Church, tithe envelopes are now available for 2003. Call the office or ask the Pastor for your set! (We can also mail them to you.)

ADDRESSES ????

I F YOUR ADDRESS IS INCORRECT ON THIS MAILING...PLEASE help us by phoning the office and leaving your NEW MAILING ADDRESS AND POSTAL CODE, along with your name and phone number. You can call the office staff between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monday to Friday,or anytime for voice-mail.

INNISFIL

COMMUNITY

CHURCH