The Keene Koinoia

Keene Evangelical Free Church Newsletter December 2011

Pastors Corner
John 1:14 claims The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. The Word, spoken and unspoken; the Word that created the universe and all that is in it; the Word that holds everything togetherbecame flesh and dwelt among us! God himself has walked upon this earth and has revealed himself to us through the person of the Son. This thought alone should captivate us in utter awe and amazement. And yet, even closer to the meaning of this passage is the idea that not only did he walk this earth, but that he dwelt among us. That word dwelt means to take up residency; to live next to; to be with. It is the same concept as Immanuel, God with us. Jesus didnt want to simply take a walk-through tour of his creation and shake a few hands like a politician roving through a factory looking for votes. Far from it, Jesus wanted to get his hands dirty with our dirt, in our lives, for our hearts. Jesus was a liberator, a redeemer, an equalizer, a friend, a teacher, etc. As we advent the coming of Christ, his second coming; while we remember and celebrate his first coming, let us rejoice in the fact that God revealed himself in such a tangible and real way a way in which we can truly know him. We can know the grace and truth that he was, fully. Have a very Merry Christmas and may God bless you and yours, Pastor Matt

Inside this Issue

Page 1 Pastors Corner -Womens Circle - Mission Update Page 2 - Sunday School News -S.W.A.T. Ministry -Christmas Program Updates -Awana Ministry -Wednesday Bible Study Page 3 -Womens Ministry News -Hanging of the Greens -Christmas Eve Services -Christmas Day Services

Womens Circle for December

Circle #2 headed up by Nurita and Rachel is responsible for serving at events taking place at church in December. Please be sure to take note of the changes and additions to the Womens Circles coming to you in the mail soon. Thank you ladies!

Mission Update
The Mission Keene EFC is supporting in December is Keene Scholarship Student Andrew Norris.

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Sunday School News

December Verse For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 December Pledge of Faith Statement God is who He says He is. (September) God can do what He says He can do. (October) I am who God says I am. (November) I can do all things through Christ. (December)

Childrens Christmas Program Practice and Program Update

Program Practice Schedule: November 27th during Sunday School Hour *Wednesday, November 30th at 7:00 p.m. This practice will be for Pre-K-6th Grade and Jr. and Sr. High December 4th during Sunday School Hour AND at 5:30 p.m. during Hanging of the Greens *December 7th at 7:00 p.m. This practice will be for Pre-K-6th Grade and Jr. and Sr. High December 11th during the Sunday School Hour Rehearsal will be at 5:30 p.m. for Pre-K-6th Grade and Jr. and Sr. High Childrens Christmas Program will be on Sunday, December 11th at 6:00 p.m. (notice time change) with a reception to follow.

AWANA Ministry News

December Schedule: 3:30 -5:00 p.m. December 7th 3:30-5:00 p.m. December 14th *This will be the Christmas Party and store.

Spiritually Willing Active Teens

Thanks to everyone who helped provide food for and serve at our SWAT Breakfast Bruch Buffet at the end of October. We made almost $670.00! Great job! There will be a special S.W.A.T. event in December - Laser Tag in Lincoln! Be watching your mail for details. *Mark your calendars for Friday, January 20th. S.W.A.T. will be in charge of the concession stand and meal at the Axtell vs. Wilcox-Hildreth Basketball games.

The Awana Christmas Party and Store will be held on December 14th We are in need of store donations. Throughout the semester kids are doing Bible memory work earning Awana Shares. During the Christmas party they are allowed to spend the shares they have earned. These can be any items (toys, trinkets, books, etc.) you th think kids grades 2nd-6 would enjoy. Please drop off your donations in the Church Office marked with Awana store. Thank you! Awana will resume on January 11 at 3:30 p.m. for the second semester
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Wednesday Bible Study

Bible Study will take place on December 7th and 14th in December. We will resume Bible Study on January 11th.

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Womens Ministry News

! All Keene Ladies and Girls are Cordially Invited to Attend our Annual Christmas Ladies Luncheon 12:00 Noon the Alley Rose in Kearney Cost: $7.99 per person for the Lunch Buffet Drink is not included ($1.50) Please join us for a time of great food and fellowship as we kick-off the Christmas season together and prepare our hearts for the celebration of the Gift of the WORD! Please RSVP by Friday, December 2nd! *sign up on the bulletin board *email Joy at mj3asnell@rcom-ne.com *test Joy at 830-0030 *call Joy at 743-2611

Family Night
Hanging of the Greens Sunday, December 4, 2011 5:30 p.m. Adults will be decorating for the upcoming Christmas Season at 5:30. Children will meet downstairs in the Music Room at 5:30 to rehearse for the upcoming Christmas program. We will all come together at 6:30 p.m. for soup, sandwiches, and cookies/bars! Circle 2 (Nurita and Rachel) in charge and serving.

Keene EFC Women will be serving Concessions and Walking Taco Meal
Friday, December 9th Axtell vs. Overton Basketball Game

Christmas Eve Musicale Service

Friday, December 24 at 5:00 p.m. We invite you to attend the Keene Evangelical Free Church Christmas Eve Musicale and Candlelight Service. Bring family and guests to enjoy beautiful music and the Christmas Message of the Birth of Christ!
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Please sign up to help: Set up at 4:00 Serve meal (sign up for a shift with Nurita) Clean up Work the concession stand (signup for a shift with Nurita) Cash donations are also needed to help cover the expense the meal. Contact Nurita at (308)830-2577 with questions, to sign up and/or to make a donation.

Christmas Day Service

Come and celebrate the reason for the season by attending regularly scheduled services on Christmas Day. Fellowship begins at 9:15 a.m. Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Worship at 10:30 a.m.

Church Garage Sale: The tentative date for our next Church Garage Sale in Axtell will be on Friday, March 9th. Please save any sellable times you are willing to donate. If you are not able to store your garage sale donations, please bring them to Church and we will have them stored. *Our Womens Ministry uses the profit from our fundraisers for special needed projects around the church. A few examples of projects we have funded in the past have included the purchase of the new church sign, playground equipment, lapel mike, nursery renovation, kitchen water filter and kitchen appliances.

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