News and Notes for December 14

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THIS SUNDAY – December 18th

Worship - Join us at 9:00 am or 11:00 am for worship on the Fourth Sunday of Advent! Rwth will be preaching from Matthew 1:18-25:  “Together a Home”

Women's Advent Retreat  - The Women's Advent Retreat will be at 6:00 pm in the Family Life Center. What do you need to bring? Nothing! Just bring yourself and spend some time with God and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ!

Koinonia Student Ministries – ALL YOUTH (6th – 12th Grade) are invited to the “All Youth Christmas Party” beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Backyard (Youth Center). 

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES - Saturday, December 24th
-          4:00 p.m. - Traditional Service in the Sanctuary
-          5:30 p.m. - Family/Contemporary Service in the Family Life Center
-          7:00 p.m. - Traditional Service in the Sanctuary

CHRISTMAS DAY - Sunday, December 25th
One combined service at 10:00 a.m. in the Family Life Center.  All are welcome and invited to come as you are as we celebrate the birth of Christ together on Christmas Day! 

NEW YEARS DAY- Sunday, January 1st
One combined service at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.  We begin the New Year together as a church family remembering the generosity of God’s blessings and committing ourselves to serve God faithfully in the year to come!

END-OF-YEAR GIVING
In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of the season, you likely receive many appeals from worthy causes for your charitable gifts. We are grateful for your generosity to Ocala First throughout the year and hope you will remember us this Holy Season as well. Your giving really does make a difference in the lives of our children and youth, in our mission to those in need across Ocala and throughout world, and in the many ways we reach people through our ministries.    

Your 2016 pledges can be paid through December 31, 2016.  And if you have not pledged for 2017, you are encouraged to do so this month so that our Finance Committee can faithfully support our mission and ministry throughout 2017.

LOOKING AHEAD:
A Disciple’s Path: A Baptism, New Members and Renewal Class

Rwth and David are pleased to lead A Disciple’s Path beginning in January 4, 2017. This six week study is required for all who would like to join Ocala First through Baptism, Profession of Faith or by Transfer of Membership. Rwth and David would also like to invite and encourage all current members who would desire to renew and rekindle their spiritual life to join this wonderful time of study, reflection and fellowship. The session be held each Wednesday night from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. To sign up, please contact the church office. 


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