Devotional books are one avenue we can use to spend time with Jesus and explore God’s Word. As we begin a new year, consider exchanging your used book with someone else. If you have a devotional that you have finished reading, leave it in the basket on the Narthex table and exchange it for a different one. If you’ve never used a devotional, choose one from the basket and begin a positive habit in 2018.
Sunday, December 24, we will celebrate Christ’s love with our regular Sunday morning worship and communion service at 9:30 AM.
A Candlelight Christmas Eve service will begin at 4:30 PM.
Please join us for either service, or both, as we celebrate the true meaning on Christmas.
Installation will be January 7 for newly elected Elders Merlin Cleveringa and Dave Haugom, and Deacons Jon Schomacker and Ryan Wynia. New Care Shepherds Myron & Shirley Boeve, AJ & Mary Brands, Linda Hubbling, Tammy Johnson, Randy & Loraea Krull, Derek & Angie Sandbulte, Galen & Lauree Teunissen, and Frances Veldkamp will also be installed that day.
The Jr Department Sunday School Christmas Program will be Sunday, December 17, 6 PM in the Worship Center. Three year olds through Grade 5 will participate.
ARC’s Annual Congregational Meeting was Monday, November 13; 112 voting members were present. Newly elected Elders are Merlin Cleveringa and Dave Haugom, and Deacons are Jon Schomacker and Ryan Wynia. The congregation approved the General Fund Challenge of $504,340, Benevolent Fund Challenge of $118,371, and Building Fund Challenge of $56,400. A drawing was held for new Care Shepherds to begin a three year term in January 2018. New Care Shepherds are Myron & Shirley Boeve, AJ & Mary Brands, Linda Hubbling, Tammy Johnson, Randy & Loraea Krull, Derek & Angie Sandbulte, Galen & Lauree Teunissen, Frances Veldkamp.
HOME DELIVERED MEALS ARC is responsible for serving Home Delivered Meals during the month of December. To volunteer, please choose a date from the calendar at the Narthex table. The meals are picked up at Luverne Senior Dining at 11:30 AM and local delivery usually takes about an hour.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Christmas program practice for Grades K-5 will be Saturdays, December 2, 9, and 16 from 9:00-10:30 AM. Three and four year olds in the Quad Room will practice December 9 and 16 from 9-10 AM. The Christmas program will be presented on Sunday, December 17 at 6:00 PM. (Note time change from previous years.)
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CANTATA Saturday, December 2, 7 PM at ARC. The Cantata will feature over 100 vocal and instrumental musicians, including ARC choir members, sharing the message of Christ’s birth. The performance will raise funds for the Rock County Foodshelf. Adult admission is $10; 12 and under is $5.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING The ARC annual congregational meeting will be Monday, November 13 at 7 PM including election of new officers. Nominees for Elder are Merlin Cleveringa, Dave Haugom, Mark Klaassen, and Gordon Mulder. Nominees for Deacon are AJ Brands, Jon Schomacker, Adam Uithoven, and Ryan Wynia. Absentee ballots are available in the church office.
SPAGHETTI SUPPER, BAKE-OFF & AUCTION SR RCYF Youth Group will host their annual Spaghetti Supper, Bake-off, and Auction on Tuesday, November 7. SR RCYF members will be challenging members of the congregation to a bake-off. Supper served from 6-7:15 PM for a freewill donation followed by an auction of baked items.
