Union Hill Baptist News
by Mickie Bigbie

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. The weather was absolutely beautiful and we had our fill of scrumptious turkey and all the trimmings ... then great turkey sandwiches ... then good turkey salad ... then, well, let's just say we had lots of turkey! Traffic was a real challenge and there were a gazillion shoppers out. Our teacher Sunday morning reminded us that Satan is the author of confusion. Let me tell you he was having a heyday in the stores Friday and Saturday. The aisles and the shopping carts were nearly as dangerous as the highways!

Seriously, it was a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have so much for which we should all be thankful. Brother Bill hit the nail right on the head Sunday when his message reminded us to get our priorities in order, commit them to God and keep them in order. In this busy and hectic time of the year, it's easy to forget that commitment. That same fellow that was having a heyday and who is also responsible for that catchy little phrase "holiday rage" would just love to scramble our priorities around. Strength in your commitment foils his holiday plans! It's surprising how a smile and a "Merry Christmas" changes a person's mood.

Speaking of changing things, envelopes for your Missions donations are available at the church now. You'll receive a blessing just knowing that your contribution will make a big difference in someone's life.

I'm sure that most of you remember the remarkable Brother Joe Smith. Sunday, in celebration of Advent, the first of the Advent candles, the candle of promise, was lit by the members of the late Brother Joe's family, children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Advent is celebrated during the period including the four Sundays just before the birth of Christ. The celebration continues this coming Sunday. Come join us.

Now let me get busy and tell you what else is coming up at Union Hill. After the evening service on Sunday, December 10th, our youth will be touring the Land of Lights in Athens. Afterwards, they're going to Braum's. What fun that will be! Our youth will again be distributing Christmas cards for us. You may have your cards delivered to your church family for a donation to support our Youth activities. A busload of our kids are going to support the Brownsboro Bears Friday night. You kids need to sign up with Brother Danny and plan to be at the church at 4:30.

On Saturday, December 2nd, Brother Bill will speak at the Men's Prayer Breakfast at First Baptist Church in Edom.

We, at Union Hill, are so proud of our motorcycle ministry, the Wheels of Mercy. These devoted men and women spend many, many hours carrying the Word of

God to anyone and everyone, wherever the opportunity presents itself. This is a tireless group of individuals with a common goal and indestructible determination to spread their ministry to all. We are not the only ones who recognize the depth of their commitment. The Wheels of Mercy along with the Corsicana Chaper have received the first Outstanding Chapter Awards presented by the Circuit Riders Motorcycle Ministries for the way in which they have successfully taken on leadership roles in the ministry and for their outstanding accomplishments over the past year. This presentation was made to them in November and though these folks have not made it openly known that they have received this honor, it's time we all congratulated them for a job well-done. You are truly a blessing to all of us.

They're not slowing down either. At 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, the 2nd, they will make a Toy Run to the Baptist Children's Home in Waxahachie. Saturday evening they will take part in the tree-lighting ceremony at the Edom Community Center. Saturday, December 9th they will have their regular monthly meeting at the Community Center followed by a Christmas party. On Saturday, December 16th, they will be ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at Brookshire's in Chandler, and Sunday, the 17th they'll ride to Ft. Worth to participate in the Texas Toy Run. As you can see, they're always busy. Where there's a need, you'll find these folks and their big, thundering machines, ready and willing to help. May God bless each of you and keep you safe as you ride the roads, doing God's work, making a difference with your tremendous ministry.

As we enter into this special season of the year, we invite you to come join us, be a part of this joyous time. We know you're going to be busy out there and when the going gets tough and you don't know which way to turn, remember Psalms 119:105. My thanks to those of you who contributed information for this week's article.

Our thanks to those of you who visited Union Hill last Sunday and we bid you, come again. It's our pleasure to have you in our congregation. We send a special invitation to you to be present this Sunday for Brother Bill's anniversary message. You don't want to miss it! Bye for now. See you on the hill.