Lake Palestine U.M.C.
by Barbara Cade

Saturday was extremely busy at the church as this was when several stalwart volunteers spent most of the day decorating the church for Advent. It looks beautiful, and we have many new decorations up this year, including a new manger for the nativity, a new 12' tree and some new Chrismon ornaments made by the ladies of the church under the direction of Donna Franko.

At 6:30 pm on Saturday, the congregation came together to finish hanging those greens and officially start the Advent/Christmas seasons.

Sunday was another exciting day as we had the official dedication of our new outdoor amphitheater on the lake. Rev. Nick Sholars, the District Superintendent, was on hand to lead the ceremony which was held on the water's edge. Those who couldn't walk down there, like Kaethe Griffin and Dorothy Botts, rode down in cars.

Immediately following that service, Rev. Mike Cline (a onetime resident of Chandler and friend to many in the congregation) came in to conduct the annual Charge Conference for the church. A very large crowd attended.

Rebecca Prather is working on the newsletter as of this writing, but she is still waiting for more articles to come out. Knowing her efficiency, she should have it out by next Sunday.

Congratulations go to Gail and Roland Massey. They got to attend the wedding of her daughter in Austin this weekend.

And also, congratulations are in order for Tanya Hurst who used to lead the singing at our church. We hear she is expecting another little one.

We are glad to see that Thetis Jackson is feeling better after her little episode in church. She couldn't have been in a better place, as four nurses were available to help her out.

The dinner at Traditions is coming up this next Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Everyone should try to come out for this time of fellowship, food and fun. If you need a ride just let someone in the church know.

On December 16th, there will be only one worship service in the morning at 10:00. This is because the children will be putting on their Christmas pageant. That same night, the combined choirs of Noonday UMC and Lake Palestine will be having their Christmas program. That service should start at 6:30.

The Christmas Eve services are scheduled for 4 pm and 7 pm on the 24th. It's not too early to put these dates on your calendar.

Also, on December 30th there will also be only one worship service in the morning. It too will be at 10:00. More dates and activities will come later.