Faith Baptist Chandler
by Melva Allison

The Christmas season is a busy but joyous time of the year. With all the hustle and bustle of shopping, parties, and visiting with friends and relatives, let's always remember the "reason for the season " is celebrating the birth of Jesus.

The first Sunday night in December, our church started off the season by observing the "hanging of the greens" ceremony. The church was decorated with poinsettias, wreaths, and a beautifullydecorated Christmas tree. Evie House told the meaning of the Crismon ornaments which adorned the tree. The occasion ended with music and a candle-lighting ceremony.

On December 9, a church-wide missions banquet/holiday dinner was held. Guest speakers were missionaries to Poland who told about their mission work there. Cayla Quenichet, whose parents were missionaries in Africa while she was growing up, sang one of the songs she had learned as a child in Africa.

Thirty-one ladies, representing different churches, attended a retreat at the Woods, Pine Cove Encampment. The theme was "Conditions of the Heart." Connie Brown was the guest speaker and she spoke on the condition of the individual heart and the heart of the church. Becky Darst opened up the conference with a skit on packing the proper things in our heart and unpacking the items that weigh heavy on the heart. Cindy Smith with Beauticontrol came and did a spa presentation with the ladies. Misty Bridges talked on health, nutrition and Juice Plus. The ladies did heart mosaics as a craft. The setting was beautiful, the food was fabulous, and the accommodations were great.

Melva Allison hosted a luncheon for the senior adult ladies Monday, December 10. The group enjoyed a delicious lunch and fellowship. Those present were Maxine Barnes, Benita Carver, Mildred Dever, Wanda Jarrett, Nita LeMaster, Bettye Redfearn, Eva Shelby, Helen Shifrin, Pat Sweeney, Mary Waddill, Chris Weeks, and Pam Wyatt.

The Children's Choir performed a musical/drama entitled "Christmas at Bethlehem Gulch" Sunday morning, December 16. Those participating were Caitlyn Allison, Dustin Bench, Cody Cade, Devin Carver, Rebecca Cawthon, Cassie Chambers, McKenzie Chambers, Dagan Darst, Danielle Darst, Rein Darst, Elizabeth Pace, Caleb Seale, Joshua Seale, Amanda Swofford, Hallie Wilkerson, Karli Wilkerson, and Daisy Yarbrough. Jennifer Bench played the part of Miss Diane. Melva Allison directed the choir, assisted by Maxine Barnes. Becky Darst was the drama coach, and Jay Hollifield provided the sound. Our thanks also to Betty Peavy for painting the set, and to others who assisted in setting up the stage. We were blessed by their presentation of the birth of our Savior, Jesus.

Eighteen Top of the Hill Gang members enjoyed great food Friday at the Athens Marina Restaurant. Those attending were Jerry and Joyce Houston, Paul and Betty Peavy, Ed and Tincy Robinson, Stephen and Connie Giles, Paul and Dorothy McMillan, Joe and Mary Waddill, Warren and Nita LeMaster, Maxine Barnes, Chris Weeks, Benita Carver, and Lee Godsey. Next month lunch will be at the Cotton Patch in Tyler.

Marine Corporal Miranda Lachey, granddaughter of Jack and Maxine Barnes is back at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, after spending a year in Okinawa. Jack and Maxine are very happy to have her back on American soil.

We invite all those who do not have a church home and who would like to be part of a loving church family to join us in our weekly worship services and activities. There is a place for everyone.

We wish everyone a very meaningful and Merry Christmas!