Well, in our church we are now officially in the Advent season. That means that last Saturday, in order to prepare for the first Sunday in Advent, a small army of volunteers arrived at the church to decorate and get ready for the Hanging of the Greens service on Saturday night. It was a daunting task at first, but as the day wore on, we gradually saw everything coming together.

It was a particular miracle because during Thanksgiving week, it seems like about half the congregation was sick. So, by Saturday, most were starting to feel better, but still hadn't gotten back to full steam yet. Also, Martha Different who is in charge of the decorations, fell on Thursday and broke her arm. By Saturday, she still hadn't had it set, so she was not able to help out. We pray by now she is on the mend.

We want to give a special commendation to Vern and Thetis Jackson who totally refurbished the outside Nativiy set. It looks beautiful.

Also, on Saturday, we had a little excitement as our parking lot had to be cleared of cars when the hospital helicopter had to land there to pick up a patient. We hope that person is doing well now.

Sunny Farley gave a great sermon on Sunday at both services. Her parents were there along with her husband, Jim and son, Kai. It was good to see all of them again.

Special thanks go to Susan Romo and Gail Johnston who gave us a beautiful Advent special during the service.

We hear Gail Massey had a little fall, but she is up and around again, but Roland seems to have a cold.

Rev. Richard and Rebecca Prather got off to Germany on Saturday. They stopped by the church one last time to check on things before leaving.

Bill Martin had to make an emergency run to the doctor on Saturday, but he is doing better now.

Our thanks go to Sarah Howard and Judy Pope who filled in at the piano for Carla Fisher while she was in Tennessee.

This coming Sunday, Rev. Nick Sholars will be the guest preacher at both services. He is our District Superintendent, and we know he will deliver a great message.

On Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m., the church will gather to go Christmas caroling, and then immediately after that, report to the amphitheater for a bonfire and marshmallow roast, if the weather cooperates.

Then, on the 10th, don't forget the dinner at Traditions at 6 p.m.

Also, don't forget the Rediscover Christmas event in Murchison on Saturday. It will go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature a live nativity along with crafts, games and refreshments. This is sponsored by several of the local Methodist churches.