As we come to the close of the holiday season, we have many things for which to be thankful. The Lord has blessed us tremendously over the past year.

As always, the holiday season is a busy time, and Faith Baptist has been using their time to be a blessing to others by sharing Christ's love. Our community-wide Thanksgiving service started off the season. We hosted the event with over 350 individuals from community churches attending and enjoying a Thanksgiving fellowship meal. Special music was provided by the area churches.

A "Hanging of the Greens" ceremony was held the second Sunday morning in December. It was an especially beautiful service with all ages participating by hanging the evergreen wreaths, arranging poinsettias, creating a nativity scene, and singing Christmas carols. The Children's Choir, Amy Adams, and Bro. David provided special music. After a heartwarming sermon, the service ended with lighting of the candles and singing the most beloved Christmas song of all time - Silent Night.

The Magdalene Sunday School class hosted a holiday dinner for the residents at Timber Ridge Apartments. Twenty-six of the residents attended the event. In addition to a traditional Christmas dinner, the group enjoyed exchanging gifts. The class also provided gifts for several residents at the Chandler Nursing Center.

The Children's Choir presented their Christmas musical and drama, "The Mystery of the Manger," on Sunday morning, December 21. The choir included Gracey Adams, Katy Adams, Devin Carver, Danielle Darst, Rain Darst, Emaleigh Davis, Emma DeHererra, Leyton McLarty, Adrianna Neely, Jessica Satterfield, Madison Wood, Baker Wynne, and Braden Wynne.

Characters in the Nativity Scene were Jerry Don Satterfield as Joseph, Shelby Hines as Mary, Collin Crist, Jacob Jones, Baker Wynne, and Braden Wynne as Shepherds, and Gracey Adams as the Angel. Nicole Davis and Laney McLarty performed sign language during the "Manger Song."

Other characters in the drama were Nicole Davis as Mrs. Evans, Rain Darst as Jane Blonde, Danielle Darst and Devin Carver as Bernice and Ethel, the cleaning crew, Leyton McLarty as Ethan, Madison Wood as Olivia, Emaleigh Davis as Isabelle, and Katy Adams as Michelle. Several choir members sang solos in the program. Melva Allison directed the musical with Maxine Barnes and Karen Lane assisting.

Our special thanks goes to Jay Hollifield for being in charge of the sound, and Betty Peavy for painting "stained glass windows " for the backdrop. The choir did an excellent job in presenting the Christmas message. We appreciate the parents of these children in allowing us the privilege and joy of working with them.

A good crowd attended the Christmas fellowship dinner on Sunday night, December 21.

The church used money col- lected in "Change for Change" to help families in need by providing Christmas dinners and gift cards. Also, many of the "Safe Small Groups" helped families less fortunate during this time of the year.

The Lottie Moon Christmas offering goal for International Missions has been set at $4,000 this year.

The Top of the Hill Gang enjoys lunch at different restaurants the second Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. The last two months they ate at The Shed in Edom and a seafood restaurant in Athens for the Christmas event. Anyone interested is invited to join them. Contact Paul Peavy for additional information.

The monthly game night is held the first Friday night of each month, at 6:00 p.m. This group always enjoys getting together for competition, food and fellowship. Anyone is welcome to join them. The "senior adults" would like to encourage the younger people to come join them in the fun.

Several individuals enjoyed a trip to Bossier City to see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular presented by the traveling Rockettes, and then stopped by the Cracker Barrel for dinner. Those attending were Melva Allison, Maxine Barnes, Nita LeMaster, Cindy Padgett, Paul and Betty Peavy, Bettye Redfearn, Pat Sweeney, and Pam Wyatt.

Congratulations to Joe and Mary Waddill upon celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary.

The Chandler Men's Prayer Breakfast begins on Tuesday, January 13, from 7:00-7:45 a.m. at the Chandler Community Center. Men, mark your calendars for this important event.

There will be a baby shower for Katie Hollifield on Saturday, January 10, at 10:00 a.m.

Faith Baptist is continuing the new format of the Sunday evening services. Individuals will be meeting in home small groups instead of corporate worship at the church. Those hosting the small groups are Jason and Amy Adams, Paul and Cathy Carver, Wayne and Debbie Duke, Bryan and Susan Penny, John and Cyndi White, and Brandon and Karen Wynne. Everyone is encouraged to be a part of one of these groups.

We are always happy to have guests in our services. Sunday School/Bible study starts at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays, followed by the worship service at 10:30. There is a place for everyone at Faith Baptist. Sunday evening worship begins at 6:00, and the Wednesday services include a new children's program entitled "Elevate" at 6:30 p.m., youth group at 6:30, and adult Bible study/prayer meeting at 6:30 p.m. A meal is served from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Come join us!

Faith Baptist extends to everyone a very Blessed and Happy New Year!