In response to the arctic storm that arrived in our area on December 6th, the Ladies Ornament Exchange has been rescheduled for Friday, December 13th at 6:30 pm. All ladies are welcome – bring a wrapped ornament and a favorite holiday goodie to share. We hope to see you there!

Due to the recent inclement weather we have changed the day of our Christmas program from December 15th to December 22nd. The program will still be at 11 am and we look forward to a special time together. If you have any questions please call the church office at 541-772-6926.

Giving Tree 2013

Our tree giving tree is set up in the foyer! This year we are doing our giving tree a little different than in the past. Instead of specific gift suggestions, we have envelopes on the tree with suggested types of gift cards to purchase, such as for a department store, grocery store, a store where toys may be purchased or a Visa type gift card that can be used anywhere.  Be sure to return your gift card by December 15^th. Your gift will be much appreciated by those who receive them.

Annual Ladies Ornament Exchange – Friday, December 6th @ 6:30 p.m.  (Date changed to Dec. 13th due to weather conditions.)

All ladies are welcome to join at us at MFC for this festive event!  Bring a wrapped ornament and a favorite holiday goodie to share. Hope to see you there.

Christmas Program – Sunday, December 15^th at 11 a.m.  (Date changed to Dec. 22nd due to weather conditions.)

The theme for our program is “The Light of Jesus” and we hope that over the next two weeks everyone will fill out one of the green sheets in the Sunday Bulletin that asks the question “What memorable ways have you seen the light of Jesus shared at Christmas?”

We also have room left for anyone who would like to share a reading or special vocal or instrumental number during the program. If you would like to share in this way please contact Pastor Mark or Lena Anderson.

Christmas Eve Service

Please join us in the sanctuary Tuesday, December 24^th at 5 p.m. for our traditional “Come As You Are Family Celebration.”

Youth Winter Retreat – December 13th &14th

Jr. & Sr. High Students are invited!

This is a time of getting into the Word & Having Fun. We will be sledding, tubing, ice skating and other activities around Klamath Falls area. Cost $30. Please sign up in Ross Chapel. Contact Dave Gomez with any questions.

Jr. High & High School Youth – Tis the Season! Monday, December 16^th at 7 p.m.

Free Christmas Concert at MTN Church, 1 E. Main St.  Invite a friend to share in merriment & good cheer!  See Dave Gomez for more information.

From the Christian Ed Committee:

Clothing Cupboard for Kids   We would like to have a small cupboard of used clothing available for pre-school and elementary ages in the event of emergency or accidents that require a change of clothing during Sunday School or Wednesday nights, etc. If you have one or two items of gently used clothing that your children have outgrown and would like to donate them, please bring them to the church nursery.

Recycle Those Toys, Games, Puzzles  

At Christmas, our children get new toys and games and frequently have old ones that they no longer are using. If your child has a quality toy or game they would like to donate to our preschool department, we would love to recycle and enjoy what they no longer use. Please think of us when you are trying to make room for the new! We would love the donation.  Please see Lena Anderson.

Change in Touchstone Delivery 

Due to postal requirements and our changing mailing list, beginning in January we will no longer be mailing the Touchstone newsletter as we have been doing for years.

The Touchstone is currently posted in its entirety, including an updated calendar, on our church website, www.medfordfriendschurch.org. If you would be content reading the Touchstone on line please let our secretary Terry Wilson know by emailing her at terry@medfordfriendschurch.org and in the subject line write Touchstone.

We will also make available on the table in the foyer a number of copies of the Touchstone in printed form for people to pick up after the first of each month. And for those people for whom those methods do not work we can mail it to you. If you need us to mail you a copy please let Terry know by sending an email, a note in the mail, a note on Sunday morning or by calling her at the church office, 541-772-6926. Thank you for your help and patience while we make this change.

White Elephant Gift Exchange – Tuesday, December 31^th

Join us at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall for a fun time!  Bring finger foods to share and a wrapped white elephant gift for the exchange game!

Youth Groups Getting Together for a Great Time

New Year’s Eve Party at 7 p.m. – At Central Point Community Bible

There will be Inflatables, Laser Tag, Games, Live Bands and Food!  Invite a friend!  Cost is $5.  Contact Dave Gomez for more information.
 

Monday – Read John 8:31-36
When it comes to Jesus, what is one of the key ways we are set free?
How does the truth set us free?
What is the difference between the freedom that we might receive from humans and the freedom that Jesus gives us?
How do you need Jesus to set you free in these days? Ask Him to do it.

Tuesday – Read Ephesians 2:8-10
Why is it important to recognize that we have been saved by grace through faith?
What does verse 10 mean to you?
What difference should this make in our daily lives?
What is Jesus saying to you? How will you respond?

Wednesday – Read James 2:14-26
According to this passage, what is the relationship between faith and works?
What do the things you do say about your faith?
What is Jesus saying to you? What will you do?

Thursday – Read Hebrews 9:11-14
How does the blood of Jesus cleanse our consciences?
According to verse 14, how should we respond to the cleansing of our consciences by the blood of Jesus?
What does this passage say to you? How will you respond?

Friday – Read Joshua 24:14-15
This was Joshua’s farewell speech to his people before his death. How important is that context to understanding what he is saying?
This is really the same choice we face each day. How can we go about choosing to serve Jesus each day?
How does this passage challenge you? What will you do?

Saturday – Read I Thessalonians 5:16-18