Script #180

Friends,

Some announcement/opportunities for this week:

1. If you missed the wondrous children's program on 12/15, you can still experience some of it by going to www.bnnsradio.com and listening to the archived version.  We praise the Lord for Becca, Lydia, Presbyterian Women, Jessica, Victoria, Syrienna, our sound crew, everybody who made this possible, and, of course, our wonderful children who epitomize our Lord's call for us to recapture their trust and joy in maturing discipleship.

2. Surely, not Shirley, you don't want to miss this coming Sunday's (12/22) annual chancel choir Christmas cantata at 10:00 a.m.

3. Again, while we have had requests for the broadcast of our first service at 7:20 a.m. when we have special seasonal programs during our second service, you can always go to www.bnnsradio.com for many wonderful messages via Confessing Moments, Crazy Love, Add a Little PEP, Alex Starr's show, and much more by clicking on www.bnnsradio.com and looking at the white letters on the black board for many interesting opportunities to increase intimacy with Him.

4. Speaking of www.bnnsradio.com, you don't want to miss Joe Pallikaythayil, President of Presbyterian Elders in Prayer, on Fridays from 11:15 - 11:30 a.m. as He through him adds a little PEP into...

5. Mountaintop Cell(ular) Ministry continues this Wednesday from noon - 3:00 p.m. and you are invited to get those prayer requests in by early Wednesday morning via kmac@belvpresbyterian.org or by leaving a message on our shared confidential prayer line (815-544-3535).

6. Speaking of MCM, the requests and opportunities of the ministry are causing moi to consider expanding the wineskin.  Sooooooo beginning real soon, whatever that means, we will also schedule MCM moments or hour-long mini-versions in a rather spontaneous way.  Translating, that means you can always call 815-544-6402, 815-544-3535, or write kmac@belvpresbyterian.org to "drop off" those requests on a daily basis.

7. New Officer Orientation will be held in the undershepherd's study immediately after the second worship service on Sunday (12/22) with ordination/installation scheduled for the second service on 1/5/14.  Yes, even if you are an experienced/inquiring deacon, elder, or member just interested in..., please feel encouraged to attend.

Blessings and Love!

P.S. Please note what's below from our good friend the OGD!  Remember First Presbyterian Church in your will; and, before then, remember our family of faith's ministries in your regular tithes, offerings, and gifts!  With our expanding local compassionate missionary opportunities and responsibilities, we're counting on your help!

Helping others is a God-given mandate.  But as in all things, a Christian's first responsibility is to think!  Do the most good by giving wisely.  OGD

[from Snopes.com]

Subject: BEFORE YOU DONATE

How many ways can you spell GREED?    SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOU MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS:   As you open your pockets to do a good thing and make yourself feel good, please keep the following facts in mind: The American Red Cross President and CEO Marsha J. Evans' salary for the year was $651,957 plus expenses MARCH OF DIMES It is called the March of Dimes because only a dime for                            every 1 dollar is given to the needy. The United Way President Brian Gallagher receives a $375,000 base salary along with numerous expense benefits. UNICEF CEO Caryl M. Stern receives $1,200,000 per year (100k per month) plus all expenses including a ROLLS ROYCE. Less than 5 cents of your donated dollar goes to the cause. GOODWILL CEO and owner Mark Curran profits $2.3 million a year. Goodwill is a very catchy name for his business. You donate to his business and then he sells the items for PROFIT. He pays nothing for his products and pays his workers minimum wage! Nice Guy. $0.00 goes to help anyone!  Stop giving to this man. Instead, give it to ANY OF THE FOLLOWING GO "GREEN" AND PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE IT WILL DO SOME GOOD: The Salvation Army Commissioner, Todd Bassett receives a small salary of                            only $13,000 per year(plus housing) for managing this $2 billion dollar organization. 96 percent of donated dollars go to the cause. The American Legion National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth! The Veterans of Foreign Wars National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth! The Disabled American Veterans National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth! The Military Order of Purple Hearts National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth! The Vietnam Veterans Association National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth! Make a Wish: For children's last wishes. 100% goes to funding trips or special wishes for a dying child. St. Jude Research Hospital 100% goes towards funding and helping Children with Cancer who have no insurance and cannot afford to pay. Ronald McDonald Houses All monies go to running the houses for parents who have critical Children in                            the hospital. 100% goes to housing, and feeding the families. Lions Club International 100% OF DONATIONS GO TO HELP THE BLIND,BUY HEARING AIDES, SUPPORT MEDICAL MISSIONS AROUND THE WORLD. THEIR LATEST UNDERTAKING IS MEASLES VACCINATIONS (ONLY $1.00 PER SHOT).