[Parish] Holiday Stress, Prayers

[Malcolm Young]

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What a beautiful day to give thanks for God's grace.  The trees now  
at sunset are positively transfigured outside.  Our church campus is  
so beautiful at moments like this.

I wanted to be sure you received this note from Elisa Merrifield  
about the latest Third Place offering (a more formal invitation may  
appear at the bottom of your email).

I also want to ask your prayers for Maria Davis our Ventana Preschool  
director.  She will be receiving a kidney transplant from her husband  
Grant a week from tomorrow.  We are so blessed by her ministry among  
us and I thank God for the doctors who can perform this miraculous  
operation for her.

This is the last Sunday of the church year.  It is so amazing that  
Advent is upon us so soon.  We'll be sending out our Advent /  
Epiphany schedules in the next newsletter.  If you have material that  
you would like to include in it, please send it right in.

Yours in Christ,

Malcolm



Are you ready????

Holidays are fast approaching and with them can come feelings of both  
joy and anxiety. My son  told me the other day, under no uncertain  
terms, what he wanted for Christmas was a giant green jeep, the kind  
he can drive in the back yard.  I quickly replied, I didn't think  
Santa could fit that in his sleigh.  My daughter wants the Nintendo  
DS, which she tells me "everyone" has, and costs $169.  Is that the  
expectation these days?

I am sure many of you have had the same experiences.  In our  
commercial culture the true meaning of our holidays can get lost in  
the constant barrage of consumerism.  How can we best manage our  
children's expectations through the holidays while at the same time  
hold true to our values and financial obligations and make sure we  
have the magical holidays we want?

Next Wednesday night The Third Place is hosting a special evening to  
answer questions like these and more.  Please join us and kick off  
the holiday season on the right foot!  We have lined up Dr. Erica  
Pelavin, from the Parents Place, to share with you great ideas on how  
to manage the holidays and create joyful traditions with your children.
The evening will begin with a Holiday Social at 6:30. Please RSVP, I  
want to make sure I have enough holiday cheer to go around!!  Baby  
sitting is available so please take advantage and join others for a  
great night out!

This event is free and open to the community.  Pass it on and bring a  
friend!

Hope to see you on Wednesday night.

Cheers,

Elisa Merrifield- Program Coordinator
The Third Place
"nurturing the minds and hearts of families"