DINNER AT STANWICH

ON CHRISTMAS DAY

  A new tradition was born this Christmas with our first ever Christmas Dinner in Emmaus Hall.  The Wells and the Kaufmans organized the event and invited everyone who did not have family in town or a place to go on Christmas.  The event was a great success with 32 people attending.  The Wells and the Kaufmans provided the main course of ham and turkey, and side dishes and desserts were provided by the guests for a potluck style buffet.  Everyone enjoyed the food, the fire, and the chance to share favorite Christmas memories and get to know one another better.  The event even made front page news in the Greenwich Time.  Thanks to the Wells and the Kaufmans for their heart to serve on Christmas, and for all who helped to make this event possible.   

RECORD YEAR FOR OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

  Operation Christmas Child reached a new record of participation at Stanwich this year, with an amazing 915 shoeboxes filled with toys and treats donated by our congregation.  The Gustin, Jayes and Sharp families, who coordinated the project, want to thank everyone for their generosity which led to a 33% increase over last year's total of 688 boxes.  Through the love and generosity of the Stanwich family, more children in impoverished areas throughout the world will have the joy of opening gifts and learning about God's love at Christmas. 

STANWICH INTRODUCES NEW

NEXT STEPS PROGRAM

   A new adult ministry entitled Next Steps offers vocational help and counsel to people who are at a transition point in their lives.  The program uses reflection and outside feedback to assist people on their journey in the following areas:

• Career - for people just starting out and thinking through what education or training they might need, or those who have finished their education and are wondering where to begin.
• Transition - for people leaving a job or career in search of another.
• Legacy - for people who have found a level of financial stability and are looking to transition into a Kingdom investment for their next vocational stage.

The program is held on the 2nd Wednesday of every month.  From 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. will be participation in the Wednesday evening praise time in the sanctuary, followed by a discussion and break-out time in Meeting Room.   Please note that this program is not intended as a job search group.  More details are available in the Next Steps brochure or by contacting Ernst Schirmer or Heather Knapp. 

STANWICH HONORS VETERANS

   On November 9 Stanwich honored current military personnel and veterans of past service from Greenwich and the surrounding area.  The guest speaker was Ronald B. Greenfield of Columbia, South Carolina.  A retired U.S. Army officer, Ron flew helicopters in combat during the Vietnam war.  He was shot down in the jungle but subsequently evaded capture and made his way back to American lines.  In the process, he suffered injuries that led to the loss of one of his legs and was awarded the Purple Heart.  Ron later served as Executive Officer for Special Tactics, a civilian position, at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina, where he met Rev. Joshua Kim.  Now Chief Operating Officer of CDA Associates, an architectural firm, Ron was honored as the 2007 Department of Defense Disabled Civilian of the Year and has been recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives for outstanding achievement by a disabled veteran after returning to civilian life. 

ACOUSTIC COFFEE HOUSE

   Emmaus Hall rocked with a concert featuring Katie Nelson and Scott Troyer.  Their music is best described as folksy-roots-electronic-infused-rock-with-a-splash-of-soulful-worship.  To learn more about Katie's music, visit her web site at www.katienelson music.com.