MUSIC NOTE

Please join me in thanking Benjamin Gish and one of his WWVA cello students who bring us the prelude – the 10th Sonata for Two Unaccompanied Cellos by Jean Barriere (1707-1747). We also thank our own Sophia Rich who sings the anthem. It is especially appropriate to hear her sing Gesu Bambino on this date as, if Jesus were born on the 25th December, today he would be just eight days old and headed to the temple with his parents. Listening to Christmas music today helps us remember that, just like every baby, Christ grew up slowly, day by day.
As you prepare to worship, I invite you to meditate on the following paragraph from one of my favorite authors.
“The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life’s peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan’s power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. “Herein is love.” Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth!”
-Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, p.49
 
-Kraig Scott

TOUCHES OF INTEREST

Church Potluck will be next Sabbath, January 9 in the Fellowship Hall at 1:15pm. All are welcome!

From Pastor Alex: “I need you!  Job 12:12 says, ‘Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.’ If you are 65+ this is your invitation to join me for (brown bag) lunch, in the senior pastor’s office, on January 6, 12pm.
My agenda: to hear your wisdom.

“Integrating One’s Faith and The Arts”, is a colloquium presented by the Center for Media Ministry at Walla Walla University. Award-winning filmmaker Martin Doblmeier, shares his lifelong interest in religion with a passion for journalism. It will take place January 6, 2016 at 5:30pm in Chan Shun Pavilion room #154.
Dolbermeir will also be presenting for WWU CommUnity on Tuesday, January 5 at 11am in the sanctuary. His film “The Blueprint: The story of Adventist Education” will be showing in the WWVA Auditorium the same day at 6pm.
On Wednessday, January 6 at 7pm, his film “The Power of Forgiveness” will show at the Fine Arts center Auditorium.
On Thursday, January 7 at 5pm and 7pm, his film “Chaplaincy” will show at Bethel Church in the Gallery at 600 Shockley Road in Richaland, WA.

SonBridge Constituency Meeting will be held at SonBridge, on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at 10 AM.  The agenda will include inspiring financial and development reports of God's blessings and an update of future plans. This constituency session is for designated delegates, but interested parties are welcome to attend!  Thank each of you for your ongoing support.

“Living Beyond Yourself” is a women’s DVD bible study at SonBridge Community Center. Wedensdays, January 6 - March 16, 12-1pm. (Bring a Sack Lunch)

Free counseling for individuals, couples, and families at Pathways to Change, a community counseling clinic managed by the School of Education and Psychology at Walla Walla University.  Counselors are second-year master’s students in counseling psychology under the supervision of program faculty.  The clinic is located in Smith Hall and is open Sunday through Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m.  For more information, or to make an appointment, call Pathways to Change at 509-527-2654.

Depression Recovery Program. Get your life back! Free information session and registration January 5, 6:30 PM, SonBridge Community Center. Through this 8-week course, learn how to overcome depression through lifestyle changes, a positive outlook, and faith in God. The program begins January 19 at 6:30 PM and continues each Tuesday evening through March 8. For more information, call 509-525-0882 or 509-529-3100.

Winter Classes Beginning at SonBridge Community Center: English as a Second Language (ESL) on Mondays and Thursdays, registration January 4 at 6:30 pm. Impact! Life Transitions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting January 5 at 9:30 am. Depression & Anxiety (Neil Nedley DVDs) on Tuesdays, orientation on January 5 at 6:30 pm.

EVENTS

Sabbath, January 2
     4:19pm - Sunset

Monday, January 4
    WWU, WWVA, and Rogers School classes resume

Tuesday, January 5
    11am - WWU CommUnity, Martin Doblemeier
            “Through the Lens of Faith”
    6pm - “The Blueprint: The Story of Adventist Education”
            film screening at WWVA Auditorium

Wednesday, January 6
    12-1pm - Women’s DVD Bible Study, SonBridge
    5:30pm - Center for Media Ministry Coloqium,
            Chan Shun Pavilion room #154
    7pm - “The Power of Forgiveness” film,
            WWU Fine Arts Center Auditorium

Thursday, January 7
    7pm - “Chaplaincy” Film, Bethel Church, Richland

Friday, January 8
    4:21 - Sunset
    8pm - WWU Vespers, Paddy McCoy, speaker

Sabbath, January 9
    1:15pm - Church Potluck, Fellowship Hall