Christmas Activities, Events & Shopping

2017

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C hristmas has a deep personal meaning to Jan Butin. "To me it's the birth of Christ," she said. "It is the coming of one who is the savior in our lives. It's God becoming flesh in Jesus Christ. It's the love of God filling us with hope." Jan, who ministers to her church community hand- in-hand with her husband at First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, has a month's worth of celebrations set for December. It's all very meaningful to her and the congregation. "Hope on the way to the manger is a theme we have as we move through this season," she said. "We are thinking about the present condition of the world and all of the fear that's out there and all of the worry and the devastating things that have happened with hurricanes, fires, earthquakes… all of the things that seem undone in our world. We believe that God coming in Christ and that gives us hope that we can make it through reach and every day. Through Christmas the congregation at First United Presbyterian Church has planned many events to celebrate the season and the public is invited to them all. "We try to highlight the four Sundays of Advent," the pastor explained. "Christmas Eve will fall on the fourth Sunday of Advent, which is a little unusual. We start with the Hanging of the Greens and bring in that joyful spirit. We light the Advent wreath week by week and live in joyful anticipation that Christ is coming into the world to fill our empty lives and souls." The Hanging of the Greens on the morning of Sunday, December 3, only starts the season. Many other important events will follow. The congregation goes global with one of their annual events. "We have an alternative gift market," Jan said. "It's buying gifts for the world to live. You might buy a cow or a sheep and provide a livelihood for a family. It's a way of helping someone put food on their table. We think about the world in that context." No Christmas celebration would be complete without focusing some time and attention on children. "We celebrate with our children's program where we highlight the manger. It's called Celebration at the Manger. We have a family that brings live animals from their farm and we sing carols around the manager after that program." Throughout the season the congregation sings carols in worship and embraces the meaning of the season. On Sunday, December 17 the church hosts a Christmas brunch following their service. Like all of the church's events, the brunch is open to community members. "On Christmas Eve we'll have two services," Jan detailed. "We will have one in the morning and the theme is Hope Does Not Disappoint. In the evening we will focus on the manger, with Hope in the Manger." When asked what she wants for Christmas, the pastor's response was quick and decisive. "The end of violence in the world," she said, with no hesitation. "After really serious devastation in this world we have to think about peace in the world." First Sunday of Advent, December 3 • Hope in Fearful Times and Hanging of the Greens • Alternative Gift Market, 9:30am 1pm in Fellowship Hall Second Sunday of Advent, December 10 • "Lessons and Carols" 11am, Chancel Choir and Bells • Celebration at the Manger 4:30pm, Children's Christmas program 5:15pm, Lasagna and mac & cheese dinner 6pm, Live animals, photos and Carols at the Manger Third Sunday of Advent, December 17 • "Hope in the Midst of Suffering" • Christmas Brunch 9:30am – 10:45am, Fellowship Hall The Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 24 • "Hope does not disappoint" 11am, Service with Holy Communion 'God coming into our lives' Presbyterian congregation unites around meaning of the season By Dave Woods NWA Democrat-Gazette Sunday, November 19, 2017 Christmas Activities, Events & Shopping NWA Democrat-Gazette • 7 Christmas cheer Heather Holland Grimsley pictured (in scrubs) with friend, Taylor Castro. H eather Grimsley is ready to get into the Christmas spirit. The longtime laser technician in Dr. John Huskins office in Rogers obviously has a great sense of humor. By day she is a laser tech providing cosmetic laser procedures in the longest running cosmetic laser practice in Northwest Arkansas. And, she said, is proud of it. By night, however, maybe stand up comedy is in her future? When asked to respond to a few holiday related questions that sense of humor came out. How would you and your friends and family respond to the same five questions? You might be surprised. Question: What gets you in the Christmas spirit? Heather: LOTS OF EGGNOGG! Question: What makes the Christmas around your office fun? Heather: Replaying videos from previous year's Christmas parties! #HorrificDanceMoves Question: What's your favorite Christmas song? Heather: Dolly Parton's "Hard Candy Christmas" Question: What is your favorite Christmas movie or cartoon? Heather: "Christmas Vacation" Question: What do you want for Christmas? Heather: For all of my patients to not have to cross their legs to sneeze! #InsideJoke Now you see what we mean by "sense of humor." Thanks Heather for the laugh. Merry Christmas. Local laser technician a Christmas fan By Dave Woods NWA Democrat-Gazette Join us for holiday cheer! 101 Marina D ri ve • Bella Vista, AR 7 2 715 • (479) 855 - 8110 Happy Hour, Wine Specials & Lakeside Dining CALL 800.757.6277 Includes 20 issues ( 12 months ) Hawgs Illustrated publishes monthly except during football season when it publishes each game week. Includes 20 issues ( 12 12 month ths ) Clay Henry "State of the Hogs" GAME COVERAGE Dudley Dawson "A Closer Look" RECRUITING NEWS SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT subscribe.nwaonline.com/hawgs THE PERFECT GIFT FOR EVERY HOG FAN! Giving Tuesday • November 28, 2017 #HomeForTheHolidays With the Holiday Season quickly approaching the "cold noses and warm hearts" at the Bella Vista Animal Shelter could use your help. Please give on Giving Tuesday ! Your tax deductible contribution helps provide food, warmth and medical care for the stray dogs and cats until they are adopted into loving, forever homes. "It is our belief that it is the singular desire of every stray to be loved and our mission to make it come true" YOUR GENEROUS DONATION WLL COVER EXPENSES FOR ANIMALS - $20 - vaccination, Microchip ID and worming for one animal - $50 - Spay/Neuter for one Animal - $100 - Support Necessary Veterinary Services

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