Merry Christmas!

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying":

"'Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.'"

Luke 2:25-32

For all who accept God's son, Jesus, as Lord of their life, they see their salvation just as Simeon. Some see their salvation as children but some don't until they are long since aged. I was reminded this Christmas of the great joy to have seen my salvation and to live my life knowing him. Just as Simeon said 'a light for revelation to the Gentiles' has broken through my darkness and transformed my life.

You don't have to wait as Simeon. Jesus comes to you today not as a baby but as a Risen Saviour who will deliver you from your sins and shine a bright light into your darkness. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" John 3:16.

Blessings,

Lisa

"Glory to God in the Highest!"

Bethel Christmas Dinner

As members of Mom's Connection, you are invited to join us for Bethel's Christmas Dinner themed "Christmas in New York" on Wednesday, December 21 at 7 PM in the gym of Bethel Assembly of God.

There's something about Christmas that brings cheer like no other time--the lights, the carols, the treats, the gifts...and the Savior being born. Join us for a time to celebrate the wonder of the season.

Ham, rolls, and beverages will be provided. Your family is asked to bring a side dish if your last name begins with A-H and a dessert if it begins with an I-Z.

Everyone Is Welcome!!

Walking in Winter Wonderland

Don't miss the Frederick County Parks & Recreation's annual light show at Clearbrook Park in Clearbrook, VA - memories to last a lifetime! Don your stocking caps and wrap those scarves tight as you take a magical stroll through this winter wonderland. Warm up in the cabin, where you might run into Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies!

Admission prices:12 and over $4; 2-11: $3; 1 and under: Free

Our Christmas Party

You are cordially invited to our Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 13 at 11 am. Join us in the gym at Bethel Assembly of God where you and your child(ren) can get a picture with Santa (bring your cameras), mom and child craft(s) and large inflatables for them to play in.

We will have a catered lunch of lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and pizza. Please bring a dessert to share.

**In order to attend, you must RSVP by 12/6/2011.**

During our Christmas party we would like to have a re-gift gift exchange with each other. This is how it works- find something you don’t want anymore or never use and wrap it up. Bring it in and put it on the gift table. For everyone who participates, you can choose a gift before you leave (moms only).

If you have any questions, contact Amanda Dagostino at aeasunshine@gmail.com, the Event Coordinator for Mom's Connection

Recognition and Special Thanks to Janine

During our topic meeting on Tuesday, November 22, Janine was recognized for her faithful service as our much needed Childcare Director because she is stepping down from this role. Janine has taken on a much larger role as Director of Nursery Ministries at Bethel Assembly of God.

This is how she was honored:

"I would like to take a few minutes and recognize Janine DiGiovanni who has served as our Childcare Director for four years. There are no words to adequately express my deep appreciation for all she has done for Mom’s Connection.

She has handled every task and every obstacle that has come her way making it possible to always provide good childcare for all our meetings. But more than succeeding as our Childcare Director, she has been an invaluable resource during every decision making process and has always been found full of great ideas, honest with her opinions, and trustworthy to keep it confidential.

Janine, thank you for being willing to step up and tackle our childcare issues with a smile on your face, and a loving, caring heart towards moms and their children. I have thanked God for you more times than you will ever know."

Lisa Fraley- Director

Presented to Janine were flowers, card of thanks, and gift card.

Janine will be staying on as part of our leadership for Mom’s Connection as our Finance Coordinator. This is a role she has been fulfilling without the title or recognition.

The Children's Closet

Mission: The Children's Closet is a ministry anwering God's call to support the smallest among us by providing them with basic necessities.

Vision: Our desire is that all families have the ability to ensure that the children of the community have what they need.

First started out of Marci Faro's home, The Children's Closet is a place where families can come and shop for free! You will find available maternity clothes, baby items, children's clothes, and toys.

We are located at Bethel Assembly of God in Martinsburg, WV behind the Mace building. Our room hours are every 2nd and 4th Tuesday from Noon - 1pm and every Wednesday evening from 6 - 6:45 pm. We will be open for business this Tuesday, November 22, 2011.

You may donate your gently used clothes, baby equipment, maternity clothes, baby and children's clothes up to size 18. We are accepting winter clothes only.

Be a "Susie" in someone's life

Come with me to a third grade classroom

There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk

and all of sudden, there is a puddle between his feet

and the front of his pants are wet.

He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot

possibly imagine how this has happened.

It's never happened before,

and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it.

When the girls find out,

they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives.

The boy believes his heart is going to stop;

he puts his head down and prays this prayer,

'Dear God, this is an emergency!

I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat.'

He looks up from his prayer and here comes

the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered.

As the teacher is walking toward him,

a class mate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water.

Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.

The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself,

'Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!'

Now all of a sudden,

instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy.

The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out.

All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk.

The sympathy is wonderful.

But as life would have it,

the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else -

Susie.

She tries to help, but they tell her to get out.

You've done enough, you klutz!'

Finally, at the end of the day,

as they are waiting for the bus,

the boy walks over to Susie and whispers,

'You did that on purpose, didn't you?' Susie whispers back,

'I wet my pants once too.'

May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do good.