Number 11 DECEMBER 2007 Volume 15

Baby Waiting

Baby waiting comes prior to baby gazing. We're getting well practiced in both as we've experienced the recent births of Calli and Alyssa; the presence of Earlyn and Samantha; the anticipated arrival of Keyara; and the expected births of babies to the Cerronas, Peches, Taladuas, and Langsdorfs. Advent is that annual time of baby waiting for all who look forward to God breaking into our world infresh new ways. Maybe we can learn something from our recent experience as wewait for the celebration of the birth of the Son of God.

Is she pregnant? The mothers among us pick up on those signs of a new pregnancyfaster than the rest of us. They know what to look for. They remember what it waslike. They are alert to all the signs. Can we draw on our past experience of God's presence in our lives to see more clearly where he is growing something new in usthese days?

Getting the nursery ready? Sometimes we claim a room in our house that has been used for something else for this higher priority of becoming a shelter for ournew child. We clear out the clutter; repaint and redecorate in such as way to makethe baby feel welcome and move in furniture that will be exactly the right size andpurpose for this new life. What do you need to do to clear out the clutter and bring a freshness to the place where you want Christ to dwell in your life this comingyear?

Watching for signs of the baby's growth. We've always been able to make someobservations from the outside, from growing belly of an expectant mother, about how the baby is growing. With modern technology, we can look inside and carefully chart the growth of the baby, identifying organs and limbs, even seeing andhearing the heartbeat. Is Advent a time for you to take a fresh and careful look at those Old Testament prophecies of Jesus' birth and the way they reveal the heartbeat of God?

Packing the suitcase. We know that labor can last for four hours or forty and it can start atany time. You've got to be ready to move. The suitcase needs to be packed ahead of time.There may not be time when the water breaks and the contractions start. Even though weknow that the Christmas Eve service will be on December 24th at 7:30 p.m.. We need to beready for God to enter our lives in new and fresh ways at any time during Advent. How will you prepare yourself?

VISION TO ACTION

What's happening on our vision teams. We've laid some foundations over the past yearthat we'll build on in the coming year. Our two vision teams have been activated for the fall. There continues to be a feeling that we are being transformed even as we seek ways to be

agents of transformation in our communities.

Community Connections (formerly known as: Hospitality Points): As you see from thename change, the team has been at work both in more clearly defining its mission and inplanning events that will help us make connections in the community and help members ofour community make connections with one another. All of these still use the passion for hospitality that is at the core of the group's members. A couple events that are being planned:First is Christmas in the Neighborhood caroling evenings, December 10-13. Talk to Mark Liedstrand if you're interested in joining a group. Secondly, "Essentials of Discipline", a series of parenting seminars using Focus on the Family presentations. These will begin onJanuary 23, 2008. They're looking for volunteers to help. Talk to Brenda Rucker. If you'dlike to join the CC team, contact Mark Liedstrand, Brenda Brown, or Doug Ericsson.

Mentor/Tutors: Our mentors for local H. S. students have now been matched with students are developing those relationships. Talk to Lyle Bickley if you are interested in become the mentor of a local H.S. student. We've discovered another local tutoring programthat looks promising. It is called JustRead and it works with MVHS and Alta Vista H.S. student in between their campuses. It is very well organized. There is an orientation processand a scripting of the hour a tutor spends with their student helping them gain skills in reading. If you're interested, this would be a great place to try out tutoring. Talk to Jim Gaderlund about the program.

Fourth Ministries: I (Jim G) had the opportunity to join Del Herfurth on Sunday, November 18 and ride along as he offered hospitality and Bible study to the homeless of San Jose. The cooks began at about 5 a.m. in the preparation of a hearty breakfast for their guests. We stopped early to drop off some food and I had a chance to break five or six dozen eggs. As a team of formerly homeless men were cooking, Del then drove Transformed Life'sbus to three local shelters and invited anyone who would like to come and enjoy a hot breakfast and a time of worship to get on the bus. About 60 people came, by the bus, by their owncars, and on foot to a church fellowship hall near SJSU. There was great fellowship aroundthe tables. About 40 stayed for the worship service. There was a guest musician and a homegrown musician who led singing and then Del preached on Psalm 15. The congregation followed along in Bibles that were provided. There was a great deal of give and take as thelesson/sermon proceeded. A time of prayer ministry followed for those who desired it. The bus ride home meant dropping off most back at their shelters, but also evolved into a gracioustaxi service dropping people off up the peninsula on way back to the FCC parking lot. It wasan inspiring morning.