in other words
december4
2014
Things To Ponder: At Just the Right Time
By Grant Williams
Timing is always important.
Think of some of the things that require
perfect timing: passing a basketball,
taking a picture, or saying the right
words, to name a few.
But of all the events in human
history one stands out as not only being
at the right time it was also perfect in
timing. “But when the fullness of the
time came, God sent forth His Son, born
of a woman, born under the Law, in order
that He might redeem those who were
under the Law, that we might receive the
adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5).
When I was growing up no
one had a problem calling “Christmas”
Christmas. Schools had “Christmas”
programs and cities put up “Nativity”
scenes. Things have really changed.
In many towns it is no longer possible
to enjoy many of the activities we
took for granted. It would seem that
here in America, the “Land Of The
Free,” we would be able to express our
beliefs without restrictions. Why have
things changed so much? Is it because
Christians don’t act like Christians
anymore?
When Christ came to earth He
showed us what God is truly like. He
taught His early followers to be just like
Him. It seems like many Christians have
lost their way when it comes to acting
like Jesus. Instead of being loving
many have become selfish and proud.
For many Christians forgiving others
has been replaced with judgmentalism
and condemnation. Is it any wonder
the world is no longer impressed with
the claims of Christ? Some one asked
Gandhi one time why he rejected
Christianity and he told them he had no
problem with Christ or the Bible, it was
the Christians he knew that turned him
away from Jesus.
This Christmas we have been
given the opportunity to make a fresh
start by showing the world the real
Jesus. Christians have always been in
a perfect position to reflect the love of
God to a desperate world. The world
is hungry for acceptance and a fresh
start. Many people are looking for the
hope that comes from knowing Christ.
Unfortunately the message has remained
veiled behind our preoccupation with
receiving the blessings we feel entitled
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to. We need to keep in mind that Jesus
called us to a life of service, not luxury
and comfort.
Somehow, this Christmas let’s
make every effort to return to the true
meaning of Christmas. Remember God’s
perfect timing in sending His Son to save
us? Let’s do our best this Christmas to
reflect the same love He has shown us
by putting other people before ourselves.
Instead of buying things for ourselves
let’s find ways to show our love to others
less fortunate than we are. Do you know
someone that would be encouraged by
a little extra attention? We can make a
difference if we remember God has put
us here to be His ambassadors until He
returns in glory.
Merry Christmas!
Senior Center Board Elections
Senior
Center
Board
elections happen during the general
membership meeting at 10 AM on
December 12. Terms expiring are
Bob Eastman, Carl Holsey, Tommy
Sherman and Sandy Welch. Holsey,
Sherman and Welch have agreed to
run again for these three year terms.
Nominations may be made from
members and added to the slate
during the December meeting. Come
on down, vote and stay for lunch. The
four newly elected board members
assume office January 2015, joining
the current 8 other board members.
Bridge Street Bits
‘TIS THE SEASON to give expressions of thanks. In
keeping with this tradition the Center would like
to say thank you to Vernonia’s US BANK for their
generous donation of turkeys for our last annual
Thanksgiving Dinner here at the “purple building”.
And thank you to cook Wendy and company for
the tender cooking of them. It was a great meal!
LOOKING AHEAD: Once again past
Senior Center president BILL JAMES
and Company will be returning
to town and will be putting on a
Christmas Day spread here at the
Center. This is their gift to the
Vernonia Community. Come one
come all that day December 25 th .
LAST Christmas Day Dinner to be
served in our building.
and Sunday 9-5. Table rentals are $10 each.
First come first served so call the Center NOW to
reserve yours. 503-429-3912. Items do not have
to be homemade.
SENIOR AQUATIC FANS: GOOD NEWS! Community
Action Team is offering a limited amount of tickets
to be used at the Forest Grove
Aquatic Center on a Preventive
Health Grant. Call our office or
come in and see Pat to sign up.
First come first served. Seniors 60
and over.
AS THIS YEAR COMES TO A CLOSE
we have a list of ‘lasts’… but new
things, people, and places are
on the horizon as we make the
transition to relocate. One thing
won’t change! Our commitment to
serve our wonderful seniors in the
Vernonia Community! Come in and
see about ways YOU can be a part
of this change!
SENIOR CENTER CHRISTMAS
BAZAAR will be held at this
building as well on Dec. 12, 13, and
14. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Friday hours are 1-5. Saturday
Vernonia Senior Center
446 Bridge Street
FROM PAM AT THE THRIFT STORE: Come in and
check out our continual flow of Christmas and
not so Christmas items. We appreciate your
patronage and also your donations to help
support us and give to the community as well.
FROM THE DESK OF KAREN MILLER/Community
Action Team. Looking for ways to save on water
and energy?
• Fix Leaky faucets
• Add energy efficient showerheads
• Install low-flow faucets and showerheads
• Set water temperature at 120 degrees
• Insulate water heater with a blanket
• Wrap any exposed pipes
• Take a five minute shower instead of a bath
• Drain a quart of water from your water tank
every 3 months to remove sediment that
impedes heat transfer and lowers efficiency.
For Senior Services: Community Action Team
Karen in Vernonia
503-366-6581
Marge in Clatskanie/Rainier
503-366-6581
Heather in Scappoose/St. Helens
503-366-6542
503-429-3912
Church Directory (in alphabetical order)
Assembly of God
Sunday School: 9:45 AM
Morning Worship: 11:00 AM
Sunday Evening Prayer: 6:00 PM
Wayne Marr, Pastor
662 Jefferson Avenue
503-429-0373
Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Sunday Schedule:
Sacrament Meeting: 10:00 AM
Sunday School & Primary: 11:20 AM
Relief Society, Priesthood and
Young Women: 12:10 PM
Roger Cook, Branch President
1350 E. Knott Street
503-429-7151
Grace Family Fellowship
Sunday School: 9:00 AM
Worship Service: 10:30 AM
Thursday Prayer: 6:00 PM
Greg “Mac” McCallum, Pastor
957 State Avenue
503-429-6790
www.GraceFamilyFellowship.org
Nehalem Valley Bible Church
Sunday School: 9:45 AM
Worship Service: 10:45 AM
Wed. Ladies Bible Study: 10:00 AM
Wednesday Service: 7:00 PM
Sat. Men’s Prayer Meeting: 6:30 AM
Gary Taylor, Pastor
Grant & North Streets
503-429-5378
Open Door Gathering Place
Service: Sunday 6:00 PM
Grant Williams, Pastor
375 North Street
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Wednesday Religious Education:
3:15-4:30 PM
Sunday Mass: 12:00 PM
Rev. Luan Tran, Administrator
960 Missouri Avenue
503-429-8841
Vernonia Christian Church
Sunday School: 9:45 AM
Worship Service in Youth &
Family Center: 11:00 AM
www.VernoniaChristianChurch.org
Sam Hough, Pastor
410 North Street
503-429-6522
Vernonia Foursquare Church
Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 AM
Children’s Sunday School
Carl Pense, Pastor
850 Madison Avenue
503-429-1103
Vernonia Seventh-day Adventist
Church
Sabbath (Saturday) Services
Sabbath School: 9:30 AM
Worship Service: 11:00 AM
www.VernoniaSDAC.org
Larry Gibson, Pastor
2nd Ave. and Nehalem St.
503-429-8301
