Friends of Overlake,

Our ADVENT CONSPIRACY is well underway and already, the news is awesome as the Overlake family serves our world in Jesus' name: Here are just a few examples:

• The gang in Overlake's Student Ministries has BLOWN AWAY help organizations like Hopelink in Redmond with the students' efforts to collect food for people in need this fall. Around 5,000 POUNDS so far! Mondo kudos will go to OCC's students in Hopelink's upcoming holiday newsletter.

• Overlake's new "HOMECOMING" worship CD is selling so well that all the production costs have already been recouped. SO, from now through the end of 2008, every dollar made will go to HIV/AIDS relief...the cause at the center of OCC's ADVENT CONSPIRACY. Feel free to sample the music for yourself.

• More than 1,000 people have already reserved their free tour of the World Vision Experience: AIDS exhibit that comes to Overlake next week. Volunteerism for the event is also incredible (though we could use a few more folks, especially Monday morning/afternoon). Please reserve your tour time AND book a volunteer shift NOW.

• AND yet another Overlake Serve the World team is in South Africa RIGHT NOW caring for infants with HIV/AIDS who've also been orphaned by the disease. The Overlake team (led by the most fantastic woman in the world, my wife Jodie) will also reach out to older children in HIV/AIDS impacted communities through a day camp.

Wow - the hands and feet of Jesus...here in Redmond and around the world.

Just last month, an Overlake team joined with OCC's partner ministries in Thailand...working to help
bring freedom to people caught up in the human trafficking/sex industry. In fact, OCC's former Serve the World/Missions pastor, Jeff McKinley (who's now an OCC elder) was with the OCC Thailand team when he suffered life-threatening heart problems. Please be praying for Jeff even NOW as he's been re-admitted to the critical care unit at the Bangkok hospital where he had a heart valve replaced two weeks ago. You can get the latest on Jeff's story/recovery on his CaringBridge Web page.

Praying...believing...walking with Jesus and alongside you.

We'll see you this Sunday as we talk about the PEACE of GIVING.

Mike Howerton
Lead Pastor

PS Just so you can mark your calendars, Overlake's Christmas Eve services will be at 3 pm, 5 pm and 11 pm (each will be heart-warming and soul-stirring!)...the perfect BRINGVITATIONAL OPPORTUNITY!
 

THE ADVENT CONSPIRACY DIFFERENCE //
Learn and/or share what you're doing as part of OCC's Advent Conspiracy (i.e. still giving gifts but spending less and donating that money through OCC to HIV/AIDS relief). Visit the ADVENT CONSPIRACY page on OCC.ORG and click "Conspire With Us."

BRINGVITE OTHERS TO ADVENT CONSPIRACY SUNDAY SERVICES AND WORLD VISION' EXPERIENCE: AIDS//
Consider hosting a party in your neighborhood to help open the door to inviting others to OCC's upcoming ADVENT CONSPIRACY AND the World Vision Experience: AIDS exhibit December 12 - 15 in the Gym. We'll even help you throw a "Party with a Purpose" (get a free party "kit" and learn more this Sunday at the Mallway Information Center). World Vision's interactive Experience: Aids Exhibit combines stirring audio and captivating photography to transport you to the heart of Africa - you can reserve your FREE tickets now AND sign up to help volunteer at this powerful event.

To learn more, visit the Experience: AIDS Web site, stop by the table in OCC's Mallway this Sunday or e-mail Neely McQueen.

OCC'S "HOMECOMING" WORSHIP CD HELPS HIV/AIDS RELIEF//
OCC's NEW "Homecoming" worship CD is AVAILABLE at tables in the Mallway on Sundays. Net proceeds from 2008's sales support HIV/AIDS relief as part of OCC's ADVENT CONSPIRACY.

IF YOU KNOW OF A FAMILY IN NEED//
If you know of a family that needs help for Christmas please e-mail Marilyn Patrick in our Caring Ministries office or call 425.895.5926.

NEW SINGLE PARENT'S LIFE GROUP IN ISSAQUAH, SUNDAYS AT 6 PM//
Issaquah Highlands resident Audrey Laxton is uniquely suited to lead this new group as a single mom of an adopted daughter. Audrey's also a nurse practitioner with a background in psychology. Single dads and moms are welcome with their children. Contact Audrey via the Life Groups (scroll down to see Laxton Single Parent Life Group).

PRAYER FOR ISRAEL AND ALL NATIONS THIS SUNDAY//
Join OCC's team at 1 pm this Sunday in room E-120 as we pray and ask that many people will begin a relationship with Jesus...the Prince of Peace.

KIDS' BAPTISM CLASS THIS WEDNESDAY//
December 10 from 7 - 8:30 pm in E-116
No need to pre-register. This class is for elementary-aged children interested in baptism (AND their parents).

FAMILY GINGERBREAD HOUSE BUILDING//
Friday, December 12 from 7 - 8:30 pm
Join families with preschoolers through 6th grade at our 2nd annual event in room E-123 & E-124. Cost is $10 for the kit. RSVP to Pastor Earl.

SPECIAL TICKET PACKAGE FOR OCC FAMILY TO MICHAEL W. SMITH CHRISTMAS CONCERT// JUST ANNOUNCED and only available Sunday after the morning services only. Buy FOUR tickets and get the fifth ticket FREE! Buy SIX tickets and get the seventh and eighth ticket FREE! ALL seating categories included in this special offer that is ONLY AVAILABLE in person at the Welcome Center THIS SUNDAY (December 7) after the MORNING SERVICES. Cash, check, Master Card/VISA accepted. MICHAEL W. SMITH'S NEWEST CDS ON SALE AT LIFEWAY// Overlake's LifeWay Christian Store has "A New Hallelujah" and "It's A Wonderful Christmas" for just $9.99. LifeWay is open Sundays from 8:30 am - 1 pm and Thursdays from 9 am - 3 pm.

"THIRD DAY" WITH "NEED TO BREATHE" AND "REVIVE" COMING TO OCC//
Thursday, May 7 at 7 pm. Tickets are available on a presale basis and open to everyone from December 4 - 24 for a stocking stuffer sale. The tickets will then be unavailable and offline until January 1.

PRE-MARRIAGE CLASS//
Overlake offers a pre-marriage class that is required for couples getting married at OCC or having an OCC pastor perform their wedding. New classes begin in January. Cost is $100 per couple. E-mail Lori Dilio to register and receive more information or call 425.941.9180.

OCC ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT POSITIONS//
Two paid positions available at OCC for 20-25 hours per week. Job description/application available from OCC.ORG or at OCC's Reception Office Monday through Thursday.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY - CELEBRATE HEALING// Every Tuesday evening, this 12-step recovery program addresses a wide variety of hurts, habits and hang-ups based on the principals from the Bible's "Beatitudes" (Matthew 5). Celebrate Recovery starts with a BBQ dinner at 6 pm followed by a large group meeting at 7 pm and small groups at 8 pm. Children's programs are available. You're welcome any time. Learn more and find the healing that only God can give at Celebrate Recovery.

BIBLICAL COUNSELING MINISTRY//
We're here for couples, women and men when life's challenges hit. Pick up an application for counseling at the Mallway Information Center, OCC Reception or on OCC.ORG. E-mail the Counseling office or call 425.895.5923.

BLESS YOUR CHURCH//
Simplify your giving to OCC. There are many ways you can give online. Overlake is also looking for equipment (computers, etc.) donations and if your company is upgrading for the new year perhaps they would consider donating existing items to Overlake. See what we can accept and who to contact.
 

WORLD VISION EXPERIENCE: AIDS EXHIBIT AT OVERLAKE// Overlake is hosting the World Vision Experience: AIDS exhibit in OCC's gym on December 12-15. This interactive exhibit combines stirring audio and captivating photography to transport you to the heart of Africa. Please reserve your FREE tickets now AND sign up to help volunteer at this powerful event. To learn more, visit the Experience: AIDS Web site, stop by the table in OCC's Mallway this Sunday or e-mail Neely McQueen.

ANGEL TREE CHRISTMAS//
Angel Tree Christmas gives us an opportunity to share Christ's love by helping to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the families of prisoners. Whether it's buying gifts for the children, helping to sort or delivering gifts to the families, there are many opportunities available. Stop by the Mallway table on Sunday to find out how you can make a difference this season.

DESIGNERS AND DECORATORS WANTED//
If you have a passion for design and decor we have the ministry for you! The Design and Build team at OCC helps with stage design, Mallway decor, etc. If interested in being part of this team, please contact Sara Balsley at sarab@occ.org,

CD COORDINATOR VOLUNTEER//
Spend an hour or two each week to inventory, re-order, label and replenish OCC's message CDs in the LifeWay Christian Store. E-mail or call 425.895.2410.

HELP PREP THE AUDITORIUM FOR SUNDAY//
Serve one hour per week when it is convenient for you refilling the pew/seat racks with Bibles, offering envelopes and pencils. Great for parents with older (grade school age) kids to do as a family! E-mail Penny Decker or call 425.702.0303 between 9 am & 1 pm for more information.
 

• Family Gingerbread House Building - Friday, December 12, 7 - 8:30 pm (see announcement above)
• Michael W. Smith in concert Saturday, December 13 at 3 pm and 7 pm (see special ticket package and CD sale information in the announcements section)
• Transformed - the Next Generation Youth Christmas Drama - Saturday, December 20 at 7 pm in the Chapel. FREE ADMISSION - more information at www.davidshelton.org.
• Epic Men's Event - January 9 - 10, 2009
• AWAKE Women's Event - March 6 - 7, 2009
• Northwest Ministry Conference - March 26 - 28, 2009
• Newsboys in concert with Temple and Jesse Butterworth, Friday, March 27, 2009 at 7 pm
• Third Day with Need to Breathe and Revive - Thursday, May 7th at 7 pm. Tickets are available on a presale basis and open to everyone from December 4 - 24 for a stocking stuffer sale. The tickets will then be unavailable and offline until January 19.