Friends of Overlake,
Because so many of you were unable to join us last Sunday for church (snow has a way of doing that!), I wanted to briefly bring you up to date on a few things related to our ADVENT CONSPIRACY focus this holiday season:
AMAZING STORIES are coming from this weekend’s World Vision Experience: AIDS exhibit at Overlake. More than 2,350 people walked through the exhibit (a great number considering the snow and sub-freezing temperatures!). At least 260 more children in Africa NOW HAVE a SPONSOR! Way to SERVE OUR WORLD Overlake! THANK YOU for being part of this powerful, life-changing event and for “bringviting” others as well.
On a related note, Overlake’s South Africa SERVE THE WORLD team is JUST BACK (as of THIS morning) and what great stories and adventures THEY have to share after caring for infants with HIV/AIDS who’ve also been orphaned by the disease. The Overlake team (led by my wife Jodie!) also reached out to older children in HIV/AIDS impacted communities through a day camp. I’m sure we’ll all be hearing a LOT about how Jesus impacted Africa through this OCC team in the days to come.
To help even MORE people in HIV/AIDS devastated areas of the world, we’re asking everyone to buy one (or more) fewer gifts this year and donate those dollars to Overlake’s Christmas Eve offering. This is a key component of our ADVENT CONSPIRACY – buying less so others have a chance at life. That money will then be added to donations from other sources INCLUDING all the proceeds from now through December 31 from Overlake’s new “HOMECOMING” worship CD. Feel free to sample the music for yourself and then buy one THIS Sunday!
…AND, as mentioned above, chances are you were one of the MANY folks unable to make it to OCC last Sunday (Dec. 14) due to the snow. PLEASE, click MEDIA on OCC.org and listen to the message, “the HOPE of MORE,” and if you have a tithe/offering you’d planned to give last Sunday, you can give that now via OCC.org as well.
Just one more thing – as we’ve shared the past few weeks, OCC’s former Serve the World/Mission pastor, Jeff McKinley (who’s now an OCC elder) was with OCC’s Thailand team earlier this fall when he suffered life-threatening heart problems. He’s back home in Kirkland now after undergoing heart surgery in Bangkok. THANK YOU for your ongoing prayers for Jeff. You can get the latest on his story/recovery on his CaringBridge page.
Love walking this road with you (EVEN in the snow)!
Love having my wife home.
Love seeing you EVERY Sunday at Overlake.
Mike Howerton
Lead Pastor
PS In case you’ve missed it, 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 BRINVITATIONAL OPPORTUNITY! We’ll also have the nursery open at 3 pm and 5 pm for children age two and under.
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
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.
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.
|
