🗞️ HEADLINE NEWS

Oostburg WI. As FRC families near the end of the Action Bible Advent book readings, we give thanks for the gift of Jesus but remember he experienced some troubles as a baby (you know, let’s start with he was born in a barn and then had to run with his family from a king who wanted to kill him). There are babies born today where the parents may be facing challenges. As we approach Sanctity of Life Sunday on Jan. 19th, we’d like to help these young parents by partnering with Anchor of Hope. Here’s where we need your help! Starting this week we’ll be collecting the following to assist young parents with challenges:

• Diapers (sized 3-6) and Pull Ups (all sizes)
• Crib Sheets
• Baby Carriers
• Potty Training Seats
• Bottle Brushes & Drying mats for bottles and baby items
• Kiddo dishes, spoons, and cups
• Snack containers
• Small toys - rings and other things for 6-12 month olds to hold and play with
• Books for kiddos under 5
• Winter clothing for kids 0-2 (no coats - we were gifted a few cases of coats from the Knights of Columbus)
• Bobby pillow with protective cover sheets

If you prefer not to shop, we will accept cash donations and shop for you! We’ve set up a table between the Narthex and Fellowship Hall as a drop-off area for the items above!

📰 IN LOCAL NEWS

Our Sincere Condolences. We must report that Pastor Wayne Tripp passed away on Monday. But, can’t we all imagine his infectious smiles and the skip in his step lighting up the heavens?! Our Christian sympathies to Vicki and Jim Ebbers and their family. Please note that both the visitation and service is at First Reformed Church in CEDAR GROVE! The visitation is Sunday (today) from 3 - 7 PM and on Monday from 10 AM until the service begins at 11 AM. 

God Opened a Door…and FRC’ers walked right thru! When the Security Dept. at Froedtert Hospital called to give clearance to bring the “Giving Experience II” to long-term inpatient Don Teunissen and family, a group of FRC’ers went into action to make it happen! FRC’s bus, filled with a festive cast of characters oh, we mean carolers (picture right), headed down to Froedtert last Sunday evening and thoroughly enjoyed surprising Don and his wife, LuAnn and perhaps a few additional patients down the hallways!

Care Team Opt In /  Opt Out! As we’ve been reporting for a few weeks, our new Care Team restructure will focus on providing support to those who choose to participate in the ministry. The initial list of people supported by the Care Team will include individuals in senior living residences, those 80 years of age and older, widow/ers, and those who choose to opt in. People can opt in (or out) of support from the Care Team as their needs change. So, if you are not in the designated groups, you can “Opt In”. Conversely, if you’re in a designated group, you may choose to “Opt Out”. To “opt in or opt out”, call the Office at 920.564.2319 or online readers click HERE. 

Special Offerings for 2025! Under the new “buffet-style” special offering structure, the Deacons offer you two recipient selections for Jan & Feb - Pastor Elijah & Living Hope Uganda and/or Love INC.’s Refugee Resettlement Program. If you prefer one over the other, feel free to write your preference on your envelope/donation. All unmarked donations will be split equally between the two.

Guys - the Men’s Prayer breakfast is this Sat. (Jan. 4th, 2025) at 6 AM at Judi’s. While you can register on frcoostburg.org, we know for a fact it’s ok to come even if you’re not registered. How about giving it a try?!!

Trivia Question. What’s the most popular post-service treat - coffee or cookies? We know cookies are a pretty hot commodity! Could we populate the cookie donation sign-up for Q1 of 2025? Click HERE or there is a link on frcoostburg.org or sign-up on paper in the Fellowship Hall!

🩳 NEWS BRIEFS

🌽TONIGHT! We notice the ACTS 29 group knows how to have fun! They’re gathering tonight (Sun., Dec. 29th) at 6:30 PM for a Cornhole Tourney, food and fellowship. Don’t you wish you were young again???!

🍼BABY GIRL! Congratulations to Taylor & Morgan Kildea on the birth of Eleanor Elizabeth who was born on Dec. 19th! Eleanor joins siblings Cameron and Grant, likely notching up the level of chaos😅!

📖This week’s worship theme in the ACTION BIBLE ADVENT BOOK is “The Name of Jesus”. Stories include the Lamb, Shepherd Boy, Simeon and Anna! Keep up the reading families! Just two weeks left after this week!

☑️ ELDERS ELECTED…At the December 8th Congregational meeting, the following people were chosen as Elders: Jim Blok, Dean Hengst and Kathy Spencer. If you know of any biblical reasons why any of these people chosen cannot serve, please contact Pastor Bob or Pastor Brian.

🔢️ ATTENDANCE last week Sunday was 452!  If only we could squeak out 400 on Sunday, Dec. 29th we’d satisfy the longings of this Editor and your FRC Statistician who have completely fabricated a goal of hitting 400 in attendance for two consecutive Sundays! We just need everyone to come and bring a neighbor for good measure. It’s going to be in the 40’s…making it a beautiful weekend to praise and worship our great God! 

💲OFFERING last Sunday was $26,006. We need to wait a week to report on Christmas Day as some checks have come in after the service and need to be added to the count. December’s Special Offering is designated for the “Families In Need Fund” at Oostburg Elementary. Month-to-date the offering is at: $3,800.

The Special Offering options for January & February are Pastor Elijah (Living Hope Uganda) and Love INC’s Refugee Resettlement program. If you have a preference for your donation, simply mark your envelope. Undesignated monies will be split between the two.