Our Vision…

is to glorify and

honor our Lord

and God with our

lives, by bringing

people to Christ

and membership

in His family and

by helping to

develop Christ-

like maturity in

each member,

equipping them

for service in the

church and in the

world.

7722 North Allen Road Peoria, IL 61614

Phone: (309) 693-2426

Church of Christ Northwest Where Friends Learn

to Live Like Jesus

Email: cocnw@comcast.net

Website: www.cocnw.org

Fax: (309) 693-0266

Sunday 9:30 AM

Bible Study (all ages)

Sunday 10:30 AM

Worship Service

December 10, 2017

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible

Study 7:30 AM

@ Kennedy’s

Wednesday Morning

Galena Park Bible Study

10-11:30 AM David Spillman

Wednesday Evening:

Small Groups @ 6:30 PM

Campbell’s:

John

Haines’: I John

What is a Christian?

Kennedy’s:

The book of Job

Thursday Morning Ladies’ Bible Class

Finished for 2017

Special Ministry

Food Pantry

Next Date: Dec. 12, 2017

ESL CLASSES by appointment only!

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:12 (NIV)

COME SEE OUR

CHILDREN

RE-ENACT THE STORY

OF THE BIRTH

OF JESUS OUR SAVIOR,

ON

SUNDAY,

DECEMBER 17TH.

Page 2 Church of Christ Northwest

Joy to the World by Joe Chesser

It didn’t take long after Thanksgiving for Christmas music to fill the air waves with songs of joy and hope. And I love it! Stores and restaurants and banks are quietly playing Christmas songs as background music. Radio stations are beginning to play Christmas music non-stop, and TV stations are broadcasting Christmas programs and movies filled with Christmas songs. Commercials use Christmas music to draw attention to their ads. You can download apps to play any kind of Christmas music you prefer. Even some public schools include songs about Jesus’ birth in their “winter” programs. There is something about Christmas that brings a smile to your face and joy to your heart … and I know what that something is. The hope of salvation has come to earth! Just notice a few of the lyrics of the Christmas songs we sing:

* “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant” * “God rest ye merry gentlemen … O tidings of

comfort and joy” * “Hark! The herald angels sing … joyful, all ye

nations, rise” * “O holy night … a thrill of hope the weary

world rejoices” * “Joy to the world! The Lord is come”

And why not?! The coming of Jesus to this world of sin is something to be joyful about every day of our lives. It is God’s desire that we “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4.4). That’s not only in December, but it certainly includes December. In Luke’s story of the birth of Jesus, there was great rejoicing all around: * Luke 1.14 – When Zechariah was told by the angel about the birth of his son, John, the one to prepare the way for Jesus, “He will be a joy and delight to you and many will rejoice because of his birth.” * Luke 1.44 – John the Baptist leaped for joy in this mother’s womb when Mary approached. * Luke 1.47 – in Mary’s song she said, “my spirit rejoices in God.” * Luke 1.58 – Elizabeth’s neighbors rejoiced with her when they heard the news of the coming of John. * Luke 2.10 – the angel said to the shepherds at the announcement to them of Jesus’ birth, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” How can you possibly hear of or think about the birth of the Savior without it bringing a smile to your face or joy to your heart?! Let the joy that has been brought to this world be sung loud and clear whenever possible!

MISSION MILESTONES

2018 Nicaragua Mission Trip

We are planning for the 2018 Nicaragua Mission Trip. The trip will be

similar to last year's trip. The dates are May 31 - Jun 09. Please let Nate

Gardner know if you are interested in going.

************************************************************************ Kingdom Kids Sponsors Don't forget to write your sponsor child this month! Sending a letter is simple through the Kingdom Kids website where you can simply fill out a form and press send! http://www.misionparacristo.com/kingdom-kids You can even attach a picture to be sent to your child.

Topic for December: Christmas Season (Matthew 1:22,23; Luke 2:10-

12) Tell your sponsored child about ways that we honor the birth of Jesus

in our country. Ask about how Christmas is celebrated where he lives.

Tell about some of the traditions your family practices during the

Christmas season. If you have any questions about this process, please

contact Nate or Rachel Gardner

************************************************************************

MEN—SAVE THE DATE:

No Regrets Men’s Conference February 2-3, 2018

Stay tuned for further information!

LET US BE PREPARED

As part of our safety program at Northwest, we have purchased an AED. We also sponsored a CPR class last year. If you are certified to perform CPR or would like to learn CPR please let the office know. We would like to know who we can call on to help. LAST CALL! —Allen Neese

Vol. 15, Issue 49 PRAYERS NEEDED EXTENDED PRAYER LISTING

Mike Ahten Member Serious Back Problems

Renetta Ballard Annie & Smitty’s daughter Lung Cancer

Natalie Balteau Member Type I Diabetes

Jerry & Deb Bane Members Lung Cancer/Memory

Rick Clark C. DeVore’s brother Liver/Colon Cancer

Shirley Darnell Former Member Serious Eye Problems

Scott Eisenbarth Kyle’s brother Liver & Lung Cancer

Pat Haines Member Lupus

Mary Lou Judkins Member Under hospice care

Jerry Lynn Mason, Jr. Pat Haines’ brother Stomach Tumor

Gene Muehring Member Sciatic Nerve

Lynn Molleck Friend of N. Goble Stage 4 Cancer

Lori Prichard T&R Prichard’s daughter Conversion disorder

Josh Retzer Grandson of B/C Sunkin Addiction

Ken Roberts K. Lovell’s father Alzheimer’s

Curt Sparks B. Juers’ brother Ankylosis spondylitis

Carol Sunkin Member Shoulder/Back

Trish Veytia Member Depression

Ray Walker A. Routh’s Bro-In-Law Lung Cancer

Hearts on Fire Calendar

12/10: LTC Pratice (2-4 PM) Pantry Set-up(4:30-6 PM) 12/17: LTC Practice (2-3:30 PM) South Side (4-6 PM)

Dec 12—Trish Veytia Dec 14—Michael Flowers

Daniel Richmond (friend of Mary Holt) suffered massive heart attack. The Family of Willie Howell (father of Pat Jackson and Beverly Howell) as they mourn the loss of their loved one. Meg Hipp diagnosed with colon cancer. Darl Davis (R & B Meyers’ friend) pelvis shattered. Judy V (lady at Galena Park) stage 4 cancer in spine and lungs. Ray Walker (Anita Routh’s bro-in-law) had lung biopsy to determine his treatment. Barb Doty (Joyce Grant’s cousin) in Proctor Hospital for blood clots. Lynn Bloompott (Rebecca Prichard’s friend) testing for Alzheimer’s. Pat Haines as she recovers from her stay in the hospital. Tom Burtrum (EP CoC member, age 94) in car accident resulting in a crushed pelvis; confined to bed in traction for 10 weeks to determine if bone is going to grow. Bob Judkins as he awaits a diagnosis. Shut-Ins: M. L. Judkins, Texie Ray, and Eleanor Richey. Our mother-to-be Kristina Routh.

Our military. Our nation as it struggles with many issues. Our president, judges & elected officials—wisdom to make Godly decisions. Our police as they struggle to do their job. Unsaved souls (you supply the names). Those who have left the fold and need a helping hand to find their way home. Our college students. Our enemies. Our VBS 2018! Those being persecuted for being Christians. Those who persecute others — may their hearts be changed! Our young!

Those Traveling during the holidays. Those dealing with the aftermath of the hurricanes (Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and other Atlantic islands). Victims/Families of random acts of violence and terrorism. The families who lost loved ones, together with all those who were wounded in the Las Vegas massacre. Those dealing with the aftermath of the western U.S. fires.

Praises/Updates: Kat DeVore will be working in the Peoria Area after graduation.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM DRESS REHEARSAL/PARTY

On December 16th from 10:30 AM — 1:30 PM all

children ages K thru 6th grade are to come to the

fellowship hall to rehearse the Christmas program

they have been preparing for the last several

weeks. Following the rehearsal there will be a

luncheon and Christmas party. Write it on your

calendars now !!

COFFEE, COCOA, COOKIES AND CAROLING

On Wednesday, December 13th at 6:20 P.M. we will take the van and travel to Independence Village on the corner of Northmoor Rd and University Street. Everyone, including children are most welcome to join in. Bring your jingle bells.

As we have done for several years, we will sing Christmas songs to the residents of Independence. Alan Moreland will lead us in our singing.

Following the caroling (ends at 7 P.M.) we will return to the fellowship hall to have some hot coffee and cocoa, along with delicious cookies!

Dec 16th Ryan & Courtney Stivers

Deacons

Lee DenBraber Tom Flanagan Nate Gardner

Terry Hargrove Rick Meyers

Alan Moreland

Treasurer

Douglas Staley

Elders

Dean Kennedy

Terry McWhirter Cell: 309-231-9362

Allen Neese

Minister David W. Spillman Cell: 309-219-2860

HOF Director Ryan Martin

Cell: 281-253-6794

Ministry Assistants

Meta Kennedy (MWF)

Betty Meyers (TT)

PH: 309-693-2426

Attendance Dec 3

Bible Study 85

10:30 Worship Service 141

EEM To Date $ 19,878

Bergner’s Booklets $ 2,458

Zambia Orphans’ Education $1,920/HS student (2) Needed for 2017 = $3,840.00

$ GOAL MET!!

Shults-Lewis Children’s Home Coins in the weekly contribution + $10 of each Dining Tour Book!!!

$ 6.84

Last Wk. Year-to-Date

2017 Budget $ 5,000 $ 245,000

Contribution $ 6,701 $ 196,524

Acknowledgement: Some clipart/photo images may have been taken from "Images (c) FaithClipart.com".

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

G

I

V

I

N

G

H

O

P

E

Dec 10th — Luncheon for the We Are One group (after service) Dec 12th — Pantry (12:30-2 PM) Dec 13th — Caroling @ Independence Village (6:30 PM) Dec 16th — PiP Kids Christmas Program Rehearsal (10:30-1:30) Dec 17th — Kids Christmas Program (10:30 AM) Dec 24th — Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (6 PM) Dec 25th — Christmas Day Dec 25th — Jan 1st — OFFICE CLOSED

SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE STUDY CLASSES ORDER OF WORSHIP

Challenge: Pray daily for our entire church family (by name).

See something that needs to be fixed — leaky faucet, broken window, dirty air vent, etc.? Please report it to the office for BaGG (Building and Grounds Group) to place on their list.

Worship Leader: Alan Moreland

Children Sing

Songs: Days of Elijah Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty (pg. 72)

Worthy is the Lamb O Come, Let Us Adore Him (pg. 264)

Communion: Ryan Martin

Mike Quine, Gary McWhirter, Harold Brewer, Wendelle Haines

Offering

DISMISSAL: Ages K-6th grade to fellowship hall for Christmas program practice

Song: Joy to the World (pg. 1018)

Scripture Reading: Jim DeVore (John 1:1-2 & I John 1:1-4)

Speaker: David W. Spillman CHRISTMAS MEANS...GOD WANTS TO BE CLOSE TO US

Song: Joy to the World (pg. 1018)

Hearts on Fire Announcements: Ryan Martin

Shepherd’s Time: Terry McWhirter

Greeter: Teressa Hargrove

Facilitator: Terry Hargrove

Nursery Attendant: Kristin Campbell

Communion Preparation: the Muehrings

ADULTS—AUDITORIUM Max Lucado: Because of Bethlehem

Terry Hargrove/Aaron Campbell, Facilitators

ATTENTION FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Kids ages K-6th grades will meet downstairs after communion in preparation of this year’s Christmas program, to be held on Sunday, Dec. 17th. If you have questions see Jeanne Gardner.

Financial Peace University Classes Are Back!

Coming to Northwest on January 14th through March 11th will be Financial Peace University classes hosted by Northwest.

The classes will be held from 6:00—7:30 PM. Douglas Staley will be the Facilitator. Please see him with your questions. If he is not available, please see Dean Kennedy.

BE SURE TO SIGN UP ON BULLETIN BOARD!