Something to think about BEFORE YOU GO SHOPPING:
There's lots of ways to manage shopping-mania. Drawing names, giving family gifts, rather than individual gifts, or even giving "time together" (like a special meal, going to the theater or beach) rather than stuff. Or you can purchase stuff that people actually need.
Last year we started a new tradition in our family - we are choosing to spend as much money on giving as we do on the gifts we purchase. One way we are doing this is by using the Good Gifts Catalog to "purchase" food for people who are hungry.
Won't you try this with me this year?
If you have small children, use the God's Global Barnyard resources to help them understand this important gift giving - that may really mean life for some people. If your children are older, invite them to shop with you online in the Good Gifts Catalog for their wish list.
Whatever you do, my encouragement is to do it intentionally. Make this a time of spiritual reflection as much as it is a time to express the love you have for the people in your life. Gift giving is a wonderful thing when it is done in context of your values. Happy shopping!
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Thinking about a New Year's Resolution?
If you want something different to happen in 2011 - let's say, you want to get in shape, spiritually speaking - or let's say, you want to make a bigger difference in the world. but you're not sure where to start - or you are wondering what God is up to in your life? This is the year to move...
 Bring a friend with you-and sign up for The Disciple Project. Learning Track details will be available soon-mark your calendar now!
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I love decorating my house, baking cookies and everything that goes with the holidays, but actually all of this isn't really Advent. Advent is the space we make in our lives to wait for the coming of the Christ child. It is pushing pause on the holidays to pray, to serve others and to ponder, like Mary, that the baby is coming. The ritual of the Advent Log or Wreath in our Faith Together resource can help make this happen. But there is more.
Yesterday I had a conversation with an older friend about her holiday plans. She said, "I'm cooking for Thanksgiving and then, that's it. I'll make it, I always do, but this time of the year always knocks me down." Her words hit me hard. I asked "Is it the memories?" And she just nodded her head.
Is this you too? Or do you know people for whom the "holiday buzz" just pushes them to sadness? As I have reflected on my friends words, I was reminded that this is the down side of the season. I have felt it too. The first year after my divorce, when my kids went to their Dad's house, I couldn't bring myself to go to worship at my own congregation where people would notice I was alone. I quietly went to another congregation to worship - and I am so glad I did.
I am concerned that people of faith (even me) confuse Advent with the holiday buzz. Advent is remembering that God comes to us, in the form of a baby because of the greatest love of all. That kind of love doesn't make us feel alone or depressed. While it may bring great joy, many times this kind of love feels more like a warm hug when you need it most.
Resurrecting Advent during December isn't easy, but it is important. It is the counter movement that brings hope to the hopeless. If Christians can practice Advent in the home, this kind of ritual can deepen our faith and change lives. This is the kind of family legacy I want to pass on to my children.
Peggy Hahn
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Details on location and how to register coming soon!
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Camp Hope Ministries
Looking for effective youth ministry that teaches scripture and leadership? Do you want to reach the neighborhood?
Camp Hope Day Camp Ministry is a 20-year old proven success. Interested?
With no exaggeration and deep humility, every summer God uses Camp Hope to impact the lives of children and youth across the country. Your congregation can host this effective ministry too. We are ready to help you make that happen and offer a start-up discount for first-year congregations. In addition, there are training grants available for congregations that want to use Camp Hope to reach their ethnic neighbors.
This congregationally-hosted neighborhood day camp grows Biblically literate children and youth. Camp Hope is normally three weeks long, contracting with high school and college-age trained youth as staff. They are mentored by congregational leaders and supported by a congregation's Camp Hope Ministry Team and a professional Camp Hope Coach.
To learn more, check out our website at camphopeministries.org and contact Peggy Hahn as soon as possible. Now is the time to get ready for next summer. The deadline for new congregations is February 1, so please contact us today so we can help you asses if Camp Hope is right for you.
Feel free to talk with some of our Camp Hope host congregations to get their perspective. 2010 Gulf Coast Synod Camp Hope congregations included: Kinsmen/Houston, New Hope/Missouri City, Messiah/Cypress, Holy Comforter/Kingwood, St. John/Bellville, Christ the King/Kenner, Christ/Lake Jackson, Our Saviour's/College Station and St. Paul's/Baytown.
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 Young Adults in Global Mission
Embark on a life-changing journey. Experience 1 year of intententional service in one of nine countries. Designed for ages 19-29. Service begins in August each year. Go to www.elca.org/yagm for an application and more info.
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