Dear Friends,
Bright lights and beautiful decorations are everywhere. Christmas is almost here. Let's make sure Christ is at the center of all our celebrations. Let's celebrate the greatest Gift of God's love, Jesus Christ our Lord who came for us. Love was the reason for His gift to us.
This Sunday has been designated as "Commitment or Loyalty Sunday" when we, the members and friends of the Farmingdale United Methodist Church, will pledge our financial commitment to Christ and His Church to proclaim the good news and make disciples of Jesus Christ as His Church locally and globally for the coming year 2007.
So, please bring your 2007 giving cards to worship for dedication and celebration of God's grace. If you have not received the pledge card for 2007, there will be one available at church when you come. Let our giving show how much we are grateful to God and support the work of Jesus Christ, who came as God's gift to the world!
As we prepare to worship the newborn King, let's bring Him the gift that He values most, our whole hearts. Come and worship the Lord who has come for you! Share this good news with others and bring them to Christ this Christmas!

Thankful to God for you,
Pastor Julia YH Yim

FOR ALL CHURCH MEMBERS: There will be a Church Conference this Sunday, Dec. 17th, 11:00am in the Sanctuary to vote on 1) the NY Church of Christ's building usage and 2) the 2007 Church Budget.

DONATIONS FOR SOLDIERS: The Sunday School is still collecting items for soldiers overseas. Please leave items in the box in the South Transept or bring them to the Sunday School office.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING: Please join us this Sunday, Dec. 17th at 5:00pm for a Potluck Dinner and then at 6:00pm we will go Caroling. The dinner and caroling are in conjunction with MYF, but is open to everyone.
Note to MYF: Bring 2 dozen of your favorite holiday cookies. We will be putting together gift bags for Soup Group and going caroling at 6:00pm.

UNITED METHODIST MEN will have their annual election of officers at the December 18th 7:00pm meeting. All men of Farmingdale United Methodist Church are welcome to join us for dinner and good fellowship. Just let Jeff James or one of the other members know so we can prepare enough food for everyone. See you then!

THE ORDER OF THE KEEPER OF THE CHRISTMAS SECRET: If you would like to nominate someone for the Order of the Keeper of the Christmas Secret, pick up a nomination form on Sunday morning. Deadline for submission is Dec. 20th.

THANK YOU! to everyone who helped make the Christmas Pageant/Potluck dinner such a success. It was a wonderful experience for everyone and a wonderful memory for the children. God Bless & Merry Christmas, Jennifer Lee

SPECIAL THANKS: to Joyce Campanella, Eleanor Chahalis, Irma Labitzke, Susan Park & Muriel Knoell for their help with the Messenger and Christmas letter mailing last Wednesday. Your help is always appreciated.

COMING IN JANUARY '07: Ministry Leaders Dedication - Sunday, January 7th and Day of Prayer for the New Year - Sat, January 20th

LEADER TO LEADER WORKSHOPS: Jan. 27th 8:30am-12:00pm at the Smithtown UMC. Open to all ministry leaders. The various workshops offered are displayed on the bulletin board in the So. Transept.

IN NEED OF PRAYERS THIS WEEK: Kyli Abbinanti, Emily Brown, Carmen Capoziello, Mabel Greenidge, Bob Greening, Peggy Lopez, Ruth Mace, Tom Maldonado, Carolyn Minn, Baby Daniel Mungavin, Evelyn Occena, Barbara Simpson, Lou Volla, Mary Anne Wolling and our troops in harm's way.
*If you know of someone in the hospital, or someone who wishes a pastoral visit, please call the Church Office.

OUR STEWARDSHIP UPDATE:
Based on 2006 Pledges

• Where We Are (as of Dec. 10th): $165,008.00
• Where We Should Be: $170,407.00