December 2016 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12

8:15 AM & 10:45 AM - PRAISE & WORSHIP

9:45 AM - BIBLE STUDY 5:00 PM - DINNER 5:15 PM - PRE-SCHOOL OPENS 5:30 PM - ECF KIDS WOW 5:45 PM - PRE-SCHOOL J.A.M. 6:00 PM - PRAISE CHOIR 6:15 PM - THE WRECK 6:15 PM - BIBLE STUDY 7:00 PM - ORCHESTRA

Dr. Steve Taylor, Senior Pastor [email protected]

Clay Owens, Worship Leader [email protected]

Larry DeMoss, 55+ Ministry [email protected]

Alex Gentili, College Ministry [email protected]

Doug Moore, Student Ministry [email protected]

Bridgette Jencks, Preschool/Children Ministry [email protected] ecfkids.blogspot.com

Lynn Phillips, Financial Secretary [email protected]

Sionna Courtney, Church Secretary [email protected]

Jo Sapp, Music Secretary [email protected]

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and The Lord’s Supper Saturday 24th at 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm Sunday Service 25th We will have one service at 10:00 am

Dear ECF Friends and Family, Christmas is in high gear at ECF. Please take note of all the opportunities to fill this time of year with Christmas cheer. We are focusing on Advent this Christmas season at ECF. The children and adults alike are celebrating the coming of our Savior as we study Advent each Wednesday during the month of December. In addition, the first Facebook Live Advent devotion was a hit this past Sunday evening and will continue at 5 pm on Sundays for the next three weeks. Join us, like it, and share it. More importantly, let it be a tool for you and those you know to prepare their hearts and minds to focus on Christ this December. Also, please invite your friends to our Emerald Coast Christmas Presentation Friday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7 pm. Bro. Clay and the entire worship team have been hard at work preparing for this special celebration. The donation of toys at the Christmas program is encouraged to support the Stuff the Bus program. And many of the toys, along with clothes and food, will be distributed to the children we help through the Backpack Blessings program. If you would like to help us with the distribution on Saturday morning, Dec. 17 please contact Lynn Phillips at the church office. Our Christmas Eve Service is a time when we find families looking for a Holy moment and a reminder of the Christ of Christmas. This year we are hoping to make that twice as convenient. We are offering two Christmas Eve services (4:30 pm and 6:00 pm). Then on Christmas and New Year’s Days we will have one worship service at 10:00 am and no small group Bible study. But don't wait until then to join us. Every Sunday in December will be filled with Bible teaching and special times praising Jesus. The worship team has been learning new Christmas music for Sundays too! I encourage you to be as generous as you can in the Spirit of Christ as we celebrate His birth. The 1,604 boxes that were packed through Operation Christmas Child this year are a testament to your generosity to the world. And the bags of food that are packed each week all school year long are a reminder that your dollars given to Jesus are used to help those in our community as well. Your gifts have allowed us to do so much and your continued giving will allow us to do so much more in fulfilling our vision to reach Bay County and beyond with the love of Jesus Christ. All year end gifts given to Jesus through Emerald Coast Fellowship, including those given online, are tax deductible and must be given before the office closes on Friday, December 30. I look forward to seeing you soon to celebrate our Christ, and do not forget to invite your friends! Your pastor and friend, Dr. Steve

A Note from Clay Thank you all for a great first Fall at ECF! We are excited about An Emerald Coast Christmas and all of our Christmas services, including our two Christmas Eve services and the 10:00 AM service on Christmas morning. These first few months have been a whirlwind, and we are excited to settle down to “normal” as we start a New Year together. If God is calling you to be part of the Worship Ministry team, come check it out on Wednesdays in January to see where you belong! Open Enrollment for the ECF Choir and Orchestra begins Wednesday, January 4, and continues January 11 and 18. If you believe God has equipped you and called you to serve through music, come join us on these evenings for Choir rehearsal at 6 or Orchestra rehearsal at 7. Tech positions are also available for sound, lighting, and computers. Email [email protected] for more info, or see Pastor Clay before or after services.

We can all use help navigating the sometimes difficult, unexpected roads of life. As a counselor, my goal is to walk alongside you to offer Biblical guidance and wisdom, and help you grow stronger in your journey. Jeremiah 29:12 - 14

Thank you all for your part in the Operation Christmas Child ministry. We have a wonderful and generous church family! On the last day of collection, ECF’s total contribution was 1,604 shoeboxes! Those boxes were full of love, prayers and many great gifts. God is Operation able to doChristmas exceedingly abundantly Child 2011 above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV) Please continue with your prayers for the children who will receive shoeboxes in the upcoming months.

Please remember that all 2016 Contributions must be received in the church office no later than Friday, December 30th or postmarked by December 31st to receive a tax credit for this calendar year.

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24 Christmas

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Ladies Night at Christmas 7:00 PM

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55+ Trip “May Haw Christmas”

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Jambalaya

11 7:00 PM

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14 Chicken Teriyaki

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Eve Services 4:30 pm & 6:00 pm

Christmas Dinner

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Service at 10:00 AM

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Church office will be closed

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No Wed night activities

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