Home Group Follow-Up - Christmas

Most of us are probably presented with this story of Christmas every year, but that doesn't make it any less real or powerful.

I have come to enjoy the time spent with family during Christmas, the excitement in the air, the community of humans putting down their guard a bit for a season, the coolness in the air (normally), the giving spirit.

Most of us love this time of year, and most of us realize the true meaning behind Christmas. Do we stop and celebrate that? Do we still wonder? Do we still marvel at the vulnerability of Christ as a child? Do we still see the miracle? Do we still relate the birth of Christ to our own lives?

The short video Ashley played for us had a part that made me really think. It spoke of the many different names that God has, and it's true: The Prince of Peace, I am, Emmanuel, Father (there are many more). I think he has more names than Puff Daddy, or Diddy, or P. Diddy, or whatever. It amazed me to think about how God could be all these things. That all these names are not just another way to call him something, that they are there for a reason.

So, three things:

1. What are other "names" given to God/Christ ?
2. Which name is most comforting/relevant to your life right now ?
3. And maybe this is a rhetorical question, which do you need to experience right now?

Weekend Fun

There is a great walk, shop, and art adventure this Sunday afternoon in Boylan Heights:

Art Walk

Thanksgiving Favorite

Here's a recipe for everyone's favorite, sweet potato casserole! :)

Casserole Ingredients:
3 cups cooked mashed sweet potatoes (1 good sized sweet potato is about 1 cup)
1 cup sugar
2 beaten eggs
1/3 stick butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla

Topping Ingredients:
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup self-rising flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1 stick melted butter

Preparation:
1. Cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave for about 15-20 minutes (if you're cooking all 3 at once). You can boil these to cook them, but if you're pressed for cooking space for a big family dinner, using the microwave can be handy. :)
2. When cooked through, scrape out the inside of the potatoes and put in a mixing bowl. You can peel these before you cook them, but it's easier for me to scrape....use whichever method you prefer most.
3. Mash potatoes together until mostly smooth.
4. Mix in remaining ingredients for the casserole.
5. Spread into a buttered casserole dish.
6. Mix the topping ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
7. Spread the topping over the potato mixture.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.
9. Enjoy! :)

NFS Campaign

Be there!!! and bring at least 2 friends!

Stop Hunger Now

We had a great time making over 5000 meals on Sunday afternoon.
Check out Stop Hunger Now for more info about the organization.

And scroll on down to see some fabulous pics from the assembly line. Great Job Everyone!

Amy Hathaway in the N&O

So, I wake up this morning, fire up the coffee maker and grab the newspaper from the driveway (as old men often do). As I'm reading the City and State portion of the paper, I came across a very familiar name- our very own Water Quality Engineer, Amy Hathaway! Very nice job Amy! Check out the story through the link below. It sounds like a great program and a wonderful opportunity awaiting the finger tips of all our neighbors who want to become aware of the quality of our waters. So, next time you see Amy, give her some props!


http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/735628.html

Yeah for our Homegroup....

Just wanted to let you all know that I am so thankful to have such an amazing group of people to live life with. It is an incredible thing to witness and be apart of a group of people who really love, care and support one another. I feel like God smiles when he sees His children really loving each other and the people around them! Looking forward to the adventures ahead...