The Hunger Games movie series was central to our Thanksgiving week. Don't worry, I'm not going to spoil anything about the movie. But, it makes me think, what people do to survive? What do I do to survive?

Last week was a blur of activity. My mind was occupied thinking about the variety of responsibilities and roles to play: 1) Sunday - teach Junior Church and driving to pick up ARC, 2) Monday setting up for Wednesday event, 3) Tuesday Annual Thanksgiving Dance, 4) Wednesday Friendsgiving Event and 5) Thursday Thanksgiving! and then 6) the daily interactions at the office and the start of kettles.

In my effort to "survive" I definitely things I did that I wasn't proud of. Deception, not being graceful, impatience, and withholding mercy are just some to start. But, as we exit this Thanksgiving holiday, I thank God for love and forgiveness. I also thank Him for the moving of the Holy Spirit, bringing my sin to the forefront, so I can make amends and live better. There's still a lot of growing to do, let's all continue to be sensitive to God's leading.

4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Romans 2:4 New Living Translation

3-4 You didn’t think, did you, that just by pointing your finger at others you would distract God from seeing all your misdoings and from coming down on you hard? Or did you think that because he’s such a nice God, he’d let you off the hook? Better think this one through from the beginning. God is kind, but he’s not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change. (Message paraphrase)

** November 26 is our first nursing home visit @ 2 PM. We will be wrapping socks and prepping for this visit after church. Join us! :)

Major Shoshannah Ruwethin

Incarnation explores the meaning behind the names of Christ and what they tell us about the child whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. Reflect upon the significance of the Christ-child for our lives and the world today!

The five-week series includes worship service materials for the four Sundays of Advent, Christmas Eve Service, and Sunday after Christmas. The series in English and Spanish includes music options, dramas, readings, and other Christmas resources.

This series is inspired by Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas by Adam Hamilton (Abingdon Press, 2020). A special thanks to the Central Territory for this resource.

The Advent Season is very soon:

December 3 - Jesus is King

December 10 - Jesus is Savior

December 17 - Jesus is Worthy

December 24 - Jesus is Here

December 31 - Jesus is Lord

Caring magazine has shared an activity to do with your children. Here is the link to download the Advent Paper Chain with scripture and devotional thoughts.

We've been sharing about bellringing for a few weeks now - the schedule is now here. Please see the link below and see what shifts you can help bellring to raise awareness in the community, raise funds for the ministry, and bless the shoppers by saying God bless you!

Join us as we reach out to care facilities this season with songs, smiles, and socks! We will be visiting seven locations this Christmas season. If you are able to join us in this special ministry, please let us know. Here are the first two dates and locations for now:

Sunday, 11/26,
2 and 2:30 pm - Singing
West Post Acute

1601 Petersen Ave

San Jose, CA

Sunday, 12/3
12 PM - Sock distribution Nursing and Skill

Sub-Acute Center

410 N Winchester SJ

Del Oro & Golden State Division

United Young Adult Retreat 2024

Overflow - Romans 15:13

DATE:

January 19th-21st, 2024

AGES:

18-35

LOCATION:

Zephyr Point Conference Center
660 Hwy 50
Zephyr Cove, NV 89448

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

Friday, January 5th, 2024

Register Now

We are excited to announce that YAR 2024 will be a united retreat with Del Oro Division! Young adults will get to see a bigger picture of the Army. We also hope that they make new friends and use that opportunity to share their faith with others.

The registration fee of $150 will be discounted to $50 for regular attenders at weekly ministry. Any additional activities/choices during the retreat will be a personal expense.

We are all focused on the upcoming holiday season, but I wanted to give you a bit of information regarding the upcoming Territorial Congress:

• Date: June 13-16, 2024
• Location: Pasadena Convention Center
• Theme: Testify!
• Visiting Leaders: General Lyndsay and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
• Mission Statement/Scripture: Teach, Train and Motivate Salvationists to tell the Story of Jesus more often, and to more people, through words and actions. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)
• ARC Command will be receiving their own travel subsidy for current beneficiaries. Those who have graduated and attend your corps can be included in your non-officer counts.

Registration and Accommodation

Registration is now open, and the registration website also has links to the hotels that we have negotiated room rates for. We encourage everyone to register and book rooms early. PLEASE note Retired Officers must book their hotel room directly through Major Nancy Dihle. https://events.usawest.org/

Ordination and Commissioning

The Ordination and Commissioning ceremonies will take place as part of the Friday night opening celebration session of the Congress, with the appointments being given out in the final meeting on Sunday afternoon. What an exciting way to start the Congress!

Meals

Registration at the congress includes 5 meals for the entire family. This will be a wonderful time for fellowship.

There is a goal of sending 200 delegates (no officers or retired officers included in this count) from the Golden State Division. There will be a subsidy available of $350 per delegate for the first 200 delegates. We are still working out details regarding the subsidy and how it will be distributed.

As more information becomes available, it will be shared. Here is the link to an article on The Landing about the Territorial Congress: https://usawest.sharepoint.com/sites/NewFrontierChronicle/SitePages/General-to-attend-2024-Congress-in-Pasadena.aspx

Please help us keep you informed by signing up for the Remind App. Simply follow the directions. The goal is to touch base with a newsletter once a week and avoid 25 responses to a group text. This is a secure way for us to do this. Text to: 81010, Send the message: @chkhc6.

Feel free to share the info. Thank you in advance.

Sunday:

• 9:30 AM Sunday School for Youth and Adults
• 10:30 AM Worship service
• 11:00 AM Junior Church
• 12:30 PM Potluck & Fellowship (3rd Sunday unless scheduled otherwise)

Wednesday:

Illuminate Youth Schedule

• 2:00 PM Arrival/Open Gym
• 2:30 PM Welcome - devotions
• 2:45 PM Snacks
• 3:00 PM Troops
• 4:00 PM Brass, Drums, Piano, Hula, Art
• 5:00 PM Parent Pick Up

6:30 PM Young Adult Fellowship at Ruwethin's house

Thursday:

• 5:45 PM Intermediate Brass
• 6:30 PM Family Night Dinner
• 7:15 PM Adult Bible Study/Youth Choir

Friday:

• 5:00 PM Teen Youth Group (Monthly - Dates vary)

• 7:00 PM Women's Fellowship - Ladies Night Out (Monthly - Dates vary)

Email: shoshannah.ruwethin@usw.salvationarmy.org
Website: siliconvalley.salvationarmy.org
Location: 3090 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA, USA
Phone: 408.247.4588
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSASantaClaraChurch