Once again since last Sunday the week has flown by and has been jam packed with such fun ministry opportunities. You'll see many pictures of happenings in this week. One of the highlights for me was attending Bethlehem. Walking through this immersive experience. Feeling what Bethlehem could have felt like. Watching Mary and Joseph's quest to find a place to sleep. Seeing the wise men, shepherds, live animals, and more. Toward the end of the story, a woman sang "O Holy Night" with all of her might, which was followed up with all of the crowd singing "Silent Night". This was the same script, same environment, same backing tracks, but the experience feels new every time. I thank God for allowing me to have a sense of wonder again. Although the story of Jesus birth is not new, I pray that we will all have a moment of authentic worship in a fresh way. Help us God not to get wrapped up or lost in all of the traditions of Christmas (even in the church), and help us continue to focus on the reason for the season.

Major Shoshannah

* December 17 is potluck Sunday. Please bring a side dish to share for your family and two more. The more the merrier. This is for our Christmas potluck.

* December 22, we invite seniors (60+) to join us for a Senior Christmas Party from 11 am - 1 pm. Please RSVP to kristen.gimenez@usw.salvationarmy.org

* December 23, we are asking the church to help ring bells at one spot, Safeway at 950 W Hamilton, for the whole day, from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Please sign up for a shift after church.

* December 24, after church, we ask that you help bring cookies as our refreshments after church. These can be store bought or made.

*Holiday Office Closures, Dec. 25, Dec. 29, and Jan 1.

Long time ministry leader at Santa Clara, RT Carr, was Promoted to Glory this past week. It has been a while since he's been able to attend due to his and his late wife's health. Many of us did not have the chance to meet this legendary man, also called upon to play Santa, for many years, but he is with God now in glory. We will pass on any information regarding a Celebration of Life when we have any details.

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

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!

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