The nativity scene is a favorite Christian symbol of Advent and Christmas.

Nativity scenes come in all shapes and sizes. Some are passed down through families  Others are made with construction paper and glue. Some nativity scenes are elaborate with wise men and camels, shepherds and sheep, and all kinds of animals around the manger. Others are simple with only Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.

No matter the design, monetary value, or size, nativity scenes are special. They tell a story and invite us in.

This year our Advent theme focuses on the nativity scene and the stories it represents. Our theme is “Behind the Scene.”  Each Sunday we look at different people in the nativity scene and learn more about them as we prepare for Christ’s birth.

On Sunday, December 18, we want to display nativity scenes. If you have a nativity scene that you’d like to share (we’ll be careful, but don’t bring anything you can’t risk losing) bring it on Saturday, December 17, from 2-2:30 pm.  You’ll take your scene back home with you after the Christmas brunch the morning of December 18.

Each month, Grace distributes bus tickets to people in our community. This happens on the 15^th of the month, or if the 15^th is a weekend, we meet the Friday before. Volunteers and those receiving tickets begin to gather around 7 am in the Grace alcove. Guests are greeted with smiles, coffee, water, and a place to sit. Tickets are distributed at 8 am.

We invite all guests to a brief worship service with communion in the Great Room at 7:40 am.

We can always use volunteers to help with set-up, clean-up, and ticket distribution.  Want to help?  Contact Kirk Anderson, kirk@mygpc.org or 684-5215.

It’s time for our monthly Laundry Love! This is when we go to College Town Laundry at 3223 E 17^th St, by the WSU Campus, and we pay for laundry for people. This is a mission of our evangelism team, and we’d love for you to join us. We are there from 2:30 – 5:30 pm on Sunday, November 13. Want to know more? Contact Catherine Neelly Burton in the church office, 684-5215.

Join us for breakfast on Sunday, November 20, at 10 am, in the Great Room. This is the Sunday before Thanksgiving. In the past, we’ve shared lunch on this day, but we’re trying something different this year. The cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children 11 and under, with a family cap of $20.