“The best gifts come from the heart, not the store.”

For some folks, they spent their Thanksgiving waiting in line to be the first to get the great holiday deals. For others it was capturing the online bargains. And then, there are those who have spent several months strategizing and accumulating their gift list bit by bit. If you haven’t done any of those things, and are wondering what you are going to do, there is good news! There are some things that take zero money, but are priceless. If you are still looking for something to give to those who matter most to you, consider a few of these timeless gifts. These items are within the reach of all of us, and not only do they benefit those around us, but most are a gift to ourselves as well.
-Being on time
-Having passion for what you do
-Being flexible in your approach
-A positive attitude
-Doing something extra
-Being prepared
-Giving your time
-Being kind
-Being patient
-A handwritten note
-Gratitude
-A phone call
-A smile
-A hug
-Random act of kindness
-A listening ear
-Showing compassion
Best of all, no waiting in line, no looking for parking and always available and in stock!  And if you are shopping for children, keep this in mind – the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report a few years ago saying that simple toys hold the most benefits for children. They warn parents against filling their toy box with flashing lights and gadgets. The report is called “Selecting Appropriate Toys for Young Children in the Digital Era”. It offers guidance for parents on what toys will most benefit their children’s development. The report focuses on children from birth through school age.  “The best toys are those that support parents and children playing, pretending, and interacting together,” stated Alan Mendelsohn, MD, FAAP, in the AAP’s press release. Mendelsohn is a co-author of the report and associate professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health at NYU Langone Health. According to Mendelsohn, digital toys don’t provide the same benefits. Although media-based toys, like videos, computer programs, and books with voice-recorded reading, make claims to be interactive and educationally beneficial, the AAP says that these claims are unsupported.  Remember to give your child the best gift of all – your time, love and attention.

Merry Christmas! 

Congregational Budget meeting & Election of Officers

On Sunday, December 11, following worship, we will be meeting to vote on the 2023 budget and elect new church officers. Plan to be in attendance for this important church business. For more information email firstchristianglendora@verizon.net or call office at 626-335-2240.

Advent is on it’s way…

During the Advent season we re-enact the fact that “love came down” at Christmas and dwelt among us. This year we will be reflecting upon the idea that there is room for every story and each story is important, “From Generation to Generation.”  Join us Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. as we weave our story into the Christmas story through music, art and scripture.

Nov. 27
There Is Room For Every Story
Matthew 1:1-17

Dec. 4
God Meets Us in Our Fear
Luke 1: 26-38

Dec. 11
We Can Choose a Better Way
Matthew 1:18-25

Dec. 18
We See God in Each Other
Luke 1:39-56

Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve
We Tell This Story
Luke 2:1-20

Dec. 25 – Christmas  Day
God Dwells With Us
John 1:1-14, Luke 2:15-2

Happy Birthday to our December Birthdays!

Happy birthday!! We hope your day is filled with lots of love and laughter! May all of your birthday wishes come true. God Bless!
8    Deliena Paschal
10    Linda Taylor
17    Ryder Bertolette
18    Hannah Davis
18    Mattea Davis
19    Jerrie Nackos
27    Robert Deering
29    Stacy Velky

November Birthdays and Anniversaries!

Happy Birthday to our November Birthdays!
Happy birthday!! We hope your day is filled with lots of love and laughter! May all of your birthday wishes come true. God Bless!
1     Mary Dubois
3     Ed Allender
26   Nikki Hendricks
27    Dylan Johnson

Congratulations & Happy Anniversary to Our November Couples!
Sending anniversary congratulations and best wishes for the years ahead to all those celebrating wedding anniversaries.
4     Dan Wilshire & Karen Cullen

Continuing an Attitude of Gratitude Beyond November

    It is vital for our spiritual and mental health to pause, reflect and give thanks (and not just on the 4th Thursday of November). Here are some reminders on why and how we can have an attitude of gratitude.
-Gratitude helps us stay in the present. When we’re focused on things we can give thanks for today, we’re not living in the past or worried about the future.
-Gratitude helps us avoid negative thinking, which when left unchecked, leads to negative emotions. You can’t be grateful and envious at the same time.
-Gratitude increases our resistance to stress. Grateful people tend to bounce back more quickly from adversity.
-Gratitude increases our sense of self-worth. Grateful people recognize the contributions others have made to their lives, and this transforms the way they see themselves.
-Three ways to cultivate gratitude
1. Keep a gratitude journal. According to one report, “People are 25 percent happier and more energetic if they keep gratitude journals, have 20 percent less envy and resentment, sleep 10 percent longer each night and wake up 15 percent more refreshed, exercise 33 percent more, and show a 10 percent drop in blood pressure compared to persons who are not keeping these journals.”
2. Count your blessings on a regular basis. Similar to keeping a gratitude journal, without writing everything down. This can be done in the morning, in the evening, and all throughout the day. It’s the application of the “give thanks in everything” verse.
3. Use visual reminders. This might seem like the training wheels of gratitude, but it can be quite helpful. We tend to take things for granted. Worse, we tend to take God for granted. Simple reminders, like putting Scripture verses in places we’ll regularly see them, can prompt us to be grateful. Some people like to drop notes of gratitude in a “gratitude jar.” And simply seeing friends and loved ones can remind us to be grateful. The point is to do whatever helps us recognize and appreciate our many blessings.
Take time to count your blessings and name them one by one. You will be thankful that you did.
Giving thanks for each of you,
Karen