Dear First Family, Happy December! Where has our year gone? Hey, I wanted to get this note out to you because it has some really good information in it that I think you’ll appreciate. So, here goes…
UNIQUE GIVING OPPORTUNITY – DONATED ITEMS: A BUILDING FUND BONANZA!
A beautiful silver tea set was donated to the church by one of our members. Her heart's desire was to do something significant for our new building. She gave something precious, something she'd had in her family for years. Today the price of silver is higher than it's been in a long time. Others of have asked about this. Most of us have items of value we could donate. The biggest hurdle is always expertise; expertise in knowing WHAT will sell, and HOW to sell it.
That expertise has appeared in the form of MARK PARRISH. The sales tool is EBAY. Mark has a background in the buying and selling of goods in this vast, online world. The board has agreed to enlist his services to help in the marketing of items donated to the church. Mark is being paid for his help.
Mark can be reached at the following email address: markparrish84@yahoo.com ... OR by cell phone @ 971.240.2218
Here are some CRITICAL things to remember:
* What sells on EBAY are desirable items in GOOD to GREAT condition; what DOESN'T sell are items usually found in garage sales or in most charity donation bins.
Some items always in demand:
* COLLECTIBLES - collector plates, figurines, dolls, toys
* ART WORKS
* WATCHES, JEWELRY (not costume), PRECIOUS GEMS
* MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
* NEWER CELL PHONES & PDAs
* NEWER COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS
* GENUINE ANTIQUES
* LARGER ITEMS: FURNITURE, VEHICLES, AND EQUIPMENT
If these items are in great condition, there may be a market for them.
If you are interested, please contact Mark. We have given Mark the unenviable authority to determine what WILL, or what WON'T sell - someone has to do it. He can help you think through the possibilities - CALL him TODAY!
CHRISTMAS MUSICAL – As you know, Carol and the entire Music/Drama Department have been working diligently to get ready for this year’s Christmas Presentation – Four Tickets To Christmas. This provides us with a tremendous INVITE EVENT. I’d like to ask you to be very purposeful in reaching out with an invitation to those around you. Your friends, family and co-workers will have an outstanding experience that will make their Christmas season better. Invite tickets are still available at the office and Welcome Center. Let’s pack out each of these 4 performances. Please be praying for all those who are involved, as well as those who attend. An invitation to accept Christ will be made at each presentation. I think that God’s Kingdom will be advanced this month of December through Salem First.
GROUND BREAKING CELEBRATION – Yes! January 3rd will be an unforgettable day in the life of Salem First. We’ll be gathering to celebrate the launch of our EXTEND THE VISION project. We’ve all worked hard, and been waiting a long time for this moment. So, let’s celebrate what God has done and is going to do. Here’s how it will work: We will have our regular 1st hour service at 9:15 am, and then I’m asking all of us to come together for the 11:00 am service, which will include some worship, acknowledgment of special people, hearing from a few of our key leaders in the project, and a reminder of who we are and why we do what we do. We’ll wrap up the morning by going outside for the groundbreaking celebration. By the way, we could really use some of the pictures that you might have of the church in the previous years. If we could borrow them (soon) it would help us with what we want to put together for the celebration.
You’ll be hearing much about the “PARKING SHIFT.” We will be shuttling people from North High School, and our Parking Lot Team will be assisting us in helping us fill our parking lots as well as some directed off street parking. Thanks for being flexible. I’d like us to give as much priority as possible to our visitors/guests and our senior adults to be able to use the 16th street parking lot. We’ll keep you informed. You’ll also be hearing much more about how you can stay up with all of the projects progress through the “Construction Cam,” which you’ll be able to log onto the website and see the process in real time. We have so much to rejoice about, so set this date as a priority and let’s celebrate God’s goodness together.
DECEMBER SERIES – “And It Came To Pass…” During this month I’ll be speaking about the fulfillment of God’s promises that changed the world. It will be a unique look at the Christmas story and I know that you’ll really enjoy it. Once again, why not reach out and invite someone to join you for worship this season?
STANDING WITH ISRAEL – Next Tuesday evening we will be hosting a Standing With Israel evening. It will be in the Lower Rickard at 7:00 pm and it will be led by the regional director of Christians United For Israel (CUFI). This is a great chance to show support for Israel.
As you can see, there’s much going on around the church. Thanks for being a part and for your continued faithfulness in prayer, giving and serving. You guys are simply the best!
All My Love,
Pastor D