Caroling, Worship and other happenings

Hello there friends!
It has been a fun week. We capped it off with some Christmas caroling this evening through the town of Palouse. It was about 5 degrees outside, but nearly40 of us braved the elements to sing songs to our neighbors.
This week we had several fun things happen. 1. Someone donated a VCR/DVD player that we really needed. 2. Someone donated a brand-new foosball table that we will really be able to use with the youth. 3. The lot across the street was turned into a parking lot, making it easier to accomodate the crowds we have been having. 4. The board voted on a budget that is in line with our current growth, this budget included making me a full-time pastor, as of January 1st. 5. The men had their monthly breakfast, which included sourdough pancakes (thanks Dean). We also decorated the church this Saturday (looks good diaconate and volunteers).
Tina, the kids and I are headed to Spokane, today, Monday. We are going to visit our friend Robert (age 18) who is receiving chemotherapy at Sacred Heart for Sarcoma. We are hoping and praying that he doesn't have to spend Christmas in the hospital. Please pray for Robert and others that are suffering- when we have good health we take it for granted and sometimes we forget that there are people, including young children, who are fighting for their lives.

Worship was moving for me today. The words to away in a manger really got to me today, got choked up. Another side note, someone mentioned that I said "Mary" when I should have said "Elizabeth" at the beginning of my sermon, making it sound like Mary was six months pregnant when the angel Gabriel came, rather than Elizabeth (see Luke 1:26-38). I apologize for any confusion- I pray it was minor and not a distraction to the wonderful truth of our Savior's birth. If you are interested in the sermon notes they are posted at my "Corey Sermons" blog.
The Blood family led the advent reading and reflection. Terry Keller and Tecla Blood did special music. We had a fun children's sermon.
In all there were 83 folks in worship today.
Praise God- Pastor Corey