**OH! HOW great it is to continue filling your Christmas spirit with “joy” of the coming events!! There is nothing like the Community Wide Christmas Service, in Valley, AL. Dear Choir Members of the Lower Valley Area Churches: The Annual United Christmas Day Service of the lower Valley areas will be held on December 25, 2017 at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, in Valley, AL at 10 AM EST. The Mass Choir consisting of choir members from the participating churches will provide the music with Bro. Myron Fears, serving as Musician and Choir Director. All choir members are asked to please be present for the two rehearsals: Monday, December 18, 2017 at 6:00 PM EST, Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 6:00 PM EST, all rehearsals will be held at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Please help spread the word to all members of the various choirs to participate in this year’s Community Mass Choir and to attend the two rehearsals. Yours in Christ, Bro. Myron Fears, Musician and Director. Looking forward to seeing all of you…

**THE CME Church is still moving on with the “Advent” Season. The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church use first four Sundays in December to reach and touch a spiritual Christmas Season by using families to explain about the coming of Christ. Sunday, before last on Dec. 3. 2017, was the first Sunday in the Advent Service at St. Stephens CME, Valley, AL. In the first presentation: The movement of Hope and the highlights were beautiful by Floyd Family. The second Sunday’s Advent Word to share and enjoy: was “Love”, December 10, 2017, (The Gibson Family). And the Advent Message was today we light the second candle of advent the candle of love. In their old age God gave Zechariah and Elizabeth a son called John. John spoke to the people bravely in the desert denying his own comforts and prepared to die for what he believed. John taught that we should share what we have with others. Treat each other kindly and show God’s love. He did this because he cared for people and wanted them to repent and find God’s forgiveness. (First person Narfunda Ross). 2nd person: today on this Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of love. Last Sunday, we lit the candle of hope. Today we light the candle of love. And the candle of hope again as we remember Jesus born in Bethlehem, He is our hope and our love; therefore, we need to spread the Word of a loving child that we born. The lighting of the first and second candles by Erma Gibson and Martha Gibson. All: love is like a candle shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the love we have in Christ. Special Music “Go Tell it on the Mountain”. When we look at second candle we are reminded of God’s Love. When we read the words of the psalmist we know of God’s greatness and care. We remember that God sent Jesus to help us know that God is loving and just (3rd person- Pearlie Gibson). 4th person: Scripture tells us “There is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18- God created this would in love and this world will end in the love of God. God’s love pervades all aspects of this life. From birth to death, pain to delight, strangers to lovers, God’s love is there. 5th person: One verse that many memorize and remember on this day is John 3:16, God so loved the world… Some people may not know the love of other people. That makes it harder for them to understand God’s love. During Advent, we pray that we may remember again God’s gift of Jesus to the world and know that God’s love for all people is the reason for this gift. And a closure from the leaders: Let us pray: All: Dear God, thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for the words found in our Bible that help us remember your love and care. Help us see how we can bring God’s message to the people we meet in our schools, at our jobs and in our neighborhoods. Help us to be messengers of God’s love for everyone. Amen.

**HOW DID that heavy snow in the south serve you.. Well we witnessed a huge snowstorm all the way to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. And we continue to try to keep warm after we were in the stadium watching Lanett Panthers play for the 2A State Championship. But the longer Lanett and Leroy teams played the more the emotional moods warmed up the spectators. The game was very enjoyable in all that wintry weather. The Lanett spectators had good cheers and a high spirit as usual. We believe all enjoyed that outstanding game of football. Special Congratulations to those playing boys… All have done excellent with the outstanding leadership Coach Story and his assistants. And Rev. Carter’s prayers. To all: that football team has made Alabama great in sports… That’s great!!!

**GUESS WHAT? Alabama needs the votes results this voting season more than ever!! Why? Alabama is without what the fine people of the Democratic Party has for a comfortable life: Like leader Doug Jones. What do you need to be qualified to vote? You need to be 18 years old on or before voting date. Proper identification with current address. A current picture ID. Be aware of polling. Be aware of upcoming special and general elections. So you will not be confused on flyers and lies. Be aware of the officers, websites, and telephone numbers to call if you have a question or problem. Be aware of you having the right to vote and have your vote counted. Be aware of your need to stay informed of voting laws by educating yourself and others in your family, neighborhood and place of worship. And you must be a US citizen. I am aware of 5 others who are voting age I need to speak to and ask. Please get out and vote! Please remember we need public schools.

**2017 HOLIDAY Giving List: January, February, March (Socks); April, May, June (Underwear: L, XL); July, August, September (T-shirts: L, XL); October, November, December (Sports Bras: L, XL).

**WE PAUSED to join the families who are in grief condolences to all of our families and friends of the communities we share you sorrows of your loved ones you’ve lost. May your days be brighter. And we pray for your strength.

**PLEASE CONTINUE to pray for the sick and shut ins. Continue to pray for Rev. Joe McGhee that he will get stronger each day. Specialties: Please continue  to pray for Bro. Herbert Milford. He extends his gratitude to the Pastor and Stewardesses  for the communion on the first Sunday. Continue to pray for Bro. Milford strength and healing. May all of you have speedy recoveries.

**IT’S TIME to say Happy Birthday to: D’Asia Stephens, Donald Bledsoe, Dec. 15; Lottie Floyd, Betty Duffey, Kentavious Madden, Dec. 16; Patricia Taylor, Dec. 17; Erica Norris, Brady Edmondson, Dec. 18; Patricia Finch, Linda Till, Dec. 19; Tammy Walls, Dec 21. May all of you have many more.

**BE SAFE and drive careful, also watch for children on road ways (holiday traffic for school).

**SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS to Lanett High School for winning the 2A State Championship in Football. Continue to support Basketball.

**HAVE A good week.