Free Fancy Dishes!
Just in time for your church’s holiday events…The Church on the Mountain would like to bless another fellowship with some nice, festive cup and saucer/plate settings, typical of those used at a holiday tea or wedding reception.  At last count, there were 30 sets available.  If your church has interest, please contact Linda Ebi at 503-260-9582.

NWxNW Cancelled Today
Due to illnesses and holiday busy-ness, the NWxNW meeting today at Hudson Park Bible Church has been cancelled.  We hope to see folks from those six churches in the far NW corner of our field at the upcoming ADVANCE, January 21-23.

Sandy Area Pastors’ Breakfast Wednesday
Join fellow shepherds and break bread together for our final time in 2021.  The food and fellowship of this no-host meal start at 9 AM, December 15 at Tollgate Inn in Sandy.

Portland Area Pastors’ Prayer Thursday
Everyone is welcome to sit for a spell and share the privilege and burden of bringing the needs of local ministries before the Lord.  Prayer starts at 10 AM, December 16 at Woodland Park Chapel (Portland).  Just a couple of the things that are on our prayer list:

• Former Field Director Jim VanVoorst is at home battling Covid-19

• InFaith’s Board of Directors is meeting TODAY to consider action on calling a new Executive Director to lead the mission.

• Bonny Klukas of Columbia Bible Church is under the weather today.

• Columbia Bible Church’s treasurer is recovering from a bad whack on the head. Pray for a quick recovery.

• Rejoice in prayer that the Word became flesh two millennia ago!

Advance 2022 Is Coming Quickly!
Don’t let the Holiday Rush get in the way of registering for our annual getaway for pastors, missionaries and their spouses!  Advance 2022 is coming up at Twin Rocks in Rockaway Beach, January 21-23.  Click here today to preregister for a luxury lodge room or cabin accommodations.  Our guest speaker, Pastor Ron McMullen has prepared an inspiring series on how to handle the storms that come our way.  Worship leader Charlie Walker will lead us in song as we enjoy warm fellowship and the beauty of God’s coastal creation!

Facemasks will be required at Advance 2022
All participants in Advance are requested to bring their own face mask in keeping with the Covid-19 precautions required by the Oregon Health Authority.   Twin Rocks’ policy says: “The State of Oregon requires that campers and staff at Twin Rocks wear masks when indoors. This includes when in meeting spaces, the gymnasium, and in the dining center when not sitting at one’s table. Group leaders are responsible for enforcing these safety-related rules.”   Speakers, presenters and musicians leading the group are not required to wear a mask during their presentations.  And we can all go maskless in the beautiful outdoor spaces at Twin Rocks, or on the wide-open peaceful beach, and in our own lodging rooms.

I understand masking has become a contentious issue in the secular world around us and unfortunately a point of disagreement and division in some Christian fellowships.  I also understand that, for some, this has become a sincerely held matter of conscience.  So, if you cannot wear a face mask without violating your conscience before the Lord, or if you cannot do so without grumbling or disputing (Philippians 2:14), we will respect and understand your decision to not attend Advance.  If you have already paid for your registration, we will reimburse you 100% if you cancel within one week of the event.  Please understand, each change in registration after January 1 presents a possible financial strain on the conference, so please consider your requests prayerfully.  But do trust that we will not challenge your decision to withdraw.  We understand and love each one of you. We hope to enjoy your fellowship on this special weekend, and for many years to come.

We all look forward to the Day when things like masks are never again needed, and when – compared to the Glory we are experiencing – they will seem like a vague memory along with all the other “momentary, light affliction” in the world (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Your brother in Christ,

Tom Hiscox, Area Missionary thiscox@infaith.org