Rock Island youngsters receive bikes
A youngster receives a bicycle from Santa Claus (Jerry Greak) at Rock Island UMC Dec. 9. The church gave away 80 bicycles and 15 tricycles to youngsters during its annual free community Christmas dinner. Greak worked with the church board to raise money so that every child in Rock Island could receive a bicycle for Christmas. While playing Santa in 2005, Greak had heard children say they wouldn’t be getting anything for the holiday.
Commentary
> God calls us to attack root structures of racial division
> We must reach out, speak out, act out against injustices in society
Across the denomination
> 62 UMs fill seats as Congress convenes
Southwest Texas news
> 23 churches report 907 Dec. 24 visitors
> Midwinters to show teens ‘nothing else matters’
> Pastors, lay leaders join bishop in prayer, fasting during Epiphany
> 11 more churches join welcoming list
> Sisters from Coker UMC to do mission work in France
> Texas singers share music in Germany
> Magi bring Jesus gifts during living Nativity at Johnson City church
Austin District news
> Feb. 3 My Job Workshop to inspire, inform
> UM Women prepare for yearly leadership training
> Beds, mattresses, linens needed at home for juvenile offenders
> 600 youths gather for district lock-in
> District Transformation Process training draws 175 clergy, laity from 33 churches
> Parenting seminars at Bethany tell how to build kids’ character
> Asbury UMC installs peace pole Dec. 2
> Christmas Cards
> Opportunities
> District calendar