(Streaming and phone connections typically go live about 15-minutes prior to the start of services.)

Upcoming Events: 
     Dec 13th: Bible Study @ Springfield (10:00am) CANCELED
     Dec 13th: Taco Bar & Game Night @ Central Illinois CANCELED
     Dec 20th: Bible Study & State of the Congregation @ Terre Haute
     Dec 27th: Bible Study & State of the Congregation @ Central Illinois
     Jan 3rd: Speech Club @ Terre Haute (4:30pm)
     Jan 17th: Bible Study @ Terre Haute
     Jan 24th: Bible Study @ Springfield (10:00am)
     Jan 24th: Central Illinois @ The Barn
     Jan 31st: Bible Study + Potluck & Game Night @ Central Illinois

Harmony of the Gospels: If you have not gotten a copy of Mr. Dan Dowd’s Harmony of the Gospels and you would like one, please let Nathan know. An additional ten copies have been ordered and will be available for purchase once they arrive.

State of the Congregation: Near the end of each calendar year (Dec 20th in Terre Haute and Dec 27th in Central Illinois this year), I give a review of what the congregation has experienced – where we have come from, and where we are trying to go. If you have any input, ideas for what you'd like to see more of, less of, changed, added, sermon or study topics desired, outreach efforts, areas where you would like to see me improve, or anything of that nature, please let Nathan Ekama know so that I can incorporate that into my presentation.

Central Illinois Bible Study: We are planning to move into a four-month Bible Study series beginning in December. We will be using our new Harmony of the Gospels references. If you have an area or topic within the Gospels that you’d like to have us cover, let Nathan know.

Youth Speech Club: On the Sabbath of January 3rd, the Terre Haute congregation will have its Youth Speech Club after services, beginning at 4:30pm

Springfield Bible Study: The next monthly Bible Study in the Springfield area will be on the Sabbath of Januaryth at the Curran Township building (6220 Moffet Street, Curran, IL 62670) at 10:00am.

Sabbath School (CIL): Our next Sabbath School is scheduled for the Sabbath of December 27th. It will take place about 10 minutes after services in the back room.

Terre Haute Bible Study: Our next monthly Bible Study will be on the Sabbath of December 20th. We will be continuing our multi-study series discussing the topic of the Millennium and the Kingdom of God.

Central Illinois Bible Study: Our next monthly Bible Study will be on the Sabbath of December 27th. We will begin our four-month dive into Matthew-Mark-Luke-John using our new Harmony of the Gospels resource. We will start about 15-minutes after services. If you are not able to join us in person, here are a few ways that you can join our Bible Study: 
     - Here is the link to access our Bible Study via our local webcast. 
     - Here is the phone number to call for an audio-only connection: 701.791.9819 

Congregational Directory: If you have not yet signed onto the online congregational directory, created your account, or would like some help with getting your contact information and/or picture uploaded, please feel free to reach out and ask Nathan Ekama or Dan Apartian for a hand. 

Health & Safety Protocols: We ask that any who exhibit symptoms of illness practice the biblical principle of quarantine.

Other Announcements: 

Articles and Writers Needed for Compass Check: Do you have an idea for an article for our teen magazine, Compass Check? Or, maybe you’re willing to write, but need an idea? Regardless of your age or writing experience, we would love to see what you have to offer. The process of writing for Compass Check is easy and fun. Plus, if you’re a student, you might be able to use it to get some extra credit! If you have an idea or would like to learn more about writing for Compass Check, please contact us at compasscheck@ucg.org.  

Teen Instagram Account: We are using the existing Compass Check account to share encouraging and fun spiritually uplifting content, including Q&A’s, updates on local events and special sneak peeks of ongoing projects. We would also encourage feedback of content you would like to see. This project is specifically for our youth, and we want to hear from you! Make sure to follow us at compasscheck on Instagram (instagram.com/compasscheck) and DM us for any more info, suggestions and questions. 

Light of Hope Helpline: The United Church of God is providing a new service available to its ministry and members. Light of Hope is a helpline supported by Church members who are licensed social workers, counselors and other clinical professionals. They will provide mental health and addiction resources to those in need including individual, couple, family and teen consultation. These specialists will also assist in connecting people in need with appropriate resources in their communities while keeping all information confidential. The Light of Hope helpline is available at any time. When you call, it will initially record your message so that one of our professionals can respond within 24 hours. This service is also provided in several different languages including Spanish, French and German. Light of Hope also plans to develop online materials on a variety of topics such as depression, anxiety, stress management, suicidal thoughts, communication skills, problem-solving strategies, teen issues, parenting issues, etc. The helpline number is (888) 241-6211. 

Prayer Updates: The home office has created a web page where church members may access recent church-wide prayer requests at any time. The address is register.ucg.org/intranet/PrayerRequests and the password for the page may be obtained from your pastor. 
Job Opportunities: Details about any of the current job postings for the Church may be reviewed at ucg.org/members/news/current-job-openings. 

Beyond Today: Beyond Today airs locally in Illinois (Springfield/Decatur/Champaign) on WICD 15 ABC, Sundays at 10:00 a.m.. **BT content is also available via our YouTube channel and via Roku and other smart devices.** 

Online UCG Radio from Australia for the whole world: The online radio station for United Church of God is now streaming 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You can listen to booklet and magazine readings, Bible readings, Bible Q&As, sermons, Bible class lectures, podcasts, the BT Daily series, music and more! A radio schedule in PDF can be downloaded which will show you upcoming programs. You can reach it easily on your computer at https://www.ucg.org.au/radio or from the UCG Streaming Radio app that allows you to listen on your mobile device. Simply search your app store for "UCG Radio" to install the free app.