December 2025 Edition

May God Bless You This Christmas

by J. Smith

Here we are at the end of another year. How did we get here so fast?
This year has been one of transformation for Olivet - having gone through the Deep Dive and applied principles learned, the church is moving forward. We have focused on Reaching, Relating and Raising People to Jesus as is our mission statement. We have people active and pursuing ways of reach their communities for Christ. Our Benevolence has faithful volunteers in serving those in need monthly in Milton. Olivet has grown in attendance with more families with children joining the church and attending. And into the new year, the Pastor Search Committee will be more active in pursuing a new full-time senior pastor. Please continue in prayer for the Lord to lead and guide and push Olivet through the doors He has for us while shutting the doors we don't need to go through.
   Sunday, Dec. 21 was Olivet's Christmas Cantata - Sing We Now of Christmas. The Children's choir also participated with singing some carols in the service in celebration of Christ's first coming.
   Then for Christmas Eve and Christmas day, New Years Eve and New Years Day Olivet will have no services and the church office will be closed in honor of the holidays.
   It brings to mind a song I learned when listing to a Bing Crosby Christmas album, and it's called "Christmas is a Comin'" and I have grown to appreciate it as one of my favorites because it captures the spirit of generosity and blessing as Christ was generous and blessed us when we had nothing to offer Him. One line from the song goes, "Christmas is a comin' and the lights are on the tree. How about a turkey leg for poor ol' me. If you haven't got a turkey leg, a turkey wing will do. If you haven't got a turkey wing, then God bless you." and the chorus goes: "God bless you gentlemen, God bless you. If you haven't got a thing for me, may God bless you."
   And isn't that why we celebrate - at the appointed time, God the Father sent His Son into the world, to be Son of God and Son of Man - available to all. All who had nothing but sin and darkness to offer, and yet, He came to rescue and bless us. Do you and your loved ones know the blessing of Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? He came, was born in a barn and then 33 years later died upon a Roman cross to pay for our sins. He rose again the 3rd day victorious - the punishment paid. All He asks of us is repent and believe.
Merry Christmas!

Business Meeting @ a Glance:

The November business meeting had...
Old Business - None discussed
New Business - Tim T. presented the budget for 2026. Some discussion took place regarding Benevolence funding and how expenditures would first be paid from the budget and then would resort to the designated funds.
Motion to accept the new budget was made by Jerrell T. and 2nd made by Sue W.
Being no other business the meeting came to an end.

Announcements:

New Years Eve - Dec. 31 - Church Office Closed - No Service

Ladies Morning Out - Jan. 13 at 10:30 am
Crafting for Jesus - Ladies Craft Group meets every Tuesday at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. (except the 2nd Tues.)
Men's Breakfast - every Tuesday at Milton's McDonald's at 8AM
Church Council: Jan 12, 11:30AM
Deacon Meeting: Jan. 13, 6PM
Business Meeting: Jan. 14, 6PM
Food Pantry: Prep Day - Jan .22 at 9:30AM & Distribution Jan .24, 9- 11AM

Prayer Requests:

*God would guide Olivet to His choice for next full time pastor and provide what is needed.
* God's Mercy and protection on the USA and our leaders
* God's protection on our military.
*God's Mercy and protection on Israel
*Salvation Awakening at home and abroad.
*Protection over members having surgeries and recuperating from surgeries.