Newsletter Page 1

On Sunday 9/25/2011 Paul Stock, a missionary who ministers in Pakistan, gave us a taste of a Pakistani Christian Service. He led us in songs (some in a Pak language) and even dance. Videos of the entire service can be viewed by clicking HERE ... The 5th Annual Pipe Organ Festival was held here this Sunday (9/25/2011) Click HERE for videos ... Sunday September 18th at 7 PM there was a "Kick-Off" concert in our sanctuary , for Community Awareness Week. The concert featured IHS students and alumni. A freewill offering was held during the concert to benefit the Ionia Commission on Aging in its fight against cancer. Click HERE for videos ... The November ~ December 2011 Newsletter is now online Click Here or "Newsletter" on the menu bar above this message ... Music on the Green 2011 started on Tuesday, June 14th, featuring the Ionia High School Jazz Band! Click HERE for videos ... On Good Friday (April 22) there was a special service at 12 noon with guest speaker Drew Spanding, founder of "Big Ticket Festival". Videos from that service can be viewed by clicking HERE ... On Sunday (April 17) our choir presented the Easter Cantata: "A Time for Alleluia" at both our Traditional and Contemporary Services. A video can be viewed by clicking HERE ... On November 6 the 4th Annual Ionia Pipe Organ Festival was held in our Sanctuary. Video selections can be viewed by clicking HERE ... On Sept. 19 Brill Family & Friends gave a concert in our sanctuary for the benefit of the Pipe Organ Festival. Videos from the concert can be viewed by clicking HERE ... The Ionia High School Jazz Band went, once again, to Detroit to participate in the International Jazz Festival on Labor Day. A special "Send Off" concert was held on September 3 at 7 PM Click HERE for videos ... We now have a Facebook page. Click HERE to view ... DVD videos and audio CDs of our traditional service are available at no cost in the hall outside the sanctuary. We encourage you to share our services with your friends, particularly those who are unable to attend our services

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

That great Christmas song was composed in 1963 and made famous by Andy Williams.

I still remember sitting around the TV with family watching the Williams clan enjoy their Christmas traditions.

As I read through this newsletter, I was amazed at the many holiday “traditions” that we have here at Ionia First!

I hope that you will join us for as many of the following traditions (including Thanksgiving ones as well) as you can fit in.

After all, we’re all in the Family of God!

This Sunday

Our District Superintendent (David Hills) will conduct our annual Church Conference and preach during our regular services at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. with a brief business meeting between.

Wednesdays 7pm

Join us for Choir rehearsals as we prepare for our annual Christmas cantata on Sunday a.m. Dec.11.

Saturday. Nov. 12

The annual Church Bazaar will be held here this year!

Sunday Nov. 13

We will be honoring all living Veterans

(be sure to submit a picture to Joel if they are new to our list).

Our Youth Group will start up!

Meeting for new members (call the office).

Sunday Nov. 20

We will feast on a Thanksgiving dinner at noon and we are also planning a Community Thanksgiving service at 6pm that evening to be held here.

Thursday Dec. 1

Festival of Tables

Sunday Dec. 4

Annual Church Walk @ 6pm starts at S.S.P.P.

Sunday Dec. 11

Christmas Cantata and Children’s Play (both services)

Week of Dec. 12

We will pack Christmas boxes for families.

Sunday Dec. 18

Community Band Concert here @ 7pm

Saturday Dec. 24

Christmas Eve service 7pm

TBA

3rd Ionia Community Handel’s Messiah Concert here!

AND REMEMBER: JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!