ONLY a few hrs left - READ & PASS ON TO FRIENDS

TODAY, you might want to:

1 - Read Luke 2 (see the Dec. 23 link to my Christmas devotional)

2 - Bring a friend to our Live Nativity Christmas Show at our Main campus (times listed on our Dec. 23 blog)

3 - Check out my "10 Great, Healthy, Creative Gifts" on my blog!

Merry Christmas - "Freely you have received, freely give!"

Living Hope Live Nativity Story

Bring your friends tonight (Wed) at 7 p.m. to our Living Hope Christmas Story. The animals, the simple, powerful story of Jesus' birth, and Pastor John's message will touch lives - Bring your friends. Laura and I hope to see you tonight.

Christmas Eve:

Here are the updated times: 3:30, 5:00, 6:30 & 8 p.m. (Link)

Check back all this week for devotionals, links to Bruce's Last minute shopping list (some great suggestions) and more! (Check out Today's Christmas notes)

This Sunday - One of my favorite stories

I can hardly wait to tell one of my favorite stories from one of my favorite authors (This Sunday, Dec. 20, 9 & 11 a.m.) at our East Vancouver Campus!

Also, Adam is working on a cover song from a Portland Band who's # 4 hit song has deeply touched my life, especially after meeting the songwriter in 2004.

The story of Willie Juan, known as Little Trout, is the story a little boys broken life is changed by a Medicine Man who sweeps into town. After telling this story at the Main Campus a few years ago, I've had several people tell me how hope-filling this story is - For me, it's a perfect story for Christmas.

Please bring your family and friends to our East Vancouver Campus this Sunday (Laura and I will be at the Saturday 5 p.m. and Wednesday Christmas play showing at the Main Campus - We'd love to see you there (Christmas show plays Sat at 5 & 7, Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and Tue and Wed. at 7 p.m.).

Come help us share cloths with the homeless

Sunday, December 13 @ 2:30 p.m.

MEET: Starbucks (Near the Airport IKEA) across from the Max

Leave: 3p.m. from the Max Station

We will Christmas Carol on the Max (with Santa) to Pioneer Square.

At Pioneer Square we will meet a Living Hope Van and distribute coats to the homeless.

After that we will take pictures by the BIG TREE and then play at the Mall (or wherever).

Questions - Bruce.lhceast@gmail.com

Our Christmas Show was Amazing - So will be Dec. 13

DONT STOP READING (The details of our Big Christmas Max Caroling Trip on Dec. 13 is at the end of this blog)!

Our church was rocking last night. At 6:30 we had about 100 people viewing art and waiting for the food bars to open (4 tables of very heavenly food - high calorie-burns off quick because of the intense excitement!). By 7:15 we had 250 people; the tables were full, the chairs around two walls were full and a whole bunch were standing, eating, laughing and enjoying a very beautifully decorated auditorium (8 walls of art! Three beautiful trees! Lights! And did I mention the food - I think it was created by the Next Iron Chef! :)

The live music was Killer and having two well known artists show up was way cool. Seven NW Artists were represented -about $25,000 worth the art! Ron Jones was a big hit. Ron and his wife Sara serve at our Battle Ground campus. Ron directs the 6th Street Gallery in downtown Vancouver. The response to his work was great. Audrey Carson's Glow-in-the Dark exhibit was fun (5 pieces sold). I'm not sure how much money was raised for our India trip (All the artist's are donating 30-50% of the sales price to our India trip in January). We also raised $600 for local families that need help this Christmas; all from the silent auction of our Christmas ornaments! Wow! Someone bought the Huskies dog ornament before I could -DOG! Isaac got his Duck's ornament and I did get a Husky Christmas ball.

After Santa had mingled, had a bunch of kids, and a beautiful woman sit on his knee (Adam isn't a woman but he got to sit on Santa's lap and get his mug shot . . . did you see it?), we sang, along with Adam, some favorite Christmas Carols. Then the lights faded and the Video clip from Jody Foster's movie Contact began (well the sound track started first and the video tried to play catch-up a bit later . . . oh well . . .). Then out of darkness two spot lights highlighted a cradle with Marty and Tina's little baby Colt (about 3 weeks old) cooing and instantly capturing our hearts. Walking across the stage, picking up this tiny blue-eyed baby boy so touched my heart. Four of our prayer team warriors huddled in the dark, just off the stage, praying their hearts out (Thanks Ben, Kathy, Lynn and Joan). For the next 13 minutes I shared about the vulnerable, no-holds-barred gift of God - Himself, coming down and giving us Forever-love.

I shared about our East Vancouver members Julie and Jimmy and their eight year old son. Julie had a blood pressure of 30 for several hours and the doctors told me Tuesday morning she might not pull through. The respirator that kept her alive, and the prayers of her husband, so remind me that there is nothing with real lasting value, except knowing that God is LOVE! Jimmy has been off Meth for almost two years. His wife Julie, who is a Quad/Paraplegic, had asked to be baptized at our last Baptismal Sunday. She has open wounds that aren't healing. Julie became diabetic after her car crash that left her paralyzed in 1992. We were waiting for medical permission before baptizing her.

The doctors told Jimmy and me that if Julie made it she might have brain damage and her liver could be damaged. "She is a very sick" said the doctor, "we just don't know if she will make it." When I showed up Wednesday morning Julie's body had made a miracle turn-around. She was able to nod her head when we asked her questions. Jimmy is busy moving between his wife's room and her mother's (She went in at the same time as Julie with pneumonia and was across the hall in ICU). Both Mom and daughter have improved. Julie and Jimmy's little boy Josh is missing his momma but doing good. This is one of the families we will bless this Christmas with gifts, love, and a lot more prayers (It's so inspiring to see our prayer team reach out to this family). Julie's dad who doesn't go to church told his wife (She gets out of the hospital today or tomorrow) he wants to meet me.

NOW THIS IS COOL - As I finished sharing I prayed that just ONE gift would rise up in every one of our hearts - JESUS! In the dark of a wonderful Christmas evening show, 13 people raised their hands to affirm they had just prayed to accept Jesus ! This made the hundreds of hours of work, by so many people (Andrea, Darlena, Kathy and her Hulk-handsome man Morrie, Michelle, Chelyncia, Duane, Don, Ron Jones, Audrey and about twenty-five more cooks, cleaners, shoppers (I know I forgot some key players - sorry) SO, SO WORTH IT ALL!!

We had so many of our members bring friends - All of heaven was smiling, dancing (So U think you can dance, winning choreographed numbers! There were some really happy Angels last night), and saying over and over "This IS what really counts!" Even if just ONE person had come last night and accepted Jesus as their Forever-Friend it was worth it for me!

I'm so proud to be part of a church like Living Hope! Thank you for valuing this way of reaching more people for Jesus! It was so much fun. Seeing new volunteers cleaning up last night (10 p.m.) was very inspiring (Oh I almost forgot, Angela Taylor and her studly men (Tom and Jeremy) so poured themselves into helping. Andrea was working while sick, and Butch was our Master of Ceremony; he also ran our Video and lights booth (Then he flew out very early this morning for Japan - what a dedicated worker for God!). Another couple who helped out last night flew out this morning to Hawaii. I can't think of anything else I would rather burn out, give out, put out and invest in than the ministry of loving people with a Jesus love that is changing their lives. I shared Colossians 4:14 with our guests last night: "And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love." Take some time this week to read I John 4 (especially verse 7-11, 16-18).

Two final words about last night: ONLY GOD!

NOW- a few details about Dec. 13:

We are leaving on the Max train (Airport station by IKEA and Star Bucks) at 3 p.m. (be at Star Bucks by 2:30 p.m.) to Christmas Carol until we land at Pioneer Square!

1) U don't have to sing to join us! It's so much fun (Santa's a big flirt, the candy canes bring smiles to those on the train . . . I've even seen people cry and thank us when we sing).

2) When we arrive at Pioneer Square we will be met with coats and food that we can share with homeless friends who will so see Jesus in us - this is so, so rewarding (dress warm and bring our smiles!)

3) After about 20 min of sharing coats and food we will take pictures by the big tree, then go over to the mall and view the Ginger Bread house competition (and drop in Sharper Image store :)

4) You can hang out and play with us as long as you like (If you need to be a work by 5 a.m. you should be able to catch the max back and be in bed by 8:15 p.m. easy - even earlier if you like :)

5) What to bring? Money for the Max. Warm clothes, 16 oz of H20, and your most festive Christmas spirit! Questions or ideas - Bruce.lhceast@gmail.com.

Our 1st Living Hope Christmas Show at our East Campus

It's all happening Friday, December 4 at 7 p.m. (Come early to see the Glow-in-the-dark Art of Audrey Carson) at our East Vancouver Campus.

LIVE MUSIC

FOOD to DIE for

GUARANTEED SANTA SIGHTING (He promised to be here!)

HUGE ART EXHIBIT

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT AUCTION (Silent but lively!)

AND MORE . . .

KEEP READING FOR DETAILS :-)

This will be a wonderful evening that begins with live music, amazing food, and our largest ever art exhibit. We will have opportunities for children to get their picture taken with the number ONE Santa in the NW (There’s only one right?).

Our three decorated trees, that will bring so much Christmas joy to those who need help this Christmas, will help add to the nostalgic, wonderful atmosphere that will bring a warm smile to the guests you've invited.

The Silent Auction of Christmas ornaments will let us buy food to add to the GIFT CARD Christmas baskets we will share with those in our church and beyond who are struggling this Christmas. We need you to purchase fun, unique, or just simply beautiful ornaments to add to one of our three trees. Those of us leaders who are working in the main auditorium are competing with Kid’s World and Women’s Ministries to see which tree gets voted Living Hope East's BEST! Fun!

Our Art Wall will be expanded to show several local artists. The main feature will be Pen & Ink Artist, Ron Jones. Ron Jones of Sixth Street Gallery in Vancouver is very active in the Local art scene. Ron took part in Living Hope Church’s Christmas show last year by painting the large murals that were used as part of John’s message. Jones has been featured in Art in America International Review, 2008, New York Art World 2009, and the Art Auction International Magazine 2009. Earlier this year his work was shown in Amsterdam Whitney International Fine Art Gallery, Chelsea NY. Ron has also finished 1^st or 2^nd for three years at the Clark County Fair. His work focuses on the details of the mathematical equations taken from the Fibonacci numbering system. It’s rare to find an artist with an engineering mind; Leonardo? :) You will enjoy meeting Ron and his wife Sarah.

Two other Living Hope Members will also be featured on our Art Wall. Audrey Carson’s colorful, playful explosions of creativity will make you smile and want to see more (she will also have a glow-in-the dark exhibit in our parents lounge). Johanna Larson’s work may take you to another world. We will feature several other local artists as well. The artists are donating between 30-50% of the sale of their art toward our East Vancouver trip to India.

There will be a short, but powerful Christmas story told by pastor Bruce. And then the evening will end with the opportunity to take home an ornament to remember our first Christmas show at our new campus home.

If you have questions or are interested in volunteering please email Pastor Bruce at bruce.lhceast@gmail.com

Just for Fun check out Bruce's latest Winter adventure :)

Reinforcing our True Value (What Counts Most?) Wed Night, 7 p.m. ReFresh Questions & Bible Stories

[Keep checking back for multiple updates to Pastor Bruce's personal blog - link . Read Bruce's random thoughts regarding last week's roller coaster ride . . . miracles, chills, and dangerous thoughts . Not for the faint-at-heart]

What actions help to best reinforce your “forever-connection” to Jesus (I’m secure in him!)?

Here’s the real deal: When I feel discouraged, down, and misunderstood, I naturally move towards isolation. Isolation is the key to all things destructive and “death-like.” Satan sells us lie-based thoughts that imply we’re all alone.

We not only feel abandoned, not important to others, we sometimes even believe we’re far from God.

Finding physical ways to reinforce the truth that God will never leave you is so vital to strong, healthy relationships. The more we match our beliefs with our physical actions, the stronger our thoughts, beliefs, and, most important, our trust grows! The stories and verses below will make a difference in your life. See you Wednesday night (6:55 p.m.) for a small-group Refresh.

Luke 21:1-4 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. 2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. 3 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. 4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”

I Timothy 6:6-21 (We will do a “story-based-parsing exercise” – I’m guessing 96% of us have never used this “experience-based” study tool before. It’s an amazing way to hear God speak through the Bible. Check back on Tuesday night if you want to prep ahead of time :)

Note verses 18-19 in the Message Bible – “Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.”

Luke 11:34-36 “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is bad, your body is filled with darkness. 35 Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. 36 If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.”

How do we determine value of things? of people? Your use of time? Philosophical values? If you had but one belief that who trump all other beliefs, what would it be? Can you write or state this belief in one sentence?

Measuring Value (From the Weekend Teaching):

Source: The creator, designer, manufacture

Durability: Non-perishable shelf life, quality

Quantity: Rarity, demand, uniqueness

Potential: growth potential, long-term profit

Market Value: What one is willing to pay

Pastor Bruce has uses the acronym MONEY to describe societies most ancient and popular ways of measuring value (There is an amazing story in I Samuel 16 – note verse 7): Come early and get this worksheet; it could help you see where Satan most effectively attacks you regarding your value.)