Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.
Ephesians 2:7-10 The Message

Thursday, January 6, 2011

December News

December 2010

Greetings Family and Friends

It's Christmas Eve so I decided I had better stop putting off writing the Christmas letter! This is our second Christmas in Glenwood. Hard to believe, time has flown by.

This past year has found us quite busy with life and ministry. The church in Glenwood continues to grow strong as people seek to deepen their relationship with the Lord. We are continually seeking ways to challenge people and help them to grow, not only through Bible study, but opportunities for fellowship as well.

This past spring Butch and I went back to school, taking classes through Summit Bible College online. Our goal through this is to be better equipped for the ministry God has called us to. It has been challenging at times, especially in the busier months.

The kids are all doing well. Grady has just been accepted to George Fox University and plans to attend next Fall. He is being challenged through Running Start and will graduate high school with his AA degree. Spencer has been helping out with the basketball team and loves working with young children. Becca played volleyball in the fall and is playing basketball now. She continues to enjoy band and has begun playing the Alto Sax this year. She continues to play her Oboe as well.

As we enter 2011, please pray for us in the following areas:

  • Our finances – between car repairs and dental needs, we are finding our budget severely stretched!
  • Our ministry – pray for unity in the church and for opportunities to share our faith with everyone we meet. Pray that people would have a strong desire to "know and grow" in the Lord.
  • Our family – pray that we would keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and the purpose He has for us, and not get distracted by the little things.
  • Praise the Lord for the work He is doing in Glenwood and pray that we would continue to have opportunities to build relationships with those in our community.

We thank God for each of you and the role you have in our ministry. We could not continue to serve the Lord full time without the many people who continue to pray for us and support us. We pray that each of you will be truly blessed this Christmas season.

Serving Him Together,

Pastor Butch and Jennifer Hallenbeck, Grady, Spencer and Becca

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