A group of young people kept stealing the baby Jesus from a small town manger scene. Unsure how to stop the annual vandalism, the town decided to equip their baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph all with Global Positioning devices. A GPS device would allow the police to track the stolen figures and find the culprits. Dina Cellini, a town official, commented in an interview: “It’s sad that we have to rely on technology to save our Savior."

First of all, the real Jesus doesn’t need saving. He came to save us. And secondly, I find it interesting that these young people are intrigued enough by the baby Jesus that stealing his figure has become an annual event. I wonder if somehow these young people sense that Jesus came to offer them something important, that maybe there’s something about Christmas that is bigger than their annual prank?

Over the next few weeks, we'll reflect on the four statements the angel said to the shepherds at the first Christmas in Luke 2:10-14.
First of all we learn that Christmas is a time to release your fears! The first thing the angel said was, "Do not be afraid!" Fear is your greatest barrier to knowing God and fulfilling his purposes for your life. Fear is a self-imposed prison that keeps you from living the life God intends for you. So whatever you are afraid of today, Christmas is the time to let it go. The Bible contains 365 "Fear nots," one for every day of the year! It's time to stop worrying and start worshiping. Stop tensing up and start trusting God.

The Holidays can be a difficult time for people who have lost a loved one.

Two Grief Share groups will be meeting over the next few weeks for anyone who is struggling in this area.
Pastor Busiek- (M-Div, D-Min) is offering a daytime Grief Share Support Group on Tuesdays at 1:30 pm in the Parlor. It will begin Nov. 18th and run through Dec. 23rd. Please RSVP to the church office.

Greg Syner, (MA, LPC) will begin an 8 week Support Group on Tuesday, Nov. 25th from 6-7 p.m. The group is sponsored by Leavitt Funeral Home and will meet at the Leavitt Family Center, 7th & Avery Streets in Parkersburg, WV. It is free of charge, but space is limited so RSVP to: 422-7300.

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Emmanuel is a church that seeks to offer LIFE to the world. The LIFE we offer includes:
L oving God (the Great Commandment - Love God and People)
I ncluding Others
F ellowship Groups
E veryone involved in Ministry (the Great Commission)
"Go into all the world and make disciples..."

Emmanuel is a diverse, family church of around 300 that includes a variety of ages and backgrounds, gifts and interests. We worship in a blended style that includes both sacred hymns and contemporary choruses. Our services are both traditional and informal.

If you are seeking a church, we would love to meet you sometime.

If you have questions, call 485 5171 or email Pastor Kurt at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Check out a TV commerical we aired this year on WTAP:

http://www.wtapcreative.com/client/Emmanuel.html

Services
Sunday Morning Worship:
8:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.
Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Evening: 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday Evening Dinner: 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday Evening Bible Study: 6:00 p.m.

Contact Information
Telephone: (304) 485-5171
Address: 1710 23rd Street Parkersburg, WV 26101 (near the City Park)

FAX: (304) 485-5194

Emmanuel is Under Construction and making progress!

CHURCH STAFF:
Senior Pastor: Dr. Kurt W. Busiek
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Associate Pastor: Rev. David A. Carpenter
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Director of Music Ministry: Mrs. Judy Prater
judy.prater@gmail.

Director of Children’s Ministry: Mrs. Kathy Wince This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Organist/ Pianist: Mrs. Candy Lindstrom

Pianist: Mrs. Karen Cox
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Secretary: Mrs. Lynn Nicholson
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Secretary: Mrs. Jane Argabrite
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Church Cook: Mrs. Connie Childress

EBC E-MAIL: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
FAX NUMBER: 304-485-5194