**THE FIRST week in December the 3rd was the Advent presentation number one. The Advent Season says what? It says to the people that Jesus is coming. And that is exactly what a sanctuary full people responded to at: St. Stephens CME Church with the beautiful “hanging of the Greens”. The combined choir rendered the proper music for the occasion. The Floyd Family performed an outstanding Program. They performed an outstanding program. They performed the first act of the Advent using the word: HOPE. HOPE: The First Sunday of Advent was observed at St. Stephens on Sunday. The title of this Sunday’s Advent was Hope. The Floyd family was in charge of this Sunday’s presentation. Monique Fuller did the introduction. She explained how the candles signify that Jesus is the Light of the World and that the evergreens remind us that He is life and brings life to us. All these are arranged in a circle because life in Christ has no end. Arnaisha Floyd spoke on putting our hope in the one to come, the promised one who comes from God and that Advent is a time of waiting and hoping. Stephanie Floyd stated that we need to hope in the one who will lead us to walk in the light of the LORD. David Floyd Sr. lit the candle for Hope. The entire family did a chant on Hope and a song. The song was led by Mershilia Heard and Robert Chambers. (Jesus, Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child). Daphne Allen:  talked about how the Apostle Paul writes to the first Christians that “We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Cassie Carlisle reminded us how many people can be disappointed at Christmas, because they can’t provide or don’t receive what they want, but that we should always remember, we have Hope. Jessica Staples told us that hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” The miracle of Jesus’ birth reminds us that God keeps his promises. Joshua Floyd then closed the Advent Presentation with a prayer. There were approximately 35 descendants of Roy and Musie Floyd present for the Sunday’s presentation, including the eldest descendant, 91-year-old Affie Chambers. The presentation was coordinated by Edith Coleman.

**AFTER THE Advent Presentation: The Pastor, Rev. Larry Threatts gave a message that fitted very well in the Advent Season. He used Scripture from Matthew 11:1-2, John the Baptist had been jailed by Herod. That means the people had disbelief of who Jesus was. The Pastor used the Subject: “Are You The One?” Then Pastor Threatts says as I go through the Scripture: All I have heard was John the Baptist answering the question: He is the One (Jesus Christ). All I have seen tells that John has witnessed when he baptized Jesus (from Heaven) as a dove. God said He is my beloved Son. Then, John asked the question, to Jesus and others. “Is He the One?” John had heard witnessing from disciples and apostles. John went around asking the questions to disciples, is he the “one” or do I look for another. Then, Jesus answered John: John tell them I healed the sick, I gave sight to the blind. John, tell them I protected them who were in need, John tell them I fed the hungry, I blessed the pure and heart, John tell them I raised the dead, tell them I healed the sick, John tell them I had power to sin, and I casted out demons and other powers Jesus displayed Jesus had confessions with faith to the disciples. Jesus was rejected by people. They the disciples acknowledge Jesus as Son of God. Jesus, went through the crucified Jesus as Son of God. Jesus went through the crucified was buried and rose again. Then, the Scripture tells that Jesus, saved all. Tell John. Closing music led by Robert Chambers. Great Sermon.

**WE HOPE you attend this lovely conference… The Annual Men and Women Conference God’s House of Prayer Holiness Churches and House of Prayer, Inc. was held three Big House of Prayer Holiness Churches, Inc. Presiding Bishop and Founder, Bishop Frank McLeod. All the services were “free” this group presented December 4-6, 2017 PM nightly. The Annual Men and Women Conference featured: Musical: Monday, Deitrick Haddon, December 4. Psalmist and Speaker- Tuesday, Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole, December 5. Musical, Wednesday, Bri Babineaux, December 6. The nightly Order of Service. Financial Seminar 5:30 PM-6:30. Inspirational Preaching 6:30 PM- 7:00 PM Worship Service 7:00 PM. Scripture focus: “Behold; how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity”.- Psalm 133:1 KJV. Bishop Mcleod for more info (334)-740-0294, www.bishopbish.org, God’s House of Prayer Holiness Church, Auburn, AL.

**2018 PLANS for Professional Teaching and Learning Conference. Theme: “Making It in the Real World of Teaching. January 26-28, 2018, Desota Hotel, 15E Liberty Street, Savannah, GA. Registration Deadlines, early: Nov. 17, 2017; $125 per person. Regular: January 12, 2018; $150 per person. Registration: www.gae.org/2018pt/cont. registration includes meals, lodging, and material.

**TANISHA BRE’TORIA Sands is pleased to announce her graduation from Fort Valley State University.

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts Electronic Engineering, December 9, 2017 at 9 AM EST.  HPE Complex, 1005 State University Drive, Fort Valley, Georgia 31030. Reception to follow. Special congratulations. Way to go!

**ONE OF the most important ways NEA membership can help you become a “great” force in your community: Help elect Public Education Champions. The Public Education Champion will work together through their unions to examine, identify who is needed and elect pro-public education candidates to every level of government. This will bring strength of donating to the NEA Fund for children and Public Education which uses your voluntary contributions not due dollars but coming together with actions. In these actions the numbers grow larger. The greater the number, the more success. In this action, you need a colleague or two school boards, meetings, state house rallies. This will help get legislators to meet the funding standards that you have set. You can also run in your local leader in public education. Also, those who are running for the office of Public Education, be sure to vote for them!!

**PLEASE SAVE the date in 2018, please mark your calendar for: Reverend Dr. George C. McCulloh, a 30-year Pastoral Journey Anniversary Celebration: Friday, May 18, 2018, Banquet 6:30 PM, Southern Union State Community College, Southern Room, Business Technology Center, Opelika, AL. Ticket Donation $25 (limited seating). And Sunday, May 27, 2018, Worship Service, 2:30 PM. Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Opelika, AL. Further details and Pastoral Souvenir Ad Book, Information is forthcoming. Highly appreciate you! Pastoral Anniversary Committee. Contact: Sis. Shirley Crump at (248)-470-2910 or Bro. George White (334)-329-4049.

**PLEASE CONTINUE in Prayer for the sick and shut ins. May all of you have speedy recoveries.

**SPECIAL PRAYER for Mrs. Artancy Davis. Hope you will return soon… And continue your speedy healing. And we wish REV. Joe McGhee continuous healing. We missed you!!

**WE PAUSED to wish the condolences strength. We pray for all of you to have a brighter day. We share your sympathy in times of sorrows.

**HELLO AND Happy Birthday to: Jaelin Ross, Erientra Winston, Dec. 8; Lateika Patton, Dec. 10; Richard Baker, Shirley Cole, Dec. 13; Lana Beck, Jeffery Ashford, Dec. 14. May all of you have many more.

**PLEASE DO not forget to dress in heavy clothing, Friday as you prepare your trip to Tuscaloosa, AL, Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, to the Lanett playoff game. The weatherman says the day will be very cold… indeed! So. We urge the sport travelers to please wrap up!

**ALSO, USE a see-through plastic bag for your purse. You cannot carry those bags or purses into the game. Get your tickets online!

**SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS to all winning teams (football). And specialties to Lanett High and Coach Story. Also, his assistants. They are excellent.

**BE CAREFUL and support your sport of basketball. Do not text while driving. Be safe and behave… enjoy the game.

**HAVE A good week.