• Looking Ahead in 2008
  A new year brings a fresh start and an abundance
  of ways to share the LIFE of Jesus with our world.
   
• What’s Happening @ Overlake
  Overlake 's ministries exist to see people come ALIVE
  and live free in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
   
• Serve & Help Opportunities
  There are many opportunities available for you
  to use your talents and abilities to help others.

Looking Ahead in 2008
Love God – Love People – Serve the World

I looked at the calendar and had to do a double-take.
2008? Really?
Two. Zero. Zero. Eight.
Incredible. Time keeps flying faster and faster…

The new year is here and with it, the promise of deeper encounters with Christ, a growing love for people and a renewed passion to serve our world as we move in synch with the heart of Christ that beats within each of us.

The Overlake family, along with invited guests to our Christmas Eve services provided hundreds upon hundreds of pounds of food to help replenish Eastside food banks in the new year. The offerings of well over $40,000 given during the Christmas Eve services will assist the American Red Cross care for our fellow Washingtonians who lost so much during December's floods, bless HIV/AIDS orphans in Africa and disabled children in Central Asia and help people experience freedom and healing from addictive behaviors through Celebrate Recovery. That money is on its way to those agencies and Jesus has been honored by your generosity.

OCC's seven services over the Christmas Eve weekend drew nearly 9,000 people thanks to YOUR personal invitation, through hundreds of Christmas parties that were hosted, e-vites sent and thousands of cookies handed out personally by teams of Overlake high school students. In fact, we saw our largest December 24 attendance in 10 years. What an awesome Christmas season!

And now, a whole new YEAR! Here we go!

This Sunday, January 6 and Wednesday, January 23 are two very important dates you won’t want to miss at Overlake. THIS Sunday, I'll be talking about who we are as a church family and where I believe Jesus is leading us in 2008. Then, on Wednesday, January 23 at 7 pm, we will take a closer look at what it means to be a participating member in the body of Christ at Overlake at a special FAMILY CHAT held at the church (more details forthcoming).

Also, starting Sunday, January 13, our new Love Actually series focuses on relationships - and all God wants them to be. Invite someone who needs encouragement in the relationship-area to join you.

It’s all for Jesus!

Mike Howerton
OCC Lead Pastor

Back to Top of Page

WHAT'S HAPPENING @ OVERLAKE

ILLUMINATE LIVE CDs AVAILABLE NOW! On Sundays - Stop by the Mallway table and pick up your copy after services. If you didn’t pre-order you can still purchase CDs at $15 each on Sundays or during business hours. Monday – Friday - Pre-orders may be picked up at OCC’s Reception office during business hours (M-F/8:30 am - 5:30 pm). CDs may be purchased there as well with exact change or check.

CHILDREN'S BAPTISM CLASS
Is your child expressing an interest in Baptism? Our next Children's Baptism Class will be held on Wednesday, January 9 at 6 pm in room E-120. The class will include instruction by Pastor Norv, Q&A and a tour of the baptistry. To enroll, please contact Chandra at 425.895.5938 / chandram@occ.org.

LIFE GROUP SPOTLIGHT: THE PARTY IS TODAY LIFE GROUP!
PACIFIC NORTHWEST DIET AND EXERCISE CHALLENGE 2008. We will meet every Sunday, 3 - 5pm, on OCC’s third floor. Be your best for Jesus in every area of your life, including your health! Discover why God made you and how He wants to use you. No set diet, no cost. Let us encourage you to be all God created you to be! If you're not you, who will be you? Do life with us and have a party! Visit OCC.ORG and click Life Groups to sign up.

SKI/BOARDING INVITATION TO LIFE GROUPS:
The eXtream Sports Life Group invites EVERYONE to an OUTREACH event at Mt Baker on Saturday, January 19. Use this as an opportunity to follow up with those who came to your Community Christmas Party. Invite other friends, co-workers and neighbors and mark your calendars now to save the date. Sign-ups will be at OCC's Mallway Registration Counter beginning January 6. If you want more information now, contact Elaine, 425.895.2427 / lifegroups@occ.org.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY (CR) Our next CR meeting will be THIS Tuesday, January 8 at 7 pm in the Chapel (and join us for BBQ at 6 pm in the Lobby). CR is a nationally recognized Christian 12-step program addressing a wide variety of fears, hurts, habits, and hang-ups that emphasizes 8 Recovery Principles based upon the Beatitudes. All who know they are hurting, weak and struggling are invited to attend. For more information stop by the Mallway table on Sunday or contact Drew at 425.284.2512 / drewc@occ.org.

UNITED WAY CAMPAIGNS
If your employer asks that you give to United Way, you CAN give to Overlake. Look for Overlake Christian Church, United Way ID # D9367770 or use EIN 910863908. Many employers may include giving to Overlake as part of their Leadership Giving recognition. Questions? 425.284.2538 / finance@occ.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

3rd - 6th GRADE WINTER RETREAT - Camp Gilead & Snoqualmie Tubing
Learn more and register for the Winter Retreat 2008, February 1-2. This event will be one of those memories that your student remembers their entire life! The Winter Retreat is packed full of fun and exciting stuff. The cost is $60 per student; scholarships are available if needed.

JEREMY CAMP AND TOBY MAC IN CONCERT – with special guest Saturday, February 16, 2008. Tickets available Saturday, December 8.

Back to Top of Page

OCC RESOURCES

Listen online or download audio/video of Overlake's services at www.occ.org. CD's of Sunday messages are available following the morning services.

Back to Top of Page

SERVE & HELP OPPORTUNITIES

ASSISTANTS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
Adults with a heart for SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN are needed for 9 am classroom help. Contact Elizabeth Hanly for more details. 425.765.4134 or 425.284.2521 / elizabethh@occ.org.

PRESCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED FOR THE 3 YEAR OLDS
At both the 9 and 11 am services. Contact Elizabeth Hanly for more information. 425.765.4134 or 425.284.2521 / elizabethh@occ.org.

HELP GUEST SPEAKERS AND ARTISTS SELL BOOKS, CDS AND OTHER MERCHANDISE. Contact Sara at 425.895.5908 / sarab@occ.org.

HELPERS NEEDED FOR THE TWO-YEAR- OLD ROOM
Either 9 or 11 am service (both services need helpers) Contact Aurora McKinley, 425.895.5924.

DONATE A VEHICLE TO HELP OCC & MISSIONARIES
A six- or seven-passenger vehicle in great condition would be most ideal. Missionaries home on leave would use it as would OCC for everyday transportation needs. Contact Don Severson at 425.284.2529 / dons@occ.org.

Back to Top of Page