Paw Print Press Serving Itasca “The Big Little Town” since 1997 Itasca, Texas 76055 Vol. 2011 Issue No. 52 December 23, 2011 M erry Christmas Ita sca On behalf of the Board of Trustees, As we celebrate Christmas and the Holiday season this year, it is students and staff of Itasca ISD, I want to important for us to remember the many blessings we have as citizens take this opportunity to wish everyone a very of this wonderful community. Being a part of this community makes Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New it incumbent upon each of us to remember those among us who are Year. May your holidays be filled with family less fortunate and give back by volunteering our time and energies. and friends and may they bring joy and love The City Administration, all of the City Employees, members of to your lives. the City Council, and the Mayor would like to wish you and yours Itasca ISD Superintendent the most blessed Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. Mr. Glenn Pittman Itasca Mayor James Bouldin How Special Our Christmas Memories Diane Barnes, Lay Pastor First Presbyterian Church Many of us have special Christmas memories. One of my favorites occurred just two years ago. For almost 55 years, I had waited to see snow on Christmas in Itasca, Texas. I really didn’t even believe it was possible; I didn’t think it was something I would see in my lifetime. But, as the family gathered at my house on that Christmas Eve for lunch, we noticed something white blowing in the wind. The wind was so cold and blowing so hard, that the snow was coming down horizontally instead of vertically! So, although we were excited to see snow, it wasn’t accumulating. Our church always has a Christmas Eve Service, but we wondered how many people would get out in the cold wind. Nevertheless, I decided that we would have the service. After all, Jesus said “where two or three are gathered.” “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.” Well, the weather didn’t stop the faithful! The church was more than half full of worshippers. The service ended, as always, with the congregation standing around the walls of the church in total darkness except for the light of the candles each person was holding, their voices singing out “Joy to the World! The Lord is come!” It’s one of my favorite moments of the whole year! “How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is given.” After many hugs and wishes of “Merry Christmas,” everyone departed to go back to their homes or Christmas gatherings. I was left alone in the church to turn off everything and lock it up. It was not until I stepped outside that I realized the park across the street was blanketed with snow! While we were worshipping, the snow had silently come down and covered the earth with white. Although it was very cold, I sat in my car for several moments, just staring at our church’s prayer garden, which had become a winter wonderland. As excited as I was about the snow, it occurred to me how exciting it must have been to the shepherds that first Christmas Eve. I’m sure most of them had heard that someday a Messiah would be coming, but, like me and a Christmas Eve snow, they probably didn’t think it would ever occur in their lifetime. How silently He was born in Bethlehem – Most of the world didn’t even notice. But some shepherds were aware of the angels over Bethlehem’s sky that night. They believed. They went to see this newborn King, their Messiah! They bowed down on bended knee and worshipped Him. I wonder what happened to those shepherds. I would think that most probably that night was a memory they treasured always. And I wonder – were any of them there again, on bended knee, when He died on the cross for them – and for us! That is a gift to be excited about – more than Christmas Eve snows, gifts, or anything else! Thank you, Jesus! Happy Birthday! Page 2 December 23, 2011 Paw Print Press Churches of Itasca The First Baptist Church of Itasca Bethlehem Missionary Baptist W. Spurgeon 687-2800 The Big Little Church with a BIG HEART for the Big Little Town! Central Baptist Church 401 E. Monroe 687-2343 Sunday School 9:40 a.m. Church of Christ 200 N. Aquilla 687-2774 Morning Service 10:45 a.m. First Baptist Church 107 S. Lamar 687-2783 Evening Study 6:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church 106 N. Lamar 687-2243 Christian Counseling: Bible Based and Certified! First United Methodist Main & King St. 687-2475 Call Pastor Dru Lacy for an appointment 254-313-7770 Loveview Baptist Church FM 2959 East of I-35 Second Baptist Church 120 W. Marrion 687-9134 Shiloh Community Church 254-582-0487 Community Holiday Events St. John Missionary Baptist 506 S. Weaver 687-2821 rd IISD Christmas Break 3 Day Worship Center 107 E. Adams 214 564-2185 December 19 – January 3 Itasca Nursing Home Sunday-10 a.m. Monday-6:00 p.m. IISD Flex Day Central Baptist Church January 3-January 6 400 E. Monroe St. Christmas morning service December 25 at 10:00 a.m. Official Notice Monday-Ladies' Bible Study 6:00 p.m. at the church The City is accepting sealed bids on several vehicles Mon., Wed., &Fri mornings 8 a.m. Ladies Bible Study until December 30. Contact City Hall for a list of makes Wed. meal 6:00 p.m. & Bible Study for all ages at 7:00 and models of the vehicles available. website - itascacbc.org City Hall is opened Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information call City Hall @ 254-687-2201. First United Methodist Church All vehicles as sold as is – no guarantee. 401 E. Main St, Itasca, TX 254-687-2475 E-mail: [email protected] Chamber Banquet Date Set Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 6:00p.m. Come join us in our beautiful, historic, sanctuary Sunday School 9:30 a.m.-10:30 (All ages) Sunday Worship Service 10:50 a.m. Pastor Tom Wood Snacks 10:40 a.m. Itasca Church of Christ The Itasca Chamber of Commerce will hold its 26th 303 E. Monroe 254-687-2774 Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Monday, Jesus said in Matt 24:35 "Heaven and earth shall pass January 30, 2011. The Banquet will be held in the Itasca away but my word shall never pass away." ISD cafeteria. The silent auction and refreshments will To help in the study of God's word, FREE Bible begin at 6:00 p.m. with dinner being served at 7:00 p.m. correspondence courses. Call 817-994-0613. Tickets are $10.00 ($12.00 at the door) each and can be Sunday 9:45 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Evening 5:00 p.m. bought from any Chamber director or at Citizens State Wednesday evening 6:00 p.m. Bank (Cory Cole), HILCO (Bob Wilson) or IHS (Barbara Petrash). Second Missionary Baptist Church This year’s theme is “Itasca Is . Itasca Will Be . .” 120 W. Marrion St. Itasca TX 76055 As always the Chamber is open to citizens suggestions on Rev. George Demmerritte Jr. (Pastor) ideas for awards to be presented and nominations for Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. those awards. This is everyone’s chance to have a say in Wednesday Bible Study 5:30 p.m. the Citizen of the Year, Community Service and all other 2BC*2 Youth Meeting 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday awards presented. Suggestions can be mailed to Itasca Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 205, Itasca, TX 76055 First Presbyterian Church or given to any of the Chamber directors listed. 106 N. Lamar - 254-687-2243 - Angel Food Site [email protected] www.fpcitasca.org Exciting News "In mission to and with the Presbyterian Children’s Home to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ." The United Methodist Church of Itasca is excited to Sundays - 9:30-10:00 Fellowship in Barton Hall announce that beginning with the 2012-2013 school year; 10 - 10:45 Sunday School 11 a.m. - Worship Service we will be opening Teaching Our Toddlers, "TOT" Pre- 4 pm – Praise/Worship 4:30–KFC/Hour of Power School. More information and registration dates will be Tues. & Thurs. – 10 a.m. Exercise Class - Barton Hall available in late February. Wed. 6:30 Prayer & Praise - 7:00 Choir practice Page 3 December 23, 2011 Paw Print Press Merry Christmas from Elementary Wishing you much joy and love this Christmas Season. Have a very Merry Christmas. Amy Reyna Elementary Principal Just Dance Wii game & Coloring Pre-Kindergarten book Aleigha Rodriguez Kindergarten New dollhouse & Flowers Transformers Justin Baskett Dear Santa, I would Emily Fontanez Spiderman & a new shirt Mario Lego Racing game & Hot like to have: Michael Flores Wheels car set that sticks to the wall Jump house & Barbies JT Bottorff Madeline Younger DS & skateboard Tory Brooks Car & Spiderman Remote control airplane & Rocket Israel Garcia with a little bit of fire at the bottom Computer & Hairspray Kale Forester Reagan Volcik Motorcycle & remote controlled car Computer & iPod Toni Harris Adan Garcia Trampoline & Basketball goal Baby stroller with canopy & a baby doll Jacey Hubbard Barbie & Dollhouse Payton Oxford Willie Jackson Mario 3-D Land on DS & some puz- Jump House & Bike with flags Chocolate & Cookies zles Tyran Jackson Tatiana Charles Laura Morales Barbie & a car for my Barbie Ironman & Robot Will Salinas Spiderman & Ironman Lizbeth Morales Spiderman Game & Batman Xavier Fontanez Wii & scooter Kaiydance Olson Sage Laughlin Make-up & Dress up clothes Laptop & Mario game with cars New Barbie bike & Barbie House Jolie Gillaspie Colt Rhea Kyeara Graig Make-up Set & A computer Barbie & swimming pool Batman & ChooChoo Train Alexis Gillaspie Makala Rodriguez Caden Littlejohn Boots & Gloves DSI & Army Man set Baby with bottles & Horse that walks Naomy Dominguez Colton Stanford Cozette Mannis Make-up & Dress up clothes Microphone & piano Barbie & Barbie shirt Kaliss Sarli Wesley Stinemetze Yocelin Salazar