December 13, 2020
Schedule of Church Events
Sunday School: 9:30 AM
Worship Service: 10:30 AM
Shepherding Groups, Wednesdays
Women’s Bible Study: Thursdays, 10:00 AM
Men’s Saturday Breakfast: 7:00 AM
Jail Visits: Saturday 9:00 – 11:00 AM (postponed)
BOARD BUDGET MEETING, TOMORROW, AT OUR CHURCH, 3:30
Work continues on the WMCAH site. We're remodeling the existing house, hooking up utilities, getting the tiny houses approved and developing the plot plan. A presentation letter has been prepared, and a brochure is being written to present the project in local churches and businesses. Ask Roger or Lee for a copy. Your continued support and prayers are welcome. Thanks.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT MEETING AFTER CHURCH TODAY. MEETING WITH KATE HILTON FOR THOSE WHO ARE TO PARTICIPATE. WE NEED YOU!
Advent means "the appearing." It's the season of preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus in the manger at Bethlehem. We remember the four Sundays before Christmas with an Advent wreath and five candles. The Advent wreath originated from an 1839 initiative by Johann Himrich Wichern, a Protestant Pastor in Germany. There are three violet candles for hope, faith and peace, and there's one pink candle for joy. The white candle in the middle is the "Jesus" candle. The wreath represents the crown of our Christ, and the evergreen is everlasting life.
-- Program practice after church today.
-- Wednesday, 12/16, Caroling; meet at our church at 5:30 pm. Bring a snack to share.
-- Saturday, 12/19, Women's Christmas party and cookie exchange; 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.
-- Sunday, 12/20, our annual Christmas Pageant in the morning service, 10:30 am.
-- Thursday, 12/24, an invitation to attend a combined Christmas Eve Communion at Blue Ridge Christian Center, 6:00 pm.
It's Christmas time again, and we're happily looking forward to this "wonderful time of year." Yes, there's all the lights, and decorations, and gifts, and foods, and celebrations that lift our spirits. But, this year, there's also the virus and a crazy election hanging over us.
We remember the old adage that "if life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Easier said than done; however, we're learning again to "give thanks to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor.15.57). In thanksgiving we bring light to the darkness and preserve our joy.
Remember the angel's proclamation: "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the peoples; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2.10,11). This good news pierces the darkness and overcomes the gloom.
The devil wants to rob us of our joy; he wants to ruin this wonderful time of year for us. Nevertheless, "...we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed, perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed..." (2 Cor.4.8,9). Why? Because of the coming of the Son of God, who "takes away the sin of the world" (John 1.29).
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice" (Phil.4.4).
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Tom
December 13, 2020
Pulpit Greeter: Jeff Haas
"JOY TO THE WORLD"
Then the angel said to them, “’Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.’”
(Luke 2:10)
Pastor Jim Powell
Attendance: 74
Offering: $4,549.00
Benevolence: $477.00
Transitional Housing: $50.00
CCO: $3.00
We are thankful for your cheerful giving
