Happy Friday! 
 
Today's scripture reading takes us into the 17th chapter of Genesis... to a conversation between God and Abram...
 
            "I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations."   (Genesis 17:5 NLT)
 
A childless man when he stepped onto the biblical stage, Abram bore an ironic name: it means "exalted father." But after God promised to give Abram a child and make his descendants into a great nation, he was renamed Abraham, "father of a multitude."
   
Abram had grown up pagan in Ur of the Chaldeans, among people who "worshipped other gods" (Joshua 24:2 NLT). But the real God had big plans for Abram, as indicated by his new name.  
   
In a way, God renames each of us when God calls us to faith. The apostle Paul identified sexual sinners, the greedy, drunks, abusers, and idolaters as the kind of people naturally separated from God (1 Corinthians 6: 9-10). But when in God's love, the Lord reaches out and we respond to Jesus, God has much better names for us: "cleansed... made holy... made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" (verse 11 NLT).
   
Now, like Abram, we please God by simply believing what God says (Genesis 15:6). If God calls you a clean, holy, righteous person through faith in Christ, accept that truth and live into it.  
 
               Lord, thank You for calling me worthy through my faith in Jesus. Help me to live up to the honor You've shown me. Amen. 
 
+++ We gather for worship on Sunday at 8:30am and 10:00am. This week, we welcome back Rev. Dr. Russ Hall, who will be preaching and leading worship while I am away in NYC. Russ's message is entitled, "Love Given and Love Received". We will, of course, be "live-streaming" the worship service on the church's FaceBook page at 10:00am and then "uploading" the completed worship service to the church's YouTube channel when the worship is concluded. Thanks to all those who are stepping up to help with the task of worship leadership this week. Plan to join us for worship either here in the Sanctuary or online on Sunday! 

+++ Congratulations to all the winners of last week's "Chili-Chowder-Soup Cookoff".   We had a wonderful time with great food and fellowship, and we thank the Fellowship Team and all who worked so hard that we could enjoy this wonderful event.  

+++ This Sunday we receive one of our 6 church-wide offerings when we pledge to help with the work of improving Human Relations in our world. Look for the special offering envelopes in the Narthex on Sunday for your second-mile gifts and thanks for supporting this important mission work!  

+++ The church office will be closed on Monday, January 19th as we celebrate Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. The office will reopen on Tuesday morning at 9:00am. Emergency phone numbers are on the church answering machine if needed. 

+++ For team and ministry leaders... Please remember that Annual Reports for 2025 are due in the church office by January 30th! We will be publishing the Annual Report of the congregation in early February and we want to make sure each team/ministry is represented in this important report of our ministry.   
 
Make this day a great day and enjoy the new name God gives us all when we believe and accept God's call!   
​Pastor Jack  
  

Happy 2026, Friends!  "Chimings" is back and today we read these words from Matthew's Gospel...
 
                 "Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am --- so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals."  (Matthew 3: 11 NLT)
 
"Don't think you are better than you really are."
   
Maybe a parent taught you that as you were growing up. Maybe your spouse has said something similar. If so, take heed ... it's a message God Himself spoke through the apostle Paul (Romans 12:3 NLT).  
   
Perhaps Paul was thinking of John the Baptist when he wrote these words. It was John -- miracle baby, prophesied forerunner of the Messiah, the greatest of all time in the estimation of Jesus (Matthew 11:11) --- who spoke today's scripture. Whatever John's goodness (and it was impressive)... he recognized he was nothing in comparison to Jesus.
   
And whatever our intelligence, ability, looks, wealth --- anything we can take pride in -- we are nothing in comparison to Jesus. The most impressive people in history have been (or will be) felled by death. That is everyone's human destiny. But if we keep ourselves in perspective, if we acknowledge Jesus as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6 NLT), we gain all of Jesus' perfections and we can look forward to eternal life in God's presence. 
   
Don't think you are better than you really are. In fact, be very skeptical of yourself. Intentionally and regularly direct all the glory to Jesus.  
 
          Lord, forgive me for my pride. Help me humble myself before You, today and every day. Amen. 
 
+++ Sunday worship returns to 8:30am and 10:00am this week. Look for us at 8:30am in the Fireside Room and at 10:00am in the Sanctuary. This week we are celebrating the Baptism of the Lord and you will have a chance to remember and reaffirm your baptismal vows during worship! My message, "God's Affirmation" has me thinking about how God affirms us through God's love. If you can't join us in the church building on Sunday, look for us on the church's Facebook page for our "live-stream" at 10:00am and then on the church YouTube channel for the recorded worship service after it is completed. However you can join us... we look forward to "seeing you" in worship on Sunday!

+++ Following the 10:00am worship service, we will enjoy our Second Sunday Luncheon with our 2026 "Chili, Chowder, Soup Cook Off". We hope you have signed up to come and taste... and then choose the best tasting recipes. 

+++ Your 2026 giving envelopes are on the table in the Narthex, if you requested them. If you'd like envelopes but haven't yet asked for them please speak to Shelley to get a supply of envelopes just for you!  

+++ On Wednesday, Jan. 14th, we will offer worship at Camillus Ridge Terrace at 11:00am and then at Summerfield Village at 1:30pm. You are invited to join us for this time of worship and praise.  

+++ Thanks to all who worked so hard to put away all our Advent and Christmas decorations on Tuesday. Many hands made for lighter work and Julie and her teams did a great job. Thank you all!  
 
Make this day a great day and always remember to stay humble before God!   
​Pastor Jack

Here are some words for us from 1 John...
 
                 "Those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him."   ( 1 John 2:5 NLT)
 
The clearest sign of someone living a Christian life is that they live like Jesus did. That boils down to simple obedience to what Jesus called the two greatest commandments: love God with all you are, and love others as yourself. 
   
But neither of them is easy! You can only love really well with God's help --- God's Spirit inside you, drawing you back to God when you want to go your own way instead. And you can only be aware of such love because God loved you first. But because God did, you are now called to love like God does --- sacrificially, with your motivation being the good of others, even over your own.  
   
That's the light that Jesus brought into the world -- the torch that He passed to us as His church, His people, His priesthood. To live in Jesus' light is to love like He did, finding the rhythm of grace and truth. We don't back down from the truth of our desperate need, nor do we back off the good news that God's grace covers all our sin. Anyone living like that can truly lay claim to loving God.
 
                 Jesus, thank you for loving me first. Help me to love God and others like you do, whatever the cost. Amen.  
 
+++ On Sunday, we worship at 8:30am and 10:00am, with both services being held in the beautiful Sanctuary. On this 4th Sunday of Advent, I will continue our sermon series "Our Dear Christ Enters In" and this week I am thinking about "Company Comes". I'll be talking about receiving unexpected company and what that can mean to our carefully laid out plans. Our young people will light the last of our four Advent candles, as we prepare for the arrival of the Christ Child on Christmas. If you can't be in the Sanctuary with us, look for our "live stream" on the church's Faceook page at 10:00am or the recorded worship service that will be "uploaded" to our YouTube channel following the conclusion of the worship.  

+++ The deadline for articles for our January/February newsletter is tomorrow (12/20). Please make sure all articles are in the church office so we can publish the newsletter in a timely fashion. Thanks! 

+++Our Advent Study will meet at 12:30 on Monday instead of 12 noon.

+++  The January/February edition of The Upper Room is available on the back table in the Narthex.   

+++ The floors in the Fellowship Hall will be stripped of wax, cleaned, and then rewaxed on Monday and Tuesday. We will need to stay off the floors until they are completely dry later in the week.  

+++ We will worship on Christmas Eve at both 4:00pm and 7:30pm. Both services include candle lighting and the Sacrament of Holy Communion... so feel free to join us whenever it is convenient for your family on Christmas Eve.  

+++ All donations for 2025 need to be in the church office by Sunday, December 28th.  Donations received after that date will be included in 2026 giving statements. Thanks for all your gifts to support the ministry and mission of Immanuel!

+++ The church office will be closed from 12/25 through 1/4/26. The office will reopen on Monday, January 5th! Emergency numbers are on the answering machine if there is a need for pastoral care.   

+++ Worship on Sunday, December 28th and Sunday, January 4th will be offered at 10:00am ONLY. We will return to two worship services on Sunday, January 11th.   

+++ This CHIMINGS communication will return on Friday, January 9th! May you all have a blessed Christmas celebration!  
 
Make this day a great day and don't be afraid to show how completely you love God each day!   
​Pastor Jack 

On this beautiful Friday morning we hear from Paul's letter to the Colossians...
 
             "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, as members of one body
             you were called to peace. And be thankful."  (Colossians 3:15 NIV)  
 
In Romans 5:1 (NIV), Paul communicates this wonderful promise: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." The phrase peace with God gives us the assurance that we are no longer enemies with the Lord, that He has forgiven our sins, and that He has reserved for us an eternal home with Him in heaven.  
   
No one or no thing can change our status of being at peace with God (Romans 8: 31-39). But there is another kind of peace -- the "peace of Christ" -- that today's scripture verse suggests is a result of an act of will.
   
True inner peace, I believe, is the result of daily abiding in Christ, of trusting God's written Word, of obeying God's commands, of keeping short accounts with God when it comes to sin, of communicating with God daily in prayer, and of dying to self and living for God.
   
Neglect any of these things, as many of us are want to do during this very busy time of year, and you will lack inner peace. Do them, and the peace of Christ will rule in your heart --- guaranteed!  
 
       Lord Jesus, I want Your peace to rule in my heart and mind at all times. Reveal to me anything that prevents me from allowing Your peace to guard my heart every day.  Amen.   
 
+++ Don't forget to join us on Saturday night at 6:00pm for our Living Nativity celebration! Dress warmly and join us in the parking lot as our kids retell the story of that first Christmas. There will be a small petting zoo for the kids and Christmas cookies and hot chocolate for all after!   

+++ Sunday worship is at 8:30am and 10:00am and both worship services continue to be held in the Sanctuary. Our Advent theme, "Our Dear Christ Enters In" continues and this week's installment is "Baby Names". How did you get your name at the time of your birth? And was there an angel involved? These are some of the things I am thinking about on Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent. If you can't be here with us in the beautifully decorated Sanctuary, plan to join us on the church Facebook page at 10:00am for our live-stream or later on the church YouTube channel for the recorded worship service.    

+++ Following worship we will enjoy another Second Sunday Luncheon. Hopefully you had a chance to sign up and plan to join us!  

+++ On Sunday you can also order Christmas Poinsettias for the Altar, or participate in the Mitten Tree project or the Heifer International project. So many great mission opportunities exist here each week!

+++ Mark your calendars for our Christmas Eve worship services taking place at 4:00pm and 7:30pm. Both worship services include the Sacrament of Holy Communion and candle lighting... so join us whenever it is convenient for you!  

+++ Team and Ministry Leaders... please remember that the deadline for the January/February edition of the church newsletter is on December 20th! Please make sure all articles are in the church office by that date so we can keep to our publishing deadline. Thanks!  

+++ On Sunday December 28th and Sunday January 4th we will offer ONE worship service at 10:00am ONLY. Thanks!  

+++ Jim Sokolowski is continuing to try to rebuild our Greeting Card Ministry. Please take a moment to email him your birthdate and/or anniversary date, along with your preferred address to receive mail. Jim's email address is: [email protected] or you can call him at (315) 532-2864. Thanks!
 
Make this day a great day and continue to seek the peace of Christ each day!   
​Pastor Jack 

Hello Saints!
   
On this first Friday of December, we hear from Proverbs for a word from the Lord...
 
                   "Don't rejoice when your enemies fall; don't be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them."  (Proverbs 24: 17-18  NLT)
 
One of the toughest tests of Christian character is to love our enemies. These include God's enemies in the broad sense of all those who haven't yet received Christ's gift of salvation (a position we also once held), and personal enemies, those who are against us for whatever reason but especially if we have been obedient to God and are hated because of it.  
   
Proverbs 24:18 makes it clear: rejoicing when an enemy falls displeases God. It reveals un-Christlike character, forgetting that Christ has overcome our default setting --- revenge. He wants no one to waste their lives without Him and then suffer the ultimate destruction.  
   
Even harder is that it may invite God's mercy on that person, if only to show you that you have fallen to their level. An enemy rejoices when you stumble, but God only sees someone who is suffering the consequences of mistakes as one who may be drawn to Him through these errors. Crowing over an enemy's fall only says you don't appreciate what God rescued you from --- your own sin. As God's adopted child, seek to bless where others curse.    
 
                  Lord, revenge is Yours, and so is perfect justice.  Help me to forgive, to pray that my enemies would come to know Your powerful, cleansing love. Amen. 
 
+++ Sunday worship continues at 8:30am and 10:00am but WITH ONE CHANGE starting this week.WE WILL RELOCATE THE 8:30 AM WORSHIP SERVICE TO THE SANCTUARY FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SEASONS. It's a wonderful problem when the group outgrows the available space and with all the holiday decorations this has happened! So join us at either 8:30am or 10:00am in the Sanctuary starting on Sunday! On this 2nd Sunday of Advent we will continue our Advent theme, "Our Dear Christ Enters In" and this week I am thinking about how sometimes "Home Hurts". We will meet Zechariah and Elizabeth and hear about how, sometimes, there can be great pains in our homes. Join me as we explore this together! We will also celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday and light the second of our Advent candles. If you can't join us in the beautifully decorated Sanctuary look for us on our Facebook live-stream at 10:00am or later on the church's YouTube channel.

+++ Following worship our United Methodist Youth will be meeting with Lorlie at 11:00am.

+++ You can also participate in our Advent mission projects after worship as the Mitten tree, and Heifer International Project displays are ready for your visit. Thanks to all who supported the Angel Tree project and the kid's lives will be changed because of your generosity!  

+++ Poinsettia orders can be placed following worship this Sunday and next week, as well. These beautiful flowers will adorn our Christmas altar and can then be taken home or donated to a veteran at the Veterans Hospital on Christmas morning. See Julie to place your order in memory or in honor of loved ones this week. 

+++ We are going Christmas caroling at 1:00pm Sunday at Summerfield Village on Velasko Road. We need carolers and bell ringers and you can meet us at the Summerfield Cafe room at 1:00pm. Then we'll also make a stop at the Brookdale Bellevue residence before heading home. Bring your singing voice and experience the joy of visiting with the residents as we share Christmas songs!  

+++ Our Advent Study group continues on Monday at 12:00noon in the Fireside Room. Bring your lunch and your Bible as we examine a little more closely the scripture texts of our Advent theme. 

+++ Our Finance Team meets on Tuesday night at 6:00pm and then our Administrative Council meeting follows at 6:45pm. 

+++ Our Living Nativity takes place next Saturday night, December 13th at 6:00pm in the parking lot. Dress warmly, bring some friends and be prepared to see our young people retell the story of Jesus' birth. We'll also welcome some barnyard animals for this celebration! And then hot chocolate and Christmas cookies for all!  

+++ Next Sunday, December 14th is our Second Sunday Luncheon after the 10:00am worship service. Please SIGN UP this week so that we can prepare lunch for all! Thanks!  

+++And Christmas Eve worship will take place at 4:00pm and 7:30pm again this year. Both worship services will include candle lighting and the Sacrament of Holy Communion so we hope to see you for worship on Christmas Eve.  

+++A reminder that all gifts to be included on your 2025 giving statements need to be in the church office by Sunday, December 28th. This allows us to close the books in one year and start the books on the new year in a timely fashion. Thanks!  

+++ And a final reminder about winter weather! When the West Genesee Central School District is closed due to weather (pray for our School Superintendent who has to make these decisions!) the church office will also be closed. Staff will be working from home on these days but the office at the church building will remain closed.  
 
Make this day a great day and set about the work of forgiving an enemy today... it will really put a smile on Jesus' face!   
​Pastor Jack