Pastor Jack's Weekly Chimings Message
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Weekly Inspirational Message & Church Happenings for the Upcoming Week
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Happy "Ides" of December!
As we prepare for another weekend of mission, ministry, and worship here are some words I read from Proverbs... "There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24 NKJV) It is so easy for us to take our friends for granted --- especially good friends. When we are busy, tired, or stressed, we might withdraw to ourselves and neglect to let our friends know how really important they are to us, how much we care for them and how much we appreciate them. They have always been there for us during times of crisis; but do we give back as we take? You know, being a good friend takes effort. We must be careful to invest in our friendships. We are told in John 15:13 that there is no greater love than to lay down our life for a friend. Jesus said we would be counted as friends if we continued doing what He asked us to do. God called Abraham His friend because Abraham believed in Him. When was the last time you let your friends know that you believed in them? That you loved and appreciated them and would lay down your life for them? When you feel caught up in your own problems, when you forget to keep in touch or when a new neighbor needs a friend, join me in praying, Make me a better friend, Lord. +++ This Sunday is the Second Sunday of Advent and we will worship at 8:30am and 10:00am. It is the Sunday of Joy and my message "Great Joy" has me looking at how we wait for the arrival of the Christ-child with a sense of Great Joy! We will, of course, "live-stream" worship on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am and then "upload" the completed service to our YouTube channel once it is completed. You have many ways to join us for worship this Sunday! +++ This Sunday is also the last opportunity to support our efforts for Heifer International and to order poinsettias for our Christmas Altar. If you've been waiting to do either of these things, make sure to visit the tables on Sunday! +++ The January/February edition of the Upper Room magazine is now on the table in the Narthex. Make sure you grab your copy on Sunday. And, also remember that the deadline for articles for the January/February edition of our church newsletter are due into the office on 12/20. This will allow us to keep to our publishing schedule. Thanks! +++ Next Sunday we will alter our worship schedule.... since we celebrate both the 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve. Here is our plan...
+++ On Christmas morning we will gather for Breakfast and Christmas carols at 10:00am in the Fireside Room. Please sign up outside the Fireside Room and let us know what you might like to bring to enhance our breakfast feast! We will sing some carols and celebrate Christmas morning together on December 25th! +++ The church office will be closed during the period of 12/25 through 1/1/24. We will reopen the office on Tuesday 1/2/24 at 9:00am. Emergency telephone numbers will be on the answering machine that we will check daily. +++ And please remember that all donations to be included in 2023 giving need to be in the church office by 12/31/23. Thanks for all you have done to help fund the ministry here at Immanuel all throughout the year! +++ Check out our News/Events page to see pictures from our many events last weekend. Have you liked us on Facebook yet? Make this day a great day and remember to pray, Make me a better friend, Lord! Pastor Jack Comments are closed.
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January 2026
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