Friday, December 8, 2023

Greetings to the Saints...

As we prepare for a very busy weekend on this Second Sunday of Advent, I once again read these words that Paul wrote to the church in Corinth...

                  "My grace is sufficient for you,
          for my power is made perfect in weakness."
                      (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)

You know, I think we all feel incapable at times. Each of us has lacked the confidence we need to confront some challenge that God has put in our path. Yes, God challenges us because God wants us to grow and mature by more fully relying on God. God wants us to demonstrate His strength through our weakness. If we're not challenged in our areas of weakness, how will we more fully come to know God's strength?
   
Like David overcoming the lion and the bear, we are led into skirmishes and defensive battles that will test our courage more than our strength. David was the scrawny little brother who had the heart of a King. His heart was perfect before the Lord. Why? Because he relied on God's strength rather than his own. God tested his courage long before calling him to slay the giant. David experienced God's grace --- by faith.  
   
Like David we can pray, Show Yourself strong in my weakness, Father, when you realize you might have bitten off more than you can chew or your vision is bigger than your abilities. When you don't know what to do in a crisis or you're given an opportunity you don't feel qualified for... join me in praying...

                                     Show Yourself strong in my weakness, Father.  


+++ Our Living Nativity presentation is this coming Saturday night at 6:00pm in the parking lot. Dress warmly and come and join us as we see the young people retell the Christmas story. We'll welcome a petting zoo of animals and then enjoy hot chocolate and cookies when the story is completed. And there will be some wonderful special music from a couple of our young people, as well. We hope to see you all on Saturday night! 

+++ Sunday worship, on this Second Sunday of Advent, is at 8:30am and 10:00am. Join us in the beautiful Fireside Room at 8:30am and in the Sanctuary at 10:00am. Or look for us live on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am!  And, of course, we will "upload" the recorded worship as soon as we finish to our YouTube page. That gives you several ways to join us for worship. At the 10:00am worship we will welcome new members to our church fellowship!  

+++ Following worship we move to the Fellowship Hall for a delicious Second Sunday Luncheon. The Fellowship Team has a wonderful luncheon planned for us and you will not be disappointed! Following the luncheon we will head off to Summerfield Village on Velasko Road for a time of Christmas caroling and bell ringing with the residents there! Should be a great day of worship, fellowship and spreading Christmas cheer! And we are always looking for more carolers to join the group!  

+++ Sunday is the last day for our Mitten Tree project and the Heifer Project and Poinsettia orders continue for another week. We are trying to give you lots of opportunities to be involved in mission this Advent!    

+++ Our Advent Study continues on Monday afternoon at 1:00pm in the Fireside Room. We have postponed the online option for the rest of the season, however. So... join us in the Fireside Room at 1:00pm on Monday!

+++ Please note that the deadline for articles for the January/February edition of the church newsletter is coming up on December 20th. We need all articles into the office by this day to keep to our publishing schedule. Thanks!

+++ All donations for calendar year 2023 need to be into the church office by Sunday, December 31st. This will allow us to close our church books on December 31st. Thanks for all your gifts this year and every year! 

+++ Remember... Christmas Eve worship is at 4:00pm and 7:30pm! The 4:00pm worship is geared towards families and the 7:30pm worship will be a traditional candlelight worship! And then, on Christmas morning, we will gather for Breakfast and Caroling at 10:00am. Sign up on the white board outside the Fireside Room and let us know what favorite breakfast item you will bring to enhance our gathering. 

Make this day a great day and never be afraid to pray, Show Yourself strong in my weakness, Father.
Pastor Jack