Our church campus, from the sanctuary to the church office to the preschool, looks beautiful with the Christmas decorations. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the decoration efforts. I encourage you to look around when you are on our campus and enjoy the Advent spirit.
We are hosting two wonderful young families for Family Promise this week. I had the opportunity to see them after they visited our clothes closet Tuesday night, and they were all so grateful to our church for the clothing and the gift of hospitality. I know this ministry takes many volunteers and involves significant work. However, it makes me so proud to know that our church has been a host church for eight years now. Truly, this work makes God smile!
Sunday night’s Masterworks concert at Matthew’s Hope was excellent. Our chamber choir sounded great and the event raised significant funding for the Matthew’s Hope ministry. Special thanks to our music department!
This Sunday, December 3, the scripture passages are Isaiah 7:14 and Luke 1:26-38. Pastor Beth is working on a message entitled “Saying YES! To God.” The passage from Luke is the passage known as the annunciation, and it captures the excitement and anticipation that is central to our Advent journey. I look forward to this message!
Friends, this Advent season I invite you to make a commitment to attend all our worship services throughout December. This one practice may provide the peace, momentum, and encouragement that you need this season. As I like to remind everyone, God inhabits the praises of His people, and God’s presence with us is the best comfort available.
Finally, as we move toward Christmas this year, please pray for all those who are having a hard time during this season. Those who have lost love ones this year may struggle with the first Christmas without that person. Your prayers matter!
I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Steve Hart