Hello my frozen friends!
The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
The above verse is one that I have loved for as long as I can remember. Our Lord is the ultimate promise keeper. He always follows through on His promises! I love that about Him! His patience is an attribute that I am extremely grateful for (and I’m sure you are too)! He does not desire anyone to perish, that is, to die in their sins. He wants all to come to repentance. Let’s pray that during this Christmas season the people in our oikos (the 8-15 people who are in our sphere of influence on a regular basis) will come to a place of repentance in their lives!
In case you didn’t get the message before, NO AWANA TONIGHT. Due to the inclement weather and possible dangerous road conditions, we will not meet tonight. We will resume next Thursday, the 19th, for the last club night of 2013!
This Sunday will be a unique experience during the message time of the worship service. You will be able to be a part of a live studio audience for the first edition of a new program: “30 MINUTES”! From what I’ve heard, the news anchor of the show will be interviewing a very special guest, who will be traveling many many miles, and many many years to join us: Mary the mother of Jesus! (The interview may or may not take 30 minutes, but it’s a catchy name anyway isn’t it?!)
In preparation for this special event, let me encourage you to do 3 things: 1) Pray for “Mary” and the “Interviewer”! 2) Invite someone from your oikos! 3) Read Luke 1 & 2, paying special attention to Mary’s part of the story, and thinking about her choices, feelings, thoughts, etc.
After the worship service we will have our Annual Business Meeting. Members will vote on the budget and new officers for 2014. Commission leaders will share their reports for 2013. And I plan to share my report which will reflect on God’s goodness toward us in 2013 and look ahead to our future. Those of you who need to turn in reports, please make sure and get them in to the church office!
Also Sunday, Roger & Susan Ruckert will have an Open House from 4-6pm, at their home: 33776 Ridge Drive in Tangent. All are welcome!
EXPERIENCE CHRISTMAS: A Night in Bethlehem is only 8 days away!! Thank you so much to everyone who is helping pull off what is sure to be an incredible evening for many individuals and families! Please be praying for a powerful impact on our community, and be inviting people! 6-8pm on December 20.
And on December 22, we will be having our 3rd annual Christmas by Candlelight at 6pm. This will again be a special time of intimate worship and reflection on the true light that has come into the world, Jesus Christ. (If you would be willing to bring some cookies, or help set up for a fellowship time including cookies and coffee and hot chocolate, please let me know as soon as you can. Thank you!)
Looking forward to continuing to celebrate this season with you!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael