Hi Friends!
On the day I called, You answered me; my strength of soul You increased. (Psalm 138:3)
How is your strength of soul? That phrase really intrigued me this morning. That’s what we’ve been dealing with for the past few months in our sermon series on the Spiritual Disciplines: strengthening the soul. Have you called out to God today? Has He answered?
EXPERIENCE CHRISTMAS is tomorrow (Friday)!!! If you would like to help decorate, we will be here tomorrow at 9:00 AM. “Many hands make light work!” If you are a volunteer, we will meet for prayer at 5:00 PM tomorrow. The event is scheduled to run from 6-8 PM. We also are asking our volunteers and regular church-goers to park behind the building, or at the far south end of the parking lot, so we leave as much space as possible for our guests. Also, if you are planning to bring a pop-up canopy, if possible it would be great if you could bring it down tonight or first thing in the morning. PLEASE BE PRAYING & INVITING PEOPLE!!!
The One Year Bible – This year I will be encouraging all of us to read the Bible using the “One Year Bible” schedule. Copies of January and February readings are on the missions table in the foyer. You can print your own list at www.oneyearbibleonline.com. I also learned of the One Year Bible Companion, that you may be interested in using as a devotional guide through the readings. You can see more about it and order it here:
http://www.christianbook.com/one-year-bible-companion/9780842346160/pd/2346163?event=BB&bookbag=1&item_code=WW
The Sunday morning sermon will be on “The Superior Sacrifice”, from Hebrews 10:1-10. Please read that before Sunday and consider its meaning. I know it is not a typical “Christmas sermon”! I simply want to emphasize that the most important part of Christ’s coming to earth is not the baby born as the son of Mary & Joseph, lying in a manger (though that’s a beautiful thing). The most important part of Christ’s coming to earth is the ultimate, perfect sacrifice He made on our behalf! This is a message that would be great for your unchurched friends to hear, so please pray and invite to this as well!
Christmas by Candlelight – Our 3rd annual candlelight service will again be a more informal, intimate gathering. We will consider “The Light of Christmas”, from John 1:1-18. Of course we will sing some of our favorite traditional Christmas carols. And following the service will be a dessert fellowship with cookies, coffee, and anything else you might bring! If you are able to bring some cookies or finger-desserts, that would be great.
Looking forward with great joy to celebrating our Savior together with you!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael