Grace and peace to you all! Yesterday was a great day for us at Bethel. There was the gathered worship of God's people. But, we also heard from the Hintons, who gave us a quick update and then encouraged us to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. And we also met K. C. Rader and his wife Sara (and kiddos Myatt and Chapel). We met him and we voted him in as our new associate pastor of Youth and Discipleship. As we rejoice in the Lord, let's give thanks for our search team (Crystal O'Brien, Keri Barnes, Amanda Gilbert, Olivia Herring, Andy Foster, and Jeremy Mooneyhan). And let's pray for his transition which we expect to be sometime in January.
- Don't forget our annual Christmas Carol is this Wednesday. We'll gather here around 6pm and go spread some gospel/Christmas cheer. Then, we will come back to the church and eat some chili. Make sure you come and be a part of it.
- Also, Christmas Eve is on a Sunday. Take note: there will be no kid's SS activities. Your SS can meet but there will be no kid care during SS. We will have a nursery for the worship service.
- And then, obviously, we will have our annual Festival of Carols by Candlelight at 5pm Sunday night. Bring family and friends.
Here's some links:
32 Random Thoughts About the Local Church … please read!
The Hilarity of Giving … great thoughts on giving.
The Example of Mary … a good prep for Sunday's sermon too.
Uncomfortable Christmas … witnessing to family at Christmas.
“Man’s maker was made man that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother’s breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that Truth might be accused of false witnesses, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Strength might grow weak; that the Healer might be wounded; that Life might die.” ― Augustine of Hippo
In Christ,
Pastor Brandon