A Different Sort of Christmas
November 29, 2020
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"A Wish List"
First Sunday in Advent
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Isaiah 61: 1 - 4
Joyful proclamations
61 The Lord God’s spirit is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me.
He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim release for captives, and liberation for prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and a day of vindication for our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 to provide for Zion’s mourners, to give them a crown in place of ashes, oil of joy in place of mourning, a mantle of praise in place of discouragement.
They will be called Oaks of Righteousness, planted by the Lord to glorify himself. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore formerly deserted places; they will renew ruined cities, places deserted in generations past.
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Thank you for joining us in worship!
If you are interested in hearing more about Avondale, please take a moment to fill out our Next Steps form!
Our next new member/inquirer class starts soon!
December 6th and 13th / 10:30AM - 12:30PM on Zoom
Sign-up using the link below!
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We look forward to hearing from you and the opportunity to share how God is working through the Avondale community! |
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Children's Moment
Parents, read over the lesson below and use it to stir conversation as a family!
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Today marks the first Sunday of Advent. Do you know what Advent is?
The word Advent means "coming" and the season of Advent is a time to prepare for Jesus' coming on Christmas. Advent is observed for 4 weeks leading up to Christmas and traditionally, using an Advent wreath to count the weeks.
The circle represents the unending love of God.
The evergreens represent the hope of eternal life that all of God’s people share.
The three purple candles represent hope, peace and joy.
The pink candle represents love.
The white candle is to be placed in the center of your wreath and represents the
true Light come into the world.
Today we light the candle of Hope.
When Jesus came, he brought hope into a world full of sadness. He healed the sick, He listened to the lonely and He shared with the poor.
Jesus taught us to share hope with others by doing the same things. How can you share hope with someone this week?
This evening, join us at the Advent Walk and receive a Blessing Bag that you are invited to fill for a formerly homeless neighbor here in Charlotte, bringing hope to them this season. Spend time carefully selecting items for the bag, praying for the person who will receive it and including a personal card.
Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for bringing Hope to our world through Jesus. Help me to share hope with others. Amen.
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Avondale Baby Blessing Basket
We celebrate with great joy the expected arrival of Liz and Terry Davis's first child, a baby boy, on December 31, 2020! Member Care invites you to share in the excitement by signing up to contribute to a Baby Blessing Basket to be delivered to the family just prior or shortly after his arrival. The sign-up includes their preferred diaper and wipe brands and their most frequented grocery stores and take-out restaurants. Items can be dropped off at the church office or in the black bin under the FLC awning on or before December 21!
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If you know of any member concerns or needs, please email Jim.
Member Directory online...
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Prayer Requests
Lee Ballard; Michael Booher; Terry Brodof; Ruby Cathey; Abigail Corriher; Cal Hamilton; Janet Harrison and family; John Merritt; Marilyn Nolan; Deidrea Pavlin; Floyd Privette; Sarah Sperry; Billy Stanley; Lyn Sweet and family; Tina Taylor; Bill Thomas; Gail Trippodo; Blake Wallen; Lynn Wilkerson.
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Virtual Angel Tree Comes to Avondale!
Bring Christmas excitement to an Avondale ACE (Alliance Center for Education – formerly Bethlehem Center) child or an Avondale ACE Family by signing up to provide a gift for a child or a gift card to a family. Details are included on the Sign-Ups.
Sign up using the link below to provide a gift for a child. You’ll see each child’s gender and age, and a few gift suggestions they have provided.
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Sign up using the link below to provide a gift card for a family. |
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Advent Stars
Pre-order a star kit to be assembled by you and your family in memory or honor of a loved one. The stars will be returned to Avondale and hung throughout the campus for viewing during the Advent Walk beginning Sunday, November 29. All proceeds from the memorial will go towards continuing to provide a hot lunch for our Avondale ACE children who are on campus weekly for remote learning.
Pre-order your star today and pick up the kit during the Advent Walk between 4:30 and 6:30 PM!
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Lunches for Homeless Neighbors continues this winter!
Our first three Lunches for Homeless Neighbors events were a great success--it was so good to see each other, and to provide some much-needed help for the 70 working men at the Roof Above dorm. Each time, the men were so appreciative of our efforts. We now have three additional dates, on December 29, January 26, and February 23. Please take a look and sign up! You now have the opportunity to serve as a "Lunch Leader," which simply requires getting the groceries (Mission team will reimburse), leading the assembly, and taking the lunches over to the dorm in the Elizabeth neighborhood. This season, when Room in the Inn will unfortunately not be at Avondale, let's continue to join together and help our homeless neighbors!
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Your Avondale Pledge
For those of you who contribute to your pledge through the offering plate on Sunday, there are many opportunities to fulfill your commitment including, mailing a check, PayPal or a one-time or reoccurring bank draft. Drafts can be setup or changed at anytime. Please contact Jacqueline for more information.
Using the link below, you may contribute to your 2020 pledge or make a gift to the church.
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Submit your 2021 pledge card electronically! |
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Saturday December 12 / 9 AM - 12 PM
From a safe distance, visit with church family outdoors and help spread pine needles! Don't forget your gloves!
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This first Sunday of Advent the theme is Hope. Where does your hope come from and how can you share hope with others? This week at the Advent Walk, you will receive an Advent devotional and an Advent wreath kit as well as, have the opportunity to pick-up your pre-ordered star kits and deliver your Angel Tree gifts. I also heard from a reliable source that Santa is planning to make an appearance this week and will be helping with refreshments so, come with your wish list ready!
What if it rains?
In the event of rain, the Advent Walk will be canceled. However, there will be tables set-up under the awning of the FLC from 4:30-6:30 PM and you may drive through and pick-up your Advent devotional, wreath kit, star kit and deliver your Angel Tree gifts.
What if I am not comfortable attending the event?
We welcome you to drive through and pick-up Advent materials at the event by pulling your car up to the welcome table, near the entrance of the FLC kitchen. You may also coordinate picking up materials during the week by calling Jessica Shanks in the church office (704-333-6194).
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