January 3, 2021
Guest Pastor Rev. Dr. Tom Robinson
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"Going Home Another Way"
Second Sunday of Christmas
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Matthew 2: 1 - 12
The Visit of the Wise Men
2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
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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!
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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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Following the Star
In a land east of Bethlehem lived some magi. Magi studied stars and one night they discovered a new star and believed it to be a sign that a new king was born. They packed up their camels, traveled to Jerusalem and asked King Herod where the new king was. King Herod was very upset about the sound of a new king so he sent them to follow the star until they found him and told them to then come back and let him know where the new king was.
Gifts we bring!
The three magi followed the star until they found Jesus and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The magi knew that King Herod was mad so they decided not to go back and tell him they had found Jesus and instead took a different path home.
What gift would you have given to Jesus?
What gift could you give to Jesus now?
Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for the gift of Jesus and the hope, peace, joy and love he brought to our world. Amen.
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Thank you to our many church leaders who took the lemons of 2020 and made lemonade! Your energy, compassion, creativity, ability to transition and re-envision, love for God, our church family and neighbors shone through the darkness! Thank a leader today for their commitment to Avondale and the Kingdom with a quick phone call or hand written note! |
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; Trish Boyd; Terry Brodof; Carrie Cavanaugh; Abigail Corriher; Paula Huffines & Family; Millie Mann; Marilyn Nolan; Tim O'Neil; Deidrea Pavlin; Floyd Privette; Sarah Sperry; Billy Stanley; Lyn Sweet and family; Gail Trippodo; Keith White; Lynn Wilkerson.
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Lunches for Homeless Neighbors continues this winter!
Our few 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 still have room for additional volunteers on 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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A Celebration of the Gifts Received |
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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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Today we welcome Rev. Dr. Tom Robinson as our guest Pastor. Tom is the father of member, Mindy Ferguson and has recently retired and moved to the area. He was a wonderful volunteer teacher with Avondale Adventures this fall and we are blessed to have him with us this week! Welcome Tom! |
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Join us for a Taizé service at 7 PM on Tuesday, January 5
on our YouTube channel!
Do you know Taizé?
It involves sung and chanted prayers, meditation, a period of silence, liturgical readings, and icons. There is no preaching. It is a time of communal prayer, song, and meditative silence. All are welcome.
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