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A couple of notes that I would like to share from the Board of Ministry:
1. Violence and criminal acts are a threat to all faith-based communities from persons who seek to spread fear and hate crimes, or the unexpected site of acts of domestic violence. Because of a direct threat to some of the Grand Canyon Synod churches earlier this year and because of the recent school shootings, the Board has been studying ways to enhance the security of our campus. We are reviewing several options and the Board will make a presentation to you in January, before the annual meeting.
2. The Board is very excited about the transformation that they have been seeing and experiencing in worship, with a dramatic increase in young families worshipping with us. This was the hope when the Board reviewed our congregational values and mission this past year. One of the highlights has been the evolving 4th Sunday worship service. This service is also where our new children’s’ choir (The Itty Bitty Choir) sings. As the staff continues to fine tune this service for families, they also realize that not everyone is a fan of this service. Therefore, on fourth Sundays, we will also offer a traditional service at 9:00 am beginning in January.
Now a word from your Pastor!
On Sunday, we will give thanks for and bless over 100 quilts which will be going to individuals and families in need around our community. We will have a special bell choir number and we will also receive new members and enjoy some fellowship getting to know them and one another a bit better.
Last week I talked about the need for us to have peace. One of the best ways to have peace is to have faith “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” (Romans 5:1) Like faith, peace too is a gift from God. During this season of Advent, I invite you to prepare for the coming of the gift giver of faith and peace by joining us for worship this Sunday.
This week we will look at the gift of Joy in Isaiah 35:1-10. What we see is that the greater the joy, the more hope there is. Isaiah tells us that “Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.” (Isaiah 35:10)
This is a timely scripture for us. This week is often recognized as the most discouraging week of the year. Churches offer “Blue Christmas” services for those who are alone and experiencing depression. As we pray for those among us who are suffering, let’s once again find the gift of joy and see if that can truly bring us hope. I hope that you will join us! We would love to see you!
Pastor Steve
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