COVID infections are getting closer to the Emmanuel Church family, and outbreaks in our county are dramatically increasing. Also, state and local orders are getting more restrictive. So, the church office will now be closed to all visitors, including drop-offs. Anything dropped off at church should be left on the doorstep or placed in the mail slot. If you have been exposed to COVID, infected in the past, or are experiencing any COVID symptoms, you should not come to the church facilities. Thank you for working together to keep everyone safe and healthy. For questions, contact Pastor Bob at bob@emmanuelburbank.org.

On Wednesdays — starting tomorrow, Dec. 2 — from 7 to 8 p.m., we'll have weekly discussions via Zoom (use this link). This week's discussion will be facilitated by Emmanuel's Spiritual Director, Connie Karman. Each week will cover the verses from Thursday to Wednesday.

It's not too late to join in daily Advent Scripture reading (click here for the reading list). The time period for Christmas Unity in God's Word is Nov. 23 - Dec. 23.

You are invited to the debut airing of Emmanuel's Christmas concert, "Hope: A Weary World Rejoices," on Sat., Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. Invite your friends and family to watch! The recorded concert will include choir and special ensembles, and will air on both Emmanuel's YouTube channel and on our public Facebook page. Host a Facebook Watch party with your Facebook friends and family!

COPING THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS: The holiday season can be a difficult time of year for many, which is intensified during a global pandemic. Join us this coming Sat., Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. for an open forum addressing feelings of sadness, loneliness, and disappointment, and learning how to still create meaningful moments. There will be teaching by Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Amy Di Francia, and a time of sharing facilitated by Emmanuel's Spiritual Director, Connie Karman. Here's the Zoom link!

RECEIVE DRIVE-UP PRAYER FROM AN ELDER: These days, we can all use prayer. This coming Sun., Dec. 6, whatever your prayer needs, drive to Emmanuel’s campus and pull into our parking lot from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Anytime during that hour, enter from 5th Street, remain masked and in your vehicle, and have your prayer request in mind. Then a church elder will come up to your vehicle, listen to your prayer request, and pray for you. 

SEE'S CANDIES FUNDRAISER LAST CALL: Tomorrow, Dec. 2, is the last day to place your See's Candies orders. These orders help Emmanuel's youth raise funds for camp with their online fundraiser! Online purchases will be sent directly to the purchasers' homes. Candy will ship in time for Christmas! For more info, contact Kathy Drummond at kathy.drummond@emmanuelburbank.org.

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND: Emmanuel kids, there's a fun experience coming to our campus just for you! Beginning this coming Sun., Dec. 6, the team that brought you Imagine, is creating something special. Look for more details coming soon!

 

NEED HELP? Times are tough, especially during the holidays. Emmanuel Church has a Christian Care ministry that can provide practical help to those in need. Please let us know if there is a way our church can help you, a friend, or a family member during this holiday season. To make a request, contact Pastor Bob at bob@emmanuelburbank.org.

BAPTISM SUNDAY: Baptism professes an individual's new life in Christ! This Sunday we'll announce our newest baptism candidate, who will then enter into six days of prayer and Scripture focus. We invite our church family to support the baptism candidate by praying for her during those six days. The baptism ceremony will be on Sun., Dec 13! (If you are interested in being a future baptism candidate, look out for the next baptism class that we offer!)

CONTACT-FREE ARTSAKH FUNDRAISER: On Sun., Dec. 13, from noon to 2 p.m., Emmanuel will host a drive-through fundraiser for the Armenian community, to provide humanitarian aid for those suffering from the war in Artsakh. All proceeds benefit these relief efforts. This drive-through fundraiser will take place in Emmanuel's parking lot (enter on 5th Street). To donate, bring a check (made out to Emmanuel Church) or cash. Or to donate online, go to armeniafund.org.

SUNDAY LINKS: Look for Emmanuel's Sunday Links email, at 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Sunday's email will contain all the needed links for that morning!

Advent Bible Reading Discussions.....Wednesdays, Dec. 2, 9, & 16, 7 p.m.

Coping Through the Holidays ................................. Sat., Dec. 5, 7 p.m.

Advent Worship Services .............................. Sundays, Dec. 6, 13, & 20

Advent Bible Reading .................................................. through Dec. 23 

Christmas Wonderland ......................................... Dec. 6 - Jan. 9, 2021

Christmas Concert ................................................ Sat., Dec. 12, 7 p.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service ..................... Thurs., Dec. 24, 8 p.m.

"Global Flourishing:

How to Have Beautiful Feet"