We have “officially” entered the Christmas season! The decorations in the Sanctuary are beautiful. I appreciate those who honor the Lord by making the Sanctuary look so nice every week. But, they especially “go the extra mile” during special seasons. The lighted trees and poinsettias really help to put us in the Christmas spirit!

As a reminder, this past Sunday I began a Christmas series of messages entitled, “Tell Me the Story of Jesus.” Over the course of 4 weeks we will be revisit this most wonderful story, from original sin to the birth of Christ. It is important that we know the WHOLE story so we can talk about it at home, and share it with those we influence. The message this Sunday will be, “What Did the World Know, and When Did They Know It?”  Come join us this Sunday!

I just want to say a word of appreciation to those who are participating in our Prayer Partner ministry and our Contact ministry. Your faithfulness means so much to our church family. Let me encourage you to make your prayer time and contact phone calls a priority. It becomes more difficult this time of the year to find extra time in our schedules. Please don’t get discouraged! If you have trouble getting in touch with your contacts or if you have a particularly busy week, just remember that if you are only able to contact 1, that 1 may have needed your call more than you realize. Beginning next week we are going to reduce your number of weekly contacts from 5 to 2. Please give me some feedback on your experiences with these ministries from time to time. I won’t use your name, but I would love to share with our church family how God is working.

Serve the Lord with Gladness!