A Different Sort of Christmas
December 13, 2020
|
|
"A Joy"
Third Sunday in Advent
|
|
Luke 2: 8 - 15
Glory in the Highest
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”
|
|
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!
|
|
We look forward to hearing from you and the opportunity to share how God is working through the Avondale community! |
|
Children's Moment
Parents, read over the lesson below and use it to stir conversation as a family!
|
|
Today marks the second 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 love.
The pink candle represents joy.
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 Joy.
When we think of the word joy we often think of being happy but joy is a little different than happiness! Having joy comes from a place of being thankful and more specifically being thankful to God! When we recognize that all good things come from God, we give Him thanks for those good things and feel true joy!
What or who would you like to say thank you to God for?
Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for the wonderful people in my life and for loving me everyday and always. Help me to share the joy I feel with others. Amen.
|
|
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!
|
|
If you know of any member concerns or needs, please email Jim.
Member Directory online...
|
Prayer Requests
Lee Ballard; Michael Booher; Terry Brodof; Ruby Cathey; Abigail Corriher; Cal Hamilton; Janet Harrison and family; Paula Huffines & Family; John Merritt; Marilyn Nolan; Tim O'Neil; Deidrea Pavlin; Floyd Privette; Sarah Sperry; Billy Stanley; Lyn Sweet and family; Gail Trippodo; Blake Wallen; Keith White; Lynn Wilkerson.
Church Triumphant
It is with deep sadness that we share that Ms. Edith Gardner joined the Church Triumphant December 3, 2020. Edith, 93 years old, joined Avondale church in 2002. A private graveside service was held on Monday, December 7.
|
|
Advent Stars
We now have dozens of stars hanging throughout the campus in memory and honor of those we love! It is a beautiful site so be sure to come walk the campus and enjoy! Over $700 was raised with this fundraiser in support of providing warm and nutritious meals for our ACE (ABC) children while on campus for remote learning.
If you still have a star kit to pick-up or a completed star to drop-off, a table for doing so will be available at the Advent Walk this evening!
|
|
Avondale Blessing Bags
&
Angel Tree Gifts
We have collected 25 Angel Tree gifts and 17 family gift cards for our ACE (ABC) families! As well as, over 70 Blessing Bags for residents in the Supportive Housing Program through Roof Above! Go Avondale!
If you still need to return your gifts, mission ask that you please do so by this evening at the Advent Walk.
|
|
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!
Only one spot left for December 29!
|
|
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.
|
|
Submit your 2021 pledge card electronically! |
|
This third Sunday of Advent the theme is Joy. How would you define Joy and where does your Joy come from? Join us this Sunday at the Advent Walk for a prayer and meditation walk in the garden, live music in the courtyard from the Avondale Bell Choir, mission opportunities, dozens of stars hanging throughout the campus and yummy snacks! See you there!
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).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
