A Different Sort of Christmas
December 20, 2020
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"A HOPE"
Fourth Sunday in Advent
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Isaiah 9: 2 - 7
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. 3 You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy. They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice. 4 As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor. 5 Because every boot of the thundering warriors and every garment rolled in blood will be burned, fuel for the fire. 6 A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of the Lord of heavenly forces will do this.
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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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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 Love.
God gives us a command in John 15:12 to, "love each other as I have loved you!" When God gave us Jesus he gave us the greatest gift of love possible! He sent His one and only son to walk with us and teach us how to love one another. What stories from the Bible can you think of where Jesus is showing love to another? Jesus did not love people based on what they looked like or how they dressed or what they believed in or what they could do for Him. He loved everyone despite their differences by showing them patience and kindness and being helpful.
How can you share love with another person who might be different from you?
Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for loving us and for sending Jesus to teach us. Help us to share this gift of love with others. Amen.
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Confirmation Class of 2020
Join us in celebrating the Confirmation Class of 2020 and welcoming them into the membership of the church. These eight youth were confirmed on Sunday, December 13 during the Advent Walk. A recording will be included in todays worship service. Thank you to Rev. Jim Ewing and the mentors for your wisdom and leadership.
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A. J. & Claire Schilling
Baptized Sunday, November 13, 2020 in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, is A. J. and Claire Schilling. As a response to your commitment to tell them of the good news of the Gospel and to help them know of Christ's love, send a note of love and care.
813 McDonald Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28203
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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; Ruby Cathey; Carrie Cavanaugh; Abigail Corriher; Cal Hamilton; Janet Harrison and family; Paula Huffines & Family; Millie Mann; John Merritt; Marilyn Nolan; Tim O'Neil; Deidrea Pavlin; Floyd Privette; Sarah Sperry; Billy Stanley; Lyn Sweet and family; Libby Thompson and her brother, Sam Thompson; Gail Trippodo; Blake Wallen; Keith White; Lynn Wilkerson.
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God saw the great needs of the world and offered a perfect gift, a gift that brought God and humanity closer together. God's perfect gift to us, Jesus Christ, offered the power of being with us. According to Matthew's Gospel, one of the names given to Jesus is Emmanuel, which means "God is with us."
During these past months, many of us weren't able to be together in person. But we have always been together in spirit, and in faith, God has been with us. And with our gift to the Christmas Joy Offering, we are together with those who need our love and support.
We invite you to give to the Christmas Joy Offering, supporting church leadership of the past, present and future.
You may give using the link below or by cash or check using a Joy envelope found at the Advent Walk welcome table.
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50% of your gifts make it possible for students to learn and grow in faith at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.
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50% of your gifts provide assistance for current and retired church workers and their families with critical financial needs.
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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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This fourth Sunday of Advent the theme is Love. In what ways have you embraced others through the love of Christ? 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 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).
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