December 4, 2022
We are at the second Sunday of Advent on the first Sunday in December. It is fitting for those who claim the name Christian to begin their annual journey with Advent as the first season of the Christian calendar year, the coming of Jesus into the world. After all, Christians believe that Jesus was the fulfillment of the promise of God to save us from the destruction we cause ourselves. In Christ Jesus, God redeems, reconciles, and repairs the ruptured relationships of our lives. In Christ, God interrupted our existence to intercept our lives, with an intervention that inspires us with God's desires, expectations, and intentions for our existence. This is why Christians believe that Jesus is the reason for season.
For the radio broadcast messages as well as the in person services, we remind ourselves with lyrics requesting God to intervene, intercept and inspire us to life abundantly in Jesus. I paraphrase the original lyrics to say, “Oh come, O come Emmanuel and save us from the destruction we cause ourselves.
I am reminded of a quote from Benjamin Franklin. "We are taxed twice as much by our idleness, three times as much by our pride, and four times as much by our folly." Do not let idleness, pride or folly eclipse your opportunity for the fulfillment that comes with embracing and receiving Christ.
We ask you each year to make a financial faith commitment commensurate with your capacity. We have not returned to our sacred space due to structural damage. Architectural drawings have been submitted to the planning department of the city for approval. Once that occurs the actual work of repairing the damage can begin. We will keep you posted with updates.
Sunday, December 4 is the second Sunday of Advent.
Sunday, December 11 is the third Sunday in Advent.
Sunday, December 18 is the fourth Sunday of Advent.
Our year-end church meeting has been scheduled for Sunday December 18, 2022 at noon.
Agenda / Prayer / Verification of Quorum / Minutes of the Last Church Meeting / Pastor's Reflections / Diaconate Ministry / Trustee Ministry / Budget and Finance Commission Presentation of the 2023 Budget / Investment Committee Report / Projected Calendar of Events for 2020 / Appointment of Nominating Committee / Conclusion and Adjournment
Saturday December 24th Virtual Christmas Eve 6:00 pm.
Sunday, December 25 is Christmas Day!
Saturday December 31st Virtual New Year’s Eve at 6:00 pm.
May this special season of the year lift you beyond the limitations imposed by life, generally and particularly, so that you will soar above the storms caused by sinister situations with emboldened belief, fortified faith, and sustained strength. Let the music of this particular season of the year fill you with enthusiasm, excitement, and expectation about the positive possibilities of the future.
Again, thank you for your continued commitment and contribution of energy and time as well as financial resources.
With every good wish, I am,
Gratefully yours,
-Pastor
Dr. William S. Epps, Senior Pastor
