The celebration of Advent begins Sunday, November 30. It is always a special season of focus. Advent simply means coming. Our focus centers around three comings of Christ: His arrival in history as a baby born of Mary, His return in fearsome glory at the end of time and His entrance into our own lives. This season we will be encouraged to fix our eyes on Jesus. As we see the person, work and example of Jesus, which brings to us hope, peace, joy and love. This season calls us to examine our own lives and to be eager and confident in the joy God offers, as we reject the fleeting pleasures of sinand instead choose to be aligned with God’s will no matter the cost. Jesus endured the suffering of the cross with His eyes on the joy of redeeming a lost people and reuniting with His Father in glory. I pray this season we too, would have our eyes fixed on Christ and such a joyous hope that He gives to us.

Our worship gatherings this Advent season are as follows:

Sunday, November 30: 10 am, spiritual care for infants through preschool age children

Sundays, December 7: 9 and 10:45 am with regular classes for children and youth

Sundays, December 14: 9 and 10:45 am with regular classes for children and youth

Sunday, December 21: 10 am, spiritual care for infants through preschool age children

Wednesday, December 24: 5 pm for whole family

Sunday, December 28: 10 am, spiritual care for infants through preschool age children

As we fix our eyes on the person, works and example of Jesus this Advent, the elders want to invite you to sacrificially and cheerfully participate in our advent giving this year. This year’s goal is $80,000. In years past, you have given above and beyond to help fund the work of the gospel both locally and globally. We want to invite you to pray and join in doing the same again this year. As you pray let me encourage you to meditate on 2 Corinthians 9.5-15. Let this be a joyful get to this advent season.

Here is how the funds will be distributed this season. $50,000 will go toward our normal monthly giving and the over and beyond amount of $30,000 will go toward specific ministry endeavors locally and globally. $20,000 will be committed to the following global efforts: The Israel Family in Eastern Europe ($5,000), The Marshall Family in Lyon, France ($12,000), Guadalajara Mission Work ($2,000) and Nafian’s Bible Training Classes in Papua New Guinea ($1,000). $10,000 will be committed to the following local efforts: Real Options for Women ($5,000), LINC Creekview HS Work ($3,000), and Jimmy Huston’s Summer Ministry with World Impact ($2,000).