Blog

Merry Christmas + the heart response we want

Merry Christmas! Praying that we all have a peaceful and joy-filled celebration of the birth of our Savior! “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world … His name is Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (John 1:9 & Matthew 1:21)

Retreat Registrations – December 31 Deadlines
Next Sunday is the deadline to register for the Middle School Retreat (January 5-7 at Camp Highroad) Also, a $100 deposit for the Women’s Retreat by Dec 31 saves your spot at earlybird prices! (The retreat is March 9-11 at White Sulphur Springs, PA). Next Sunday visit the table at the back to drop off or complete registration forms and pay.

Year-End Giving
Please note that Sunday, December 31 is the final Sunday to put a check in the offering plate to be counted toward 2017 giving. Online giving needs to be dated prior to 12/25. Checks received via mail must be dated and postmarked by 12/31.

Life Groups Resume – Week of January 7
New year? It’s a great time to resolve to choose a group close to home and begin to grow in and with that community of believers—or resolve to reconnect with the group that you’ve been a part of! See a listing of groups here. 

Ladies Bible Study & Moms’ Coffee – January 9 & 11
The ladies Bible study will resume on Tuesday, January 9 from 10:15-11:30am. Choose between the Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilken or Jesus the One and Only by Beth Moore. Also, the new Moms’ COFFEE encouragement group will meet for the first time on Thursday, January 11 from 9:30-11:30am. Sign up and see more details on the City for both the Bible study and Moms’ Coffee!

Christmas Receptions
Pastor Jack invited us to consider three responses to Jesus from the account in Matthew 2:1-18. The Magi realized God has spoken, looked to Him, and responded in worship; Herod sought to control the situation; and the Jews—faced with their long-awaited Messiah—were apathetic or still looking for something “more.” Let’s respond like the Magi! Listen to “Christmas Receptions.

Giving report “They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to [His work] …” 2 Cor 8:5
Weekly giving needed for FY2018 budget – $18,813.71
Total giving for offering of 12/17/17 – $43,839.27
YTD giving needed for budget – $225,764.52
Actual YTD giving to budget – $220,979.49
Giving under budget – $4,785.03

This Week
December 24, 11:00am only – Christmas Eve Service (no evening service)
December 25-29 – Church office closed
December 27 & January 3 – No Middle or High School Youth Group

This Month
December 31 – New Year’s Eve – Regular Sunday Schedule
December 31 – $100 saves your spot at the Women’s Retreat at earlybird prices!
December 31 – Deadline for Middle School Retreat registration

Looking Ahead
January 5-7 – Middle School Retreat
January 6, 10:00am – Youth Group Tree of Life Food Delivery
Week of January 7 – Winter Life Group session begins
January 9 – Ladies Bible study begins (thru May 22)
January 11 – Moms’ COFFEE
January 26-28 – High School DNow Retreat
February 18, 6:00pm – Baptism Service
March 9-11 – Women’s Retreat