Hi Church!

First of all, thank you so much for the Pastor Appreciation gift!  I am overwhelmed by your generosity and love that you have shown me.  What a blessing it is to be here! It is such a joy to be a part of this church. 

Next, let's talk about Christmas!  Yes, it's hard to believe but it will be here before you know it! 

Some things to plan for - 

Sunday November 30th

This is the Sunday after Thanksgiving and typically it is the day we decorate the church for the holidays.  It is also the 5th Sunday which means a potluck lunch and Town Hall meeting.  It is a lot to pack into one day but we can do it!  Lets worship, share a meal, talk about any “business” we need to discuss and then shower the church with holiday decor!  Sound like a plan? 

Advent Sermon Series:  

Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience

This series will be based on a book by the same name.  Below is a description of the book that the series will follow.  As part of this, there is also a devotion book that goes with it and I will be ordering these for those that are interested.  The devotion book is $10 so if you’d like one, please let me know so I can place the order. 

In 1741, John Wesley preached his famous sermon titled “The Almost Christian” in which he encouraged people to follow Christ wholeheartedly. We should not be satisfied with being almost Christian but rather strive towards being altogether a Christian.  In Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience, author and pastor Magrey deVega leads a group of authors to explore how we can make the same commitment to Christ during Advent, connecting our Wesleyan heritage with the traditional Advent themes of Love, Hope, Joy, and Peace.

Wednesday December 17th at 7pm - Blue Christmas Service

A Blue Christmas Service is a time where we invite those who are hurting, grieving, lonely, or challenged in any way that makes you feel “blue” during the holiday season.  This will be a time where we pray, worship, read Scriptures, share testimonies and light candles.  We will be inviting the community as well to join us for this service - it is a great time to share the love of Jesus to a hurting community. 

If you would like to participate in this service, either reading Scriptures, praying or maybe even sharing a testimony please reach out to me in the coming weeks as we continue to plan it. 

Wednesday December 24th at 5pm - Christmas Eve Service

Devotion this week:

Did you know that God desires to know you personally? 

Reading the Bible, learning the Bible, praying for your needs and desires - these are all things He does want us to do. But God also wants you to know Him personally - and how is that done? By experiencing God. 

To experience God means to spend significant time alone with Him. Brief prayers are ok.  But deep prayer time, silent prayer time, feeling His Presence, listening to Him….all these things will help grow that relationship and really start experiencing God. 

I have often heard this statement, “I talk to God but I do not hear Him.”  If that is you, maybe you need to change your expectations.  We will not always (if ever) hear a clear audible voice from God.  But He does speak to us - and one of those ways is through our inner thoughts.  He nudges us, He brings thoughts to our minds, He lifts us up inside.  All those things are only going to be felt if you have come to experience God by spending that time with Him. 

Today do not just think about God - but experience God!