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Hello and happy Monday! Yesterday I got a really nice afternoon nap, which was much needed after a very full week. I’m trusting that you got something similar, or at least are entering into this week feeling a little more refreshed than how you left the last one. 

I’m questioning where this month went, but also where the year went. We’ve finalized plans for the Thanksgiving Eve service on Wednesday, November 27th at 7:00pm. Mark your calendars to join us in that evening of worship, testimony and fellowship. Though it comes in the middle of a busy week, you will be encouraged! 

As quickly as we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving, we’ll be entering into the Advent season. The first Sunday of Advent is Sunday, December 1st. How will you be preparing your heart this season? Here’s a few Advent studies or resources that you may want to look into… 

This week is another Wednesday Roots Night. A reminder of our meal and devotions at 5:30, followed by age-specific discipleship activities. Who can you invite to join us? There’s always more room around the table! Where can you step in to serve? If you’re looking for a place to help, come find me! There’s room to serve in the kitchen, helping with clean-up, the nursery, or with the Lil’ and Youth Roots. 

No email from me next as Scott and I will be away. I’m looking forward to sharing the “Roots Gift Guide” with you in my next email. We know this upcoming season isn’t about the gifts under the tree, but my goal with that little tool is to help you find some purposeful gifts to help support you in your intergenerational discipleship efforts!

What WE’RE Learning This Week: A nugget of what our Lil’, Youth and Adults Roots heard this week

Our Family Theme: Obedience Leads to Victory

Our Root Text: Joshua 6:1–27

Verse of the Month: Joshua 1:9

How Every Generation Lives This Out: Discuss how we should obey God’s Word and direction, trusting that He knows what is best.

What I’M Learning This Week: Sharing what I’m reading and listening to lately

I’m reading Every Woman a Theologian right now (ladies, it’s a great read!). The last few days I’ve been reading the chapter about the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Today I’m just reflecting on the wild gift that is the nudging of the Holy Spirit. What a treasure it is to have the quiet reminders of what we know is true when our hearts are questioning and uncertain. 

I was asking some questions of God yesterday that as soon as the words left my heart I knew they were silly to ask. It’s almost like I felt the Holy Spirit tap me on the shoulder, recentering me. It gave me pause, reminding me that yes, I can bring my tough questions and strongly worded prayers before God. He cares deeply for me in each emotion I experience. But it doesn’t end there. With that little “Holy Spirit tap” on the shoulder I was reminded of some scripture that gave me the exact truth I needed to settle my questioning heart. 

“Pray the promise, not the problem,” I heard someone say before. Sometimes, most times actually, it’s hard to start our hearts with the promises that we know are true in Christ. We’re much better at starting with the problem. Praise be to the Holy Spirit who helps redirect us to the promise - to the Word!

Make Every Week Count: Parenting, Grandparenting & Spiritual Mentoring Resources

Something to Read: This is a really beautiful family devotional, for every type of household. I highly recommend Every Season Sacred: Reflections, Prayers, and Invitations to Nourish Your Soul and Nurture Your Family throughout the Year

Something to Listen to: Get the November/December Roots Kids Playlist on repeat, my friends!!

Something to Follow: Here’s a timely, new release on RightNow Media - Gratitude Is Not Thanksgiving

How Can You Pray? Prayer Requests and Praises from Roots Ministries

PRAY for… Let’s take a few weeks to pray for our Adult Sunday School classes. This week let’s pray for the Christian Workers. This class is made up of our Older, or “Senior” Church Attendees & Long-time Members

PRAISE for the safe returning of our two service groups in NC and KY!