Slideshow image

Happy, rainy Monday! Though it’s gloomy outside today, it still feels bright around here after the wonderful Journey to the Nativity took place this weekend! I hope you had a chance to come and participate, whether as a volunteer or a journey-er! It truly was a beautiful depiction of the Christmas story, under a clear, star-filled sky, too! I should be honest and say; however, I think my favorite moment was sitting at a very long “supper” table with SO many of our church family members enjoying a meal together. I loved looking down the table and seeing many generations and families mixed together, laughing and fellowshipping. I loved looking around the Family Life Center and seeing all of these wonderful people who were so ready and willing to serve our community, even in the cold! This is a really special place, with some really special people - the family of God is a GIFT!

Things have already been busy around here this morning. The Preschool teachers are working hard at moving into their new classrooms, the Paul Risk team is still faithfully at it and the security company is joining in today working on that component to the project. I understand that some of the Sanctuary improvements will begin this week as well. I got a little teary last week because it is all finally starting to feel like we’re getting put back together. It’s been a long six months. I'm grateful for the many helping hands, flexible groups and patient hearts while we’ve adapted and accommodated lots of different needs. 

Now is a great time for you to help and take part in the building project! This week specifically, help is needed in the mornings to assist Preschool teachers with their final moving logistics. Help is needed in the morning or afternoon to move heavy furniture, assemble furniture and hang TV’s and whiteboards. If you are available and willing, please give me a call, text or email! Thank you for considering!

Wednesday night is our Family-In-Service Roots Night as we’ll share a meal together and then embark on our annual Christmas Caroling. We hope you’ll be able to join in! After caroling we return to the Family Life Center for hot chocolate and cookies!

Sunday evening is our Candlelight Communion service, such a strategically placed event in our Advent and December calendar. Make a point to come out at 7pm to quiet your heart and remember the gift and purpose of Christ’s life before all the joy and busyness of the week ahead!

I’ll be taking next week off from my weekly column given the nature of the Christmas week! I’m looking forward to celebrating with all of you on Sunday and on Christmas Eve! 

 

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

Our Family Theme: Lessons From the Life of Mary (Mother of Jesus)

Our Root Text: Various Scriptures From Luke 1; Matthew 1; and Luke 2

Verse of the Month: John 3:16

How Every Generation Lives This Out: Talk about Elizabeth and Mary’s relationship. How would you characterize the relationship between Elizabeth and Mary? How did Elizabeth bless and encourage Mary? How can church members bless and encourage each other?

Check Out This Week’s PARENT PAGE

*This can also be accessed in the D6 Family App

 

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

My woman’s Bible study is concluding their study in Romans this week. It’s been a really great journey through that book over the last twelve or so weeks. In the last chapter, Paul takes some time to intentionally list out 30 some people and send greetings and exhortations to them (Romans 16:1-16). 

This list is made of men and women, Jews and Gentiles, well-known people and normal people, leaders and followers. Reading this is reminding me of the picture that I shared from the pre-Live Nativity supper. But it’s also a small picture of the beauty of the “big C, Church,” too! It’s all of us together after one mission - know God and make him known. 

How beautiful the feet of those who bring good news (Isaiah 52:7)! How beautiful the ways so many of our church family used their special, Spirit-given giftings this weekend! How beautiful the Church!

“May God receive glory. He is able to strengthen your faith. He does this in keeping with the good news and the message I preach. It is the message about Jesus Christ. This message is in keeping with the mystery hidden for a very long time. The mystery has now been made known through the writings of the prophets. The eternal God commanded that it be made known. God wanted all the Gentiles to obey him by trusting in him. May the only wise God receive glory forever through Jesus Christ. Amen.” Romans 16:25-27 NIrV

 

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

For one last time… Check out the 2024 Roots Gift Guide! A tool to help you gift purposefully as you help make disciples of the kids and teens in your life.

 

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

PRAY for another Adult Sunday School class. This week, let’s pray for the FaithBuilders class. This is a group of individuals ages 62+, in all stages of life.

PRAISE for a wonderful Journey to the Nativity! Thanks to Diane Herr and team for their hard work!