Community News – 12/18/2024
COMMUNITY –
This past weekend was filled with the sights and sounds of Christmas as we came together for our student’s Christmas Program and a Carol Sing-along! A huge shoutout to Ric Morris and our students for putting together a touching reenactment of the events of the nativity. I loved Ric’s initiative to do something new, our students’ courage to do something creative, and the opportunity to set our hearts on the story of Christmas.
After hot cocoa and Christmas cookies, we gather back in the worship center for a Christmas carol sing-along! Vicki MacKay proved impossible to stump, as she deftly navigated any carol requests. There was something truly special about hearing the blend of voices—from the youngest to the oldest—singing praises to the newborn King. It was so joyful to sing together and watch the kids take turn leading from the stage. Thank you, Vicki!
While these were simple events, they were big wins in my book. I saw signs of God’s work all around us: people serving in their gifting, blessing the body; families celebrating the courage and commitment of their kids; the new connections and conversations over cookies; the birth of Jesus celebrated!
Speaking of people using their gifts to bless the church and further the mission, this weekend, our choir will lead us in worship. Join us Friday at 6pm (followed by our student ministry Christmas party) or Sunday at 9:45am!
All of this means that our Christmas Eve candlelight services are less than a week away. We warmly invite you to our Christmas Eve Services on December 24 at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. These candlelight services are always a highlight of the year as we gather together to celebrate the birth of Christ. The Christmas carols, the wonder on the faces of the kids, the anticipation and joy! Come and experience the wonder of the Savior’s birth through Scripture, worship, and a message of hope. And it’s not too late to invite friends and family to join in.
With Joy –
Pastor Brett
P.S. Our Year-End Drive is off to a good start! We’ve raised $6,000 – almost the entire amount we’ve earmarked for Kim Chakarian-Jones in S.E. Asia. We’re starting to collect all kinds of games for our neighbors at Alta Loma Elementary School. Check out the GIVING LIST to see what they need. Next up: we would love to re-floor rooms 104-106 all at once. Yesterday that space hosted a reception of 200+ after a memorial service AND our student ministry Christmas craft night! This space welcomes a lot of people throughout the year – and it shows. Let’s do something about it! Give online HERE – and choose YED from the dropdown menu.
