Hope is an interesting commodity - even a tiny bit of hope can keep some people going. That's true for Jim Carey's character, Lloyd, in this scene from the movie "Dumb and Dumber". Most people are not this optimistic. They see hope as wishful thinking and would rather base their outlook on what is realistic. "Plan for the worst and hope for the best" is their motto. But all of us hope for the best. This Sunday, December 2nd, is the beginning of the season of Advent: the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. This year we will be focusing on the traditional themes of HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE. We'll begin with HOPE, but not the "wishful thinking" type of hope. Biblical HOPE is not a question of "if". It's a sure thing because it's based on God's promises. Instead, the focus is on "when" the promise will be fulfilled. I HOPE to see you there! Advent Candle LightingWould you like to participate in one of our Advent services by having you family light the Advent candle? I'll provide you with a short script to read before lighting that Sunday's candle. Let me know ASAP. Get Your Picture Taken for the Photo BoardWe want your photo to be added to our board in the Fellowship Hall! This Sunday, December 2nd, will be another opportunity to have your picture taken by Anne Young. Just stop by Pastor Jeff's office before or after the worship service. Times: 9:30-10:00 (prior to worship) 11:30-12:30 (following worship) Of course, you can always submit a photo of your own to Danielle in the church office Christmas Caroling!This coming Thursday, December 6th, we'll be caroling through Twisp as a part of the "Mistletoe Madness" shopping night. We'll meet at the end of Glover Street near the big tree at 5:30 pm and then work our way down the street singing as we stop in at the different businesses. Plan on joining us for this festive way to spread the true meaning of Christmas through song! Progressive DinnerNow is the time to sign up to participate in our Annual Progressive Dinner. On Sunday evening, December 9th, we will be starting at the church for appetizers and then heading out to different homes for the main course and dessert. Be sure to sign up on the clipboards in Fellowship Hall so that you can be a part of this wonderful tradition. Bringing Our Gifts to the KingThe Worship Service on Sunday, December 16th will be extra special because it will feature everyone's gifts!
Although we will be highlighting our children in the program, we're hoping for this to be a multi-generational celebration. We invite anyone to share their gift as a part of our worship service. We'll also be turning the Fellowship Hall into a gallery for people to display their art, photography, needle work, wood working, etc. Everything we've learned to do is a gift from God and can be used to give Him praise! Sign up in the Fellowship Hall by Sunday, December 9th, to make sure you're included. Contact Mandy Schmekel for more information (509-341-4257) Check out this scene from one of my favorite goofy movies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cHLoHou8uY Memories are precious things: they remind us of joyful times, lessons learned, and even strengthen our bonds with others. That may be why the threat of memory loss is so fearful for us. As we begin reading the book of Deuteronomy we see Moses emphasizing the importance for the Israelites to remember how God has lead, protected and provided for them and to remember the agreement they've made to follow God's law moving forward. I hope you'll be able to join us this Sunday, November 18th, as we talk about how we can apply these things to our own lives individually and as a community of faith. We will also be welcoming some new members into the church. Welcoming New MembersWe're excited to welcome the following people as new members: Blane and Sandra Anderson Jeff and Susan Hamer Ron and Jan Stan Donnie and Lisa Wallis Jill White We're always happy to formally welcome people into Christ's body through membership. The next "Exploring Church Membership" class will take place sometime in February or March. Contact Pastor Jeff for more information. CCC Annual MeetingOn Sunday evening, November 18, we'll hold our church annual meeting. We'll begin at 5:00 with a potluck meal and then gather to celebrate the past year and look ahead to 2019. We'll vote on next year's budget and vote on Council Members. And then we'll enjoy dessert together. All church members are expected to attend. Non-members are welcome to participate, but will not be able to vote. I hope to see you there. November Offering for Jamie's PlaceJamie's Place is a wonderful ministry providing elder care in a warm, group home environment. The Church Council has chosen to direct our special November offering toward this important local ministry. A basket will be set out during our post-service time in Fellowship Hall for you to place your offering (make checks payable to "CCC" and write "Jamie's Place" in the note) You can learn more about Jamie's Place by going to their website: www.jamiesplacehomes.org Christmas CarolingLooking ahead to Thursday, December 6th, we'll be caroling through Twisp as a part of the "Mistletoe Madness" shopping night. We'll meet at the end of Glover Street near the big tree at 5:30 pm and then work our way down the street singing as we stop in at the different businesses. Plan to join us for this festive way to spread the true meaning of Christmas through song! |
Pastor JeffThoughts about living as a Jesus follower and life at Community Covenant Church Archives
December 2020
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