I don’t know about you, but I can hardly believe the holidays are upon us. It’s that time of year when it feels as if someone is pressing a fast-forward button and we race from one event to another. While the preparation and celebrations are special times, we must take a moment to hit pause and remember why we are celebrating. We must prepare our hearts and minds with the same fervor we trim turkeys and trees. We celebrate thanksgiving not just as a reason to gather our families together for a meal, but because God is faithful. We have so much to be grateful for. Thanksgiving allows us to pause and savor the goodness of God. We celebrate Christmas because Christ the Savior is born. He came to save, to set free and to light up our dark world. Matthew 4:16 reminds us, “The people living in darkness, have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” Friends, it’s important to remember why we do what we do so that we’re not frantic and frustrated when all is said and done. I’d like to offer these opportunities to help us remember our “why,” to focus our hearts and minds and to help us keep Christ front and center this holiday season.

Sunday, November 24th, Thanksgiving Dinner for Montclair Senior Center. Come fellowship and help serve our friends from Montclair.
Now through December 2nd, Coat Drive for O’Banion Middle School. Bring a new or gently worn coat, junior sizes small, medium, large, extra-large for students in need of coats for the winter.
Sunday, December 15th 11:00 a.m., bring a friend to Sing Noel as we celebrate Christmas with an all music worship celebration.
Tuesday, December 24th, celebrate the Savior at our Christmas Eve Worship Services 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Lucretia