These last few weeks have been interesting weather-wise. There has been rain and snow, warmth and cold, calm and someone told me they heard “thunder snow.” It’s a reminder of how quickly things can shift in Ohio and in our lives. Yet in the midst of it all, we are grounded by an unchanging truth: “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10)! No matter what the week has brought your way, I pray that God’s sustaining joy is like a steady light, warming and guiding you through each different season.

Our theme for the 3rd Sunday in Advent is Joy, and it’s a perfect time to pause, celebrate, and remember the incredible story that has been passed down for generations. This week we again talk about John the Baptist and preparation, but this time from the Gospel of John. Are we preparing for our own role in God’s grand story?

I hope you’ll join us this Sunday as we light the candle of joy, lift our voices in worship, and find some encouragement and inspiration for the week ahead. Whether in person or online, we will be excited to have you there.  

Sunday, December 22 – Children’s Pageant/Cookie Sunday

Next Sunday, Dec 22nd is a busy one in the life of our church. We will be celebrating Love Sunday and our children will get to participate in the Children’s Pageant. This year the kids will get to dress up and help us recreate the story and sing the carols. It is always a joy-filled Sunday and we’ll top it off with our family sharing cookies with the congregation. Please bring a friend and know that all the children will be welcome and able to participate! 

Sunday, Blue Christmas Service at 6:00pm

For many, the Christmas season is filled with celebration and for some it can also be a time of grief, loss, and struggle. Our Blue Christmas Service is a space to acknowledge those feelings and find comfort in the hope and peace of God’s presence. This quiet, contemplative service offers prayers, scripture, and time for reflection, reminding us that even in the midst of sorrow, we are not alone. Join us at 6:00pm for this special time of worship. Please invite someone that you think might particularly need it this year.  

Building!

If you’ve been to the church the last couple weeks you have seen wonderful progress. We have dry wall up and the wainscoting is going back up along the steps. We have received approval for the continuation of the outside ramp and things are moving forward. What a blessing!

Please also, think about who you might want to invite for Christmas Eve service this year. The service will begin with a Carol Sing at 6:45p and Candlelight Service begins at 7:00pm. We hope to see you there. 

Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday morning for worship!
Peace,

Pastor Chad