This week, we'll look at the often overlooked story of Joseph. His life was disrupted by Mary's confusing pregnancy, dangerous political situations, and the challenges of obeying God in the midst of it all. Joseph didn't have all the answers - he only had dreams showing him the next steps. His example reminds us that obeying God in daily life builds resilience for when storms come. Even when circumstances are overwhelming and we feel distant from God, He promises to be with us. There is peace in following Him one step at a time, just as Joseph did while playing his part in the Christmas story.
Order of Worship – December 10th
Introduction Video – “Psalm 138: Call To Worship”
Opening Song: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
Welcome & Call to Worship: Psalm 65: 5-8 – Hillary Vandermolen
Song: Angels We Have Heard on High
Song: He Shall Reign Forevermore
Advent Candle Lighting – David & Morgan Amels (and Tate)
Mutual Greeting (252 Kids Dismissed to Class)
Announcements
Congregational Prayer
Offertory – Come Though Long Expected Jesus (Joseph)
Message: “Come Lord Jesus” - Rev. Samuel Sutter
Closing Song: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Benediction
Doxology: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
After the worship service concludes, all are welcome to join us in the church Lobby for a time of fellowship and refreshment. Youth (6th-10th grade) will be meeting in the classroom under the stairs for Catechism class.
December Second Offering Schedule:
10 – Spanish Church Plant, 17 – Faith Promise, 24- Benevolence
This Week:
- Monday, 11th – 7pm Women’s Stitch or Chat
- Tuesday, 12th – 10am Coffee Break in Youth Building (Childcare Available!)
- Tuesday, 12th – 7pm GEMS & Cadets (Kid’s Club)
- Wednesday, 13th – 7pm Prayer Meeting (Elders to Follow)
- Thursday, 14th – 7:30pm Youth Group (Grades 7-12)
- Friday, 15th – 6:30pm Spanish Bible Study
Upcoming Events:
- December 17th – 7pm “Calm & Bright: Carols and Candlelight”
- December 19th – 7pm GEMS & Cadets (Kid’s Club)
- December 19th – 7:30pm The Bridge (Young Adult’s Bible Study)
- December 25th – 9:30am Christmas Service with Rev. Gilbert Varela
- December 26th – 7pm Gym Night in GCPS Gymnasium
“Calm & Bright: Carols and Candlelight,” an evening to gather for an evening of fellowship and Christmas Carols. We're excited to gather on Sunday, December 17th at 7pm. Feel free to bring a tray of your favorite Christmas cookies for all to enjoy! Any questions, please see Adam Vitoulis.
The family of Anne Kuperus extends their gratitude and thanks to the church and community for their outpouring of love, prayers and support over the past few weeks. Thank you for your kind words, visits, texts and cards during this time of mourning as we celebrate her home going. We are blessed. “We have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in our prayers.” Ephesians 1:16
Faith Partners and supporting members - Just over four years ago our building committee rejoiced at the completion of our wonderful new addition! To accomplish these goals our funding model includes our Faith Partners program. Faith Partners are a group of dedicated individuals who have generously committed to make an annual $1,000.00 donation to our building fund. If you are not yet a Faith Partner, please consider becoming one. If you are already a Faith Partner then we want to take this opportunity to both sincerely thank you and to remind you to kindly submit your pledge amount to Henry Vogel or the Deacons by December 31, 2023. Please note that all donations are tax-deductible. May God continue to bless our ministry as we go forward in the use of our expanded campus and as we worship here together and strive to bring him the glory.
Winter Clothing Drive: You can be a blessing to fellow members and families on our campus when you donate new or gently-used winter clothing and coats for men, women & children. There is a special need for cold weather clothing! A box has been placed in the Narthex for any donations. We ask that all coats arrive clean, with all working buttons and zippers.
Nursery Staff:
December 10th Kim DeVries & Taylor DiMartino
December 17th Christine LaFrance & Rebecca Finnegan
December 24th Paige Matuszewski & Maddie Van Pelt
December 31st Amber Goudreau & Jessica DeVries
Coffee Hour:
December 10th Chuck & Jo Rowe
December 17th Rusty & Amanda Lundgren
December 24th Rudy & Maria Vortsel
December 31st Henry Doller