RECAP: Hanging of the Greens and Hope in the Darkness based on Isaiah 9:1-7
Thank you to all who helped with Hanging of the Greens, from organizing to decorating! It was truly a wonderful service!
Lasting hope comes from deep scars. It is hard to know and truly understand hope when we don’t struggle like in other parts of the world; we don’t know what it is like to truly hunger and thirst, or to be on the run from violence everywhere we turn. Yet, in these parts of the world, they cling deeply to hope, for the depth of hope emerges when we have endured great hardship and pain.
This is where Israel was when the prophet Isaiah, inspired by the Holy Spirit, penned this week’s text. Israel was surrounded on all sides by Assyria. It looked bleak and dark. Yet, from the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, the Galilee of the Gentiles, a light would dawn in the form of a child. No one believed anything good would come from these regions, associated with deep occult roots and darkness (Can anything good come from Nazareth?). Yet, from the darkness emerged a hope. This hope would set people free from oppression, break the rod that bound them, and be a light that dawns. And this hope was a child, one who would command all governments, who would be known as the Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This hope shows that no matter how dark our world may get, or how unlikely in the eyes of the world things may seem, God can still usher in his plan, his way, his purpose, and his future while also showing that no place is too dark to escape the light he brings.
So where do we need hope today? Where can we allow the Christ child to turn on the lights and give us hope, even if we are in darkness?
Questions for Reflection
1) What in your past have you felt God could never touch or restore?
2) Where do you need to experience freedom?
3) Do you fully trust Jesus with your life?
4) Who do you know in darkness who could use the light of Christ?
Upcoming Service
This Sunday we will light the candle of Love. Pastor Ryan will share the sermon titled, “Act of True Love”, based on John 3:13-21. Why is the love of God truly the most powerful thing in this world? Come or tune in Sunday to find out!
Daily Bible Readings for November 30 – December 6
November 30: Romans 10:9-18 What hope did God promise?
December 1: Isaiah 1:24-31 What hope did God promise?
December 2: Luke 1:68-79 What hope did Zechariah prophecy about?
December 3: Philippians 1:18-26 What hope can we look forward to?
December 4: Malachi 4:1-6 What hope did God promise?
December 5: Luke 4:31-37 How did Jesus demonstrate God’s love?
December 6: Luke 4:38-44 How did Jesus demonstrate God’s love?
This Week’s Events:
Saturday, December 4–Women’s Fellowship Auction
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, December 9–Leadership Team Meeting @ 7 pm
Thursday, December 9–Leadership Team Reorganization @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 11–McAvoy/Over Wedding @ 4 pm
Sunday, December 12–White Birch service @ 1:30 pm
Announcements:
Auction Items
It’s not too late to donate auction items! Please bring them by the church office before Friday afternoon!
Advent Food Baskets
Please do not forget to collect your food items for the pantries found on the backside of the Hanging of the Greens insert. If you would like to reacquire the list, please let the church office know.
Service at White Birch
We would love to have as many as we can go to White Birch for the mini service there on Sunday, December 12 at 1:30. We will sing a few carols to the residents and share a brief message of hope! You must wear a mask to enter and pass the COVID screening.
Reorganization Meeting
It’s that time of the year for the Leadership Team to reorganize. Please set aside Thursday, December 9 at 7:30 to attend. This is a very important meeting to attend if you are on one of the teams!
Caroling
We are still working out the final details of Christmas caroling. Please stay tuned for an announcement later this week.
Listening Sessions
We will take a pause from question/answer and listening sessions for the Advent Season. In January, we will schedule several different listening sessions as we continue to discern.
Call for Worship Leaders and Children’s Story
As we look at the ability to reopen in the coming weeks, we are in need of both worship leaders and children’s stories. We are looking for one person each week, rather than a month at a time. If you would like to serve, contact Alice Over (worship leading) or Tammy Stine (children’s story).
Call to Prayer & Discernment
Let us continue to pray for our nation in the following ways:
1) National return to God
2) Repentance of personal sin
3) Repentance of corporate sin
4) Healing for the brokenness of relationships
5) Our leaders
6) Revival
7) Guidance for our congregation in the days ahead
Nursery
Misti Wheelbarger is looking for volunteers for the nursery during the Sunday School hour for next year. If you are willing to help, even if it is just for a Sunday, please reach out to her and let her know.
Four Ways to Give!
1) Mail your tithe into the church office
2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm
3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving
4) Drop off in the offering plate on Sunday!
Prayer Needs
Continue to Keep in Prayer our members in Skilled Care Facilities: Mary G Miller, Shirley Miller, Stanley Suter & Carolyn Wine
John Bennington (health)
Norman Clark (COVID)
Patsy Dastoli (health)
Elijah Tucker Dean (health)
John Fix (addiction)
Janet Good (health)
Cindy Heatwole (health)
Gene (?) LaPrade (health)
Larry LaPrade (COVID)
Barbara Meadows (health)
Alda Miller (health)
Betty Miller (health)
Mary G Miller (health)
Marty Moore (recovery)
Tami Plaugher (health)
Lottie Ritchie (health)
Abbie Shiflet (health)
Chris Shirk (health)
Ann Simmons (health)
Crystal Smith (health)
Tom Wilfong (health)
Charles Wright (surgery)
Owen Wright (health)
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek COB