RECAP: HANGING OF THE GREENS and “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” based on Romans 5:1-11
Sunday we had our annual hanging of the greens service. As we look at the elements of the season, from garland to wreaths, from lights to Chrismons, from candles to gifts, may we humbly reflect on what the season is all about–Jesus!
Without Jesus, there is no hope and there is no reason to celebrate Christmas! Jesus’ arrival on this planet was timely, for we were enemies of God, powerless, ungodly, and without hope in the world. Yet Jesus came in the fullness of time, while we were still in our helpless estate, to show his great love and give us hope. Jesus lived among us to show us the way back to relationship with God. Jesus died on the cross so we could be set free from the debt of sin and enable us to walk in the newness of life. He gave us hope when there was none. And that hope does not disappoint.
Now that we have hope, how should we live? We should live with perseverance, never giving up hope and clinging to Jesus like never before. We should live with character, with our lives being an intimidation of Christ in how he lived, striving to be righteous and holy. We should live with hope, knowing Jesus will return, and with confidence that we are new creatures through him. And let us be agents of that hope, sharing the good news with as many as possible!
Questions for Reflection
1) What would Christmas without Jesus look like?
2) How has Jesus given you hope? How can you share hope with others?
3) Can you persevere in your faith? What would help?
4) Is your living an imitation of Jesus?
Upcoming Service
This Sunday, we will light the Advent Candle of Joy. Pastor Ryan will preach the sermon titled, “Time to Celebrate,” based on Luke 15:1-10. What causes Jesus to celebrate? And what does it have to do with Christmas? Come or tune in Sunday to find out!
Daily Bible Readings for November 29 – December 5
November 29: Isaiah 40:27-31 Why is hope important? What can it do for us?
November 30: Jeremiah 29:11-13 Why is hope important? What can it do for us?
December 1: Lamentations 3:19-26 Why is hope important? What can it do for us?
December 2: Romans 8:18-27 What is the hope of creation?
December 3: Hebrews 10:19-31 What place does hope have in faith? How do we live in hope?
December 4: Genesis 45 What was Joseph’s joy? Jacob’s? His brothers?
December 5: Exodus 15 What was Israel’s joy?
This Week’s Events:
Saturday, December 3–Women’s Fellowship Christmas Auction–Food @ 5:30 pm, Auction starts @ 7 pm
Sunday, December 4–First Sunday offering (Salvation Army) and breakfast
Sunday, December 4–Worship Team Meeting briefly after church
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, December 8–Leadership Team Mtg @ 7 pm
Thursday, December 8–Reorganization Mtg @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 10–Movie & Pizza night (sponsored by Fidelis) @ 5 pm–meet at the church with a pizza and drink to share; open to all church family. Will watch Charlie Brown Christmas and the Grinch on our new CVLI movie license!
Sunday, December 11–Christmas Caroling @ 4 pm
Saturday, December 24–Christmas Eve Service @ 11 pm
Sunday, December 25–Christmas Day Service @ 11 am (no Sunday School)
Sunday, January 1–New Year’s Day Service @ 11 am (no Sunday School)
Announcements:
NOTE: Although clear from the worst of the flu, Pastor Ryan will resume visitation once fully clear of all trace of the flu.
Hanging of the Greens
Thank you to all who helped with the service. It was a wonderful time! Please do not forget to continue to gather items for the food pantry!
Women’s Fellowship Christmas Auction
We anticipate this year will be a very busy year of the need for heating oil. The auction is one of the biggest ways the Women’s Fellowship raises money to help those in need this upcoming winter. I have also attached the flyer for this auction information. The auction takes place Saturday, December 3. Food starts at 5:30 pm, and the auction at 7 pm.
If you have anything to donate (baked goods, crafts, handmade items, etc., please let Women’s Fellowship know!
Youth Calendars
There are still plenty of calendars available to support the youth ministry. Please consider buying one today!
BIRTHDAYS NEEDED!
If you are a newer attendee at Beaver Creek, please call the office or leave in the offering plate your birth date so we do not miss anyone!
Call for Worship Leaders and Children’s Story
We are still in need of both worship leaders and children’s storytellers. If you would like to serve, contact Alice Over (worship leading) or Tammy Stine (children’s story).
Call to Prayer
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
Idea Box!
What do you want to see at Beaver Creek? What are some ideas you have for the long-term growth of our congregation? Any outrageous outreach ideas? Please either email Pastor Ryan or write them down and place them in the brown suggestion box in the narthex. Dream big!
Nursery
The Christian Education Team is looking for volunteers for the nursery during the Sunday School hour. If you are willing to help, even if it is just for a Sunday, please reach out to the Christian Education Team and let them 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
Sandy Bennington (peace)
Patsy Dastoli (health)
Elijah Tucker Dean (health)
Natalie Dodge (health)
John Fix (addiction)
Cindy Heatwole (health)
Bob Hess (health)
Tori Jackson (peace)
Mark Martin (health)
Barbara Meadows (health)
Alda Miller (health)
Betty Miller (health)
Norlen Miller (health)
Mary G Miller (health)
Savannah Miller (health)
Tami Plaugher (health)
Evy Kaye Sandin (recovery)
Ann Simmons (health)
Crystal Smith (health)
Tess Southerly (recovery)
Whitmore family (various)
Mary Whitmore (health)
Shelvy Wittig (health)
Owen Wright (health)
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek Church