Good afternoon, church family!
Let’s pause in the middle of our week to turn our attention to the theme of the season: thankfulness.
Two weeks ago we took some time to thank the “saints” of the church who invested their time, energy and attention to point us to Jesus. I have LOVED the stories and testimonies many of you have shared with me after hearing the simple question: Who is your saint?
This past weekend we had a special Sunday evening service to thank the veterans who stand for freedom and give us an example of what selfless sacrifice means in our world today.
We honored The Maintainers, who kept vehicles, facilities and systems running to aid those serving in the line of duty.
We also enjoyed the music of Intrepid Brass, whose talents and musical selections were chosen specifically to honor our veterans.
I also want to offer a big thank you to Pastor Nate Boone for his work and planning to make this event such a blessing to our veterans.
And we’re only getting started!
This coming Sunday we will begin a two-week mini-series looking at the people of Colossians, who were new in their faith and needed encouragement. Paul’s advice in Colossians 3:15 was simple but clear: “…be thankful people.”
I think it’s important to show our gratitude for the people and blessings in our lives, and that’s not just a Thanksgiving idea. Expressing gratitude certainly blesses the person we’re thanking, but we may not realize how much an attitude of thankfulness can benefit our own hearts.
“It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich!”
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
So find a way to express your thanks this week to someone who deserves your appreciation, and be ready on Sunday to learn how the Colossians responded to Paul’s command to “be thankful people”!
Keep scrolling to check out a few important reminders below, and don’t forget that your pastor loves you!
--Pastor Billy
CONTACT INFO: We’re asking each household to confirm and update your contact info before the upcoming holiday season, so we’ll have copies of our directory on the table in the back of the sanctuary for you to review. PLEASE don’t take these directories away from the table! Just check your name to make sure we have the most updated info (or add your name and info if you don’t see it!). You can also call Brenda in the church office during the week to confirm your contact info at (316) 682-9522. Thank you!
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: The next meeting for our cancer support group is at the church Saturday, Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. If you or someone you know is navigating a difficult cancer diagnosis, this group is an excellent resource. Contact Dick Graham for more information.
CHRISTMAS IS COMING!
Mark your calendars for these important upcoming Christmas events and activities:
ANGEL TREE: Once again we will spread some Christmas cheer through Angel Tree! This is a way to minister to local, marginalized children by providing Christmas gifts. Look for an Angel Tree in our church lobby starting this Sunday! Gifts are due back by Dec. 15.
HANGING OF THE GREENS: We need your help decorating the church for Christmas! Join us Sunday, Nov. 24 at 4 p.m. to decorate and then enjoy a soup supper afterward in the lobby. Sign up today at the welcome desk if you’d like to help and/or bring food.
CHRISTMAS CARD POST OFFICE: Our teens will once again offer this service to help deliver Christmas cards to households who attend our church. This is an easy way to help the teens raise funds and save on postage! Look for more information in our church lobby starting Dec. 1.
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP NIGHT: Celebrate the season on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. with a special evening of Christmas worship that includes some of your favorite Christmas songs and the receiving of Communion together.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: Invite the whole family for an hour on Christmas Eve to hear the true Christmas story and sing along to a candlelight service from 6-7 p.m. in our sanctuary.
JUST FOR FUN
Hey, you read Pastor Billy's midweek check-in all the way to the end! As a reward, check out these crazy stories I came across recently:
Last week 43 monkeys escaped from a research facility in South Carolina. Eleven of them are still on the loose, but the ones that have returned get rewarded with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
There is a reasonable, academically-approved explanation for why scientists are creating fake whale poop and dumping it in the ocean.
Only 42 days until Christmas: Who needs peppermint? For just $9.99 you can give that special someone in your life an entire box of macaroni and cheese-flavored candy canes!
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