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4th Advent Sunday, Holiday Schedule, Seeing Jesus in the OT (Pastoral Emphasis for 12/20)

We are almost done reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We've been following the 52-week reading plan. We are on week 51.

Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit”. In the Christian season of Advent, we prepare for the "advent" of Christ at Christmas. The theme for this Advent Sunday is love. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life".

The Devoted Disciples (Youth Ministry) is renovating their classroom to make it more relaxing and conversational as they study God's Word. Donations of new and gently used couches, love seats, bean bags, cafe tables and MONEY are being accepted. Please see any teen or Sister Tracy Downing for more details.

To give our teachers, deacons, and leaders more time with family during the holidays, we have some cancellations. There will be no Elder-led Prayer this month. Prayer & Testimony Service and Bible Study (Wednesday & Thursday) are canceled for the rest of this year, however, everyone is invited to join us for Bible Studies in the New Year.

Throughout next year, we'll be looking at Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament. On Wednesday, January 6th, we start with "The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis". I'm really excited about these Bible Study series. As we see Christ in the people and patterns and in the shadows and stories of the OT, it will help us understand the person and work of Christ more clearly and cause us to worship Him more fully.

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