A Message from the Minister’s Messy Desk
As I mentioned in a previous newsletter I am using the Biola University’s Centre for Christianity Culture and the Arts daily devotionals for advent. I have found these devotionals to be thought provoking and they compliment our Advent Bible Study on the songs in Luke very well. These devotionals include not only a short meditation but a poem, song and piece of art. This morning the main focus was on Luke 1:49-50, a portion of Mary’s song. Mary declares that God has done great things for her, despite the fact that she is an unwed, pregnant, teenage girl! Sometimes we miss the good things God has done for us because we are faced with such deep challenges. Sometimes we expect good things to be momentous rather than small things. Tim Muehlhoff wrote today’s devotional and his words have helped me see the good things God does for us, always. He writes, “This Advent season let us cultivate a “seeing eye” that not only praises God for dramatic answers to prayer, but also affirms that “every good gift” is from above (Jm. 1:17). Today let us recognize that hot coffee, laughter, aspirin, an unexpected compliment, pets, Advent devotionals, family, seasons, music, braveness of front-line workers, poetry, and yes, even endless Zoom meetings are a form of God’s common grace.”
ADVENT BIBLE STUDY:
Our study of the songs in Luke continues every Thursday at 7pm over zoom (email revjenng@gmail.com for link) until Dec. 16th.
IN PERSON WORSHIP: You are invited to join us for in person worship every Sunday. Please register on line or by calling the office. A reminder that we also require proof of vaccine and masks at all times. To register on line go to:
IN PERSON WORSHIP REGISTRATION
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: We will also be hosting an in person Christmas Eve service at 5pm. It will also be live-streamed. Please register on line or by calling the office.
Christmas Eve Service REGISTRATION
SHARED SERVICE JAN 2: Our worship service on Jan 2 will be at St. George’s United (505 6th st. Courtenay) at 10:30am. The Rev. Dr. Ross Lockhart will be leading the service. To attend in person one must be vaccinated. The service will also be live streamed via their website at stgeorgesunited.com/worship-online
OFFERING ENVELOPES:
The 2022 Offering Envelopes are now available.
Please note that many numbers have changed.
Please do not use 2021 envelopes next year.
You can pick up your envelopes during office hours.
Tuesday-Friday 9am-12pm (OFFICE CLOSED Dec 27-31)
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OFFICE PATIENCE:
Our administrator Katie will be away on holidays Dec. 15-Jan. 9. We will have volunteers in our office during office hours to help answer phones and welcome visitors. Please be patient with us and note that emails may not get answered in a timely fashion. The office will be completely closed Dec. 27-31
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SUPPORT GROUP FOR CAREGIVERS: ALONGSIDE CARE GIVER CONSULTING
Anyone who is caring for a loved one, friend or wants to help others is welcome to join our support group for caregivers. The next meeting is Dec. 15th at 10am at the church.
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SOME OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM OUR COMMUNITY:
Comox United (Beach Dr) is hosting a Women’s Advent Service on Dec. 13 at 7pm.
Come and catch your breath in the company of other women. Music, readings, singing, and a time to be blessed by the presence of the Holy.
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DRIVE IN MESSIAH SINGALONG:
Opening Acts include The Comox Valley Children’s Choir and The Quarantones.
Car and Driver $30, Passengers $20 Tickets available at Blue Heron Books and Colour Your World.