We are moving through the first weeks of Advent. The church building has a busy few weeks ahead. There are community concerts and our own Christmas concert. We are having our first Christmas dinner since before the pandemic. We are a holding a reflective evening service early in the season for those who are grieving and those looking for a quieter time of worship. We are encouraging people to make Wednesdays a time of prayer and fasting and we are holding noon hour prayer times. Dennis Shierman from CBM is visiting us on Monday, November 28th. If for one reason or another you are not able to attend events any more, may the knowledge that the church ministry continues encourage you after your many years of work and prayer in the congregation.
In other news, a few of us have boxed up all the furnishings that had been collected in the library for the refugee family we are sponsoring with people from the community. The family’s arrival seemed imminent this past spring. With that in mind, we had stored household items and furnishings in the library, a situation which was manageable for the summer. Now, it appears that this young family must face yet another winter in the Lebanese mountains. Please keep them in your prayers.
Finally, a quick reflection as we wait to celebrate the coming of Jesus. During morning prayer recently, we read 2 Peter 3:15, “Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.” Peter was responding to people in his day who were already wondering why Jesus was taking so long. He explained that God keeps giving us new days so that we can grow in repentance and holiness. He continued, “Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish.”
People often say that each day is a gift from God to be thankful for. But I had never thought of every new day as given for my salvation and the salvation of others. I pray that God would be with you each day and that you would have a sense that you are drawing closer to Jesus.
With love,
Joel
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