Is waiting hard for you? While waiting can be hard? It can also be one of the most important elements in receiving new life. When Kim first became pregnant, it seemed like nine months wasn’t very long. But the closer she got to the delivery date, the more it seemed like it was going to be forever before Kristen was born. Maybe you are waiting today on a relationship that is slowly changing, or a new job offer, or for word about healing that just won’t come. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes. That is only because each day God has continued to move you closer to a new life.
Like a pregnant woman who has come to term, it gets harder and harder to bear that new life in a body that has stretched farther than you thought possible. Eventually, you get to a point of saying, “God, stop teaching me about patience. I can’t handle any more lessons on that.” “God, stop teaching me how to love difficult people. It was easier being mean.” “God, stop teaching me to depend only on you. I’ve given you all there is to give.” “God, please stop breaking my heart with the needs of other people. I can’t keep caring so much!” When you pray things like this, it is only because the new creation within you has almost matured to full term – you are almost there.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting in Luke 1, we are told that “the baby leaped in her womb” (Luke 1:41). As he did with old Elizabeth, God has conceived something in all of our lives. Maybe it is something like an old hope that has come back to life. Or maybe it is something that we didn’t even want, but it is back in front of us again. Or maybe it is a new mission, or ministry, or restlessness about where we are. This time of year, when we hear about the arrival of Christ, the thing that God has conceived within us comes alive. It jumps for joy, reminding us that God is still at work within us. At Christmas, it is hard to ignore the holy things God is doing in our lives.
So, why has God chosen to bring something creative and life-changing to you? It is not a bad question, but it is not exactly the right one either. The only pressing question is: will you wait and receive this new life that is coming and give thanks?
Worship
Pastor Glen’s sermon this Sunday, which is the First Sunday of Advent, is entitled “People God Uses,” based on Luke 1:26-38. Please read this text in preparation for worship.
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the large Sunday school room. Please join Lowell Gross and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will continue our study of the Acts of the Apostles. This Sunday we will focus on Acts 7: Stephen’s speech to the Sanhedrin and his martyrdom! Please bring your Bible.
Parking
Since our parking lot on Sundays is becoming fuller (which is a wonderful problem!!!), we encourage members and friends who can park in the lots to the west of the church facility. There is a path with pavers to walk around the building to the main entrance.
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, Online Giving
October Financial Report
Tithes/Offerings: Monthly: $20,413.00. YTD: $180,481.29
Expenses: Monthly: $12,516.82 YTD: $168,823.60
Capital Campaign: $575.00 YTD: $43,058.59
Church Sign Donations: Monthly: $0 YTD: $2,800.00
Are You Receiving Church Emails
If you or someone you know would like to receive periodic emails, including This Week @ Hope and the weekly Prayer Requests and Praise Reports, please provide your first and last name, as well as your email address. You may give this information to one of our elders: Albert Danraj, Marty Porter, Bob Simmons, or Tim Stewart. Thank you so much!
New AED Device
Our Session recently arranged for the purchase of an “AED” (Automated External Defibrillator) for placement in our building for emergency cardiac events. There are a few folks already trained in AED use along with CPR and Basic First Aid, but we would like to solicit others interested in learning and becoming members of our Medical Response Team. The training is expected to be without cost but class size will be limited. Interested? Please let Richard Ammons know, in person or via ChurchTrac directory contact information. If you wish to help pay for the AED, please make checks payable to Hope Community Church (Memo: For AED).
Golden Oldies
Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports
If you have any concerns you would like to add to the Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports list or give an update, PLEASE contact our prayer coordinator, Janet Coiner (540.447.0918) by THURSDAY at 10:00 a.m.!! Thanks so much!!
Driver Assistance
If you or someone in our congregation needs a ride to a doctor’s appointment or other appointments, please call Tom Reider (540.649.5162). He has agreed to coordinate rides. He has a list of those who have volunteered to give those rides. We are grateful for this important ministry!!
Mission Corner
Candi Brown shares her gratitude to all our folks who have donated various items to support families through Love INC! Beginning in October through December we will be collecting household cleaning products, including bathroom cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, sanitizing surface wipes, hand soap, and bar soap. We are grateful for our partnership with Love INC!
The Missions Team is active keeping in touch with our missionaries and other ministries. Please keep updated! You can visit our website and go to the Outreach page
December Birthdays
Gail Fisher (12/14); Ron Layne (12/18); Terran Williams (12/25); Cliff Scott (12/28)