Shortly after our family moved to Kansas, we decided to drive to the nearby town of Lyons to get dinner. We did not realize that the recently fallen snow had a significant amount of ice underneath. As we were just leaving town, we hit ice, and the car did at least two (maybe three – I lost count!!) 360s and we landed in the ditch of the oncoming traffic. Thankfully, no one else was on the road. A man we did not know at the time stopped and got out his chain and within a few minutes we were back in the car headed home! I am SO glad that man was not too busy to help us!!
And, thankfully, God is not too busy!! In Isaiah 41:8-20, we discover how God loves and cares for His people. The Believer’s Bible Commentary suggests that the implied question throughout this text is: “Have idols ever cared for you tenderly?” Just before this text in Isaiah, the LORD is asking profound questions of the Israelites about who has come to their aid – who has helped them? We read in Isaiah 41:7, “. . . and they strengthen [the idol] with nails so that it cannot be moved.”
Friends, NO idol will ever come to your aid! What is your idol? Perhaps at this time of year, it is the sentimentality of the season – the trappings of the Advent and Christmas season . . . the shopping, the smell of cookies baking, the food, the decorations, or the wish list . . . but none of those things or even the people whom we love do not help us in the way in which God provides for us.
Yet we, like the Israelites, cling to our idols . . . the idol of success, of material things, of comfort, of being entertained . . . But those idols never satisfy our deepest yearnings or desires. Matthew Henry suggests that the Israelites “put themselves under the protection of these impotent deities, but [we are] under [God’s] protection.”
Are you afraid and in need of help? That is what the Incarnation is all about. God sent Jesus into our world – Emmanuel – GOD WITH US – to assure us that we are not alone. God is present to us in the best of times and in the worst of times. So, as we read in Isaiah 41:10, “. . . fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Aren’t you glad God is not too busy to help you?
Worship
Pastor Glen’s sermon this Sunday, which is the Third Sunday of Advent, is entitled “Our Response,” based on Luke 2:8-20. Please read this text in preparation for worship.
Poinsettias
For anyone who purchased a poinsettia to beautify our sanctuary during this holy season, you may put your contribution of $7.00 in the offering box in the sanctuary. Please write your checks to Hope Community Church and note for poinsettia. You may take the poinsettias home after the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service! Thanks so much!!
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 8: Persecution and the Spread of the Gospel! Please bring your Bible.
Bible Reading Plans
If you are interested in reading the Bible in the New Year, I have attached a link to several Bible reading plans. This might be a great time to begin reading and studying God’s Word. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/
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
November Financial Report
Tithes/Offerings: Monthly: $18,153 YTD: $198,634.29
Expenses: Monthly: $5,947.24 YTD: $184,007.73
Capital Campaign: Monthly: $5,650.00 YTD: $49,035.07
Church Sign Donations: Monthly: $100.00 YTD: $2,900.00
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, Tim Stewart, or Bob Simmons. Thank you so much!
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!!
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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)