As we embark on a New Year! I hope 2023 will be a blessing for each of us, and that we will be a blessing to all with whom we come in contact. My prayer is that we will have a grace-filled New Year.
In a world full of un-grace, Jesus gives grace. What a joy to know that Jesus gives us grace – unmerited, undeserved favor! As we move into 2023, I would like to suggest that John 1 provides some insight into how we might experience God’s grace this year.
When the Word became flesh, Christ (the eternal Logos) came to earth as a man. Jesus did not just appear like a man; he became one. Humanity was added to his deity. Christ did not stop being fully God, but He literally “took to himself” flesh (which means human nature – not sinfulness or weakness). That Jesus lived among us recalls God dwelling with Israel in the Old Testament within the Tabernacle.
As we see in John 1:16, the Word becoming flesh is the source of grace (charis) – which is the sum total of all the spiritual blessings God gives to people. Do you want to experience the sum total of spiritual blessings in your life this year? As Christians, we have already received one blessing after another. We read in the Greek text in John 1:16, charin anti charitos, literally grace in place of grace. This grace continues to come to Christians, just like waves continue to come to the shore.
May you celebrate the reality of God’s grace in your personal life, and may we celebrate that reality in our life together in 2023!!
Sunday Worship
Pastor Glen’s sermon on New Year’s Day is entitled, “Joy to the World,” based upon the hymn of the same name and Psalm 98. Please read this text, as well as the hymn lyrics in preparation for worship.
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday immediately after worship in the large Sunday school room. Please join Janet Coiner and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will be continuing a study of the Gospel of Luke. This Sunday we will study Luke 7: Jesus’ Compassion and Forgiveness in Action! Please bring your Bible!!
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
Wills & Sarah Kitchen
We look forward to welcoming our new directors of family ministry, Wills and Sarah Kitchen and their family on January 8th! Let’s give them a grand welcome, as they join our team!!
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 NOON!! Thanks so much!!
Mission Corner
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
November Financial Report
Offerings: Monthly: $12,692 YTD: $170,124.60
Expenses: Monthly: $14,029.31 YTD: $167,843.35
We have also received monies designated for our capital campaign and restricted giving. In November we received $7,000.00 for our capital campaign.
Sent Lab
January Birthdays
Alan Morrison (1/2); Sam Lucas (1/6); Cheryl Reynolds (1/7); Janis Glickman and Stephen Wright (1/14); Hank Coffey (1/15); Candi Brown (1/22); Janet Coiner (1/27)