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WORSHIP
Sunday, December 21, 2014
We bring our spiritual hungers to this
place, O God, hoping to be fed. We bring our
weariness, expecting to find rest for our souls.
We bring our dullness, asking that we might
be alerted to those things that you consider
important. We come because we want the
scattered fragments of our lives to come
together in a meaningful wholeness. You have
promised to be with us. Reveal yourself to us
here, we pray in the name of One who came to
share our common lot. Amen.
Church of the Pa ms
a community of faith . . . a way of life
3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239 • Ph (941) 924-1323
Fax (941) 923-9594 • www.churchofthepalms.org
Prayer line (941) 924-9979
welcome to
w rship
Church of the Palms
Our mission and deep commitment is:
“Equipping Disciples for the Service of Christ.”
We are a community of faith dedicated to a way of life contained in our name:
P.A .L .M . S
P raising God in Worship
A ligning ourselves with Christ
L oving one another in Community
M inistering generously with our Time, Talent & Treasure
S haring our story and The Story
Our Pastors, staff and Session invite you to share not only in our worship, but also
in the exciting opportunities that Church of the Palms offers to learn, serve and
grow in your faith. So whether you are a first time visitor, member, affiliate member
or frequently attend . . .
. . . we are glad you are here!
In Memoriam
We extend our Christian sympathy to the family of Stanley R. Tolbert, who passed
away on November 27; to the family of Denis Robert Evans, who passed away on
December 17; and to the family of Esma Graham, who passed away on December 17.
Sanctuary Flowers Designation
You are invited to designate Sanctuary flowers in memory of a loved one, in honor of
a special person or event, or just in thanksgiving to God. To place your reservation,
contact Jackie Gomez, 924-1323, and send a separate check of $40.00 payable to
“Church of the Palms” and marked “for flowers” to her attention in the church office.
After worship, your gift continues as the Sanctuary flowers become part of the
Deacons’ Flower Ministry. They are divided into small arrangements and delivered
to our members who are hospitalized or shut in. Your gift of flower sponsorship is a
blessing in our worship and reaches beyond to show God’s love.
8:00 a.m. Chapel Communion Service
Please sign the red covered friendship pad at the end of the pew.
Prelude
Call to Worship & Lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle
*Hymn #28
“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”
Opening Prayer
The Lesson
Isaiah 11:1-10 (Pew Bible Pg. 640)
Offering
The Lessons
Jonah 1: 1-3; Matthew 1:18-25 (Pew Bible Pg. 859; NT Pg. 1)
Sermon
The Silent Prophet
Communion
Prayer
*Hymn #59 (vs. 1-4)
“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”
*Benediction
Postlude
SANCTUARY WORSHIP LEADERSHIP TODAY
Senior Pastor
Congregational Care Pastor
Visitation Pastor
Family Ministry Director
Equipping Ministry Director
Director of Music Ministry
Organist / Pianist
Dr. Stephen D. McConnell
Dr. Lal Hmingliani Browne
Dr. Alan Rodda
Laurie Haas
Carolyn Wilson
Genevieve Beauchamp
Dr. Jonathan Spivey
Church Copyright License for all Music #706640 • Church Copyright License for all Video #503843606
DECEMBER USHERS
9:00 a.m. - Barbara Branning, Linda Evans, Katy Goodwin, Dutch Johnson, Jerry
Laurila, Jay Mitchell, Kyle Mitchell, Willie Mitchell, Jim Mills, John & Robin Sego,
Bob & Lynn White. Captains: Bob & Sally Irwin.
11:00 a.m. - Joe Guyton, Bill Waggener, Eleanor Smith, Jackie Garn, Babe Hart,
Joyce Hesson, Ben Morgan, Wayne Kindt, Sam Stipp, Sebastian Spivey, Sylvia &
Duane Hefner, Sharon Van Epps and Bob Luedeka. Captain: John Mercier
Hearing Loop System in the Sanctuary
Switch Hearing Aids to T-Coil (telephone setting)
Sanctuary Worship Aids: Large-print copies of the Order of Worship and
hearing devices are available. Packets containing children’s worship activities are
available in the Sanctuary and Campus Center. Please ask an usher for assistance.
Sermon Text: Printed copies of previous sermons are available in the Narthex
of the Sanctuary, Campus Center, the Administration Building and on the church
website.
Televised 9:00 a.m. Worship Service - Every Sunday, Comcast Cable Channel
189. Live streaming of the service is available on our website, www.churchofthepalms.
org and may be replayed Sunday afternoon. All services are archived online. DVD
copies may be purchased through the church office.
The Garden @ CHURCH OF THE PALMS
Join us at 9:00 a.m. in the Campus Center for our Modern Worship service.
THE GARDEN WORSHIP LEADERSHIP TODAY
Pastor: Bruce Hedgepeth ([email protected])
Technical Director: Mike Bassett ([email protected])
Worship Leader: Megan Mooney ([email protected])
Why Don’t You Try This?
When you are struggling through difficult times, the advice flies thick and fast. But often
it is not the advice you need. Rather it is caring Stephen ministers who are trained to
give this care by listening instead of pushing advice. What is more, confidentiality is the
cornerstone of Stephen Ministry. To find out more or to receive a Stephen Minister’s care,
you can use the request folder available in every pew rack, or contact our Congregational
Care Pastor, Dr. Hmingi Browne, 924-1323, [email protected].
a celebration of
w rship
9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. • Sanctuary
4th Sunday of Advent
• we gather •
Prayer of invocation
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
PRELUDE
Introit
Brian Burman
Cindy Lanoue-Foster
“Sheep May Safely Graze”
Greg Knudsen, trumpet
J.S. Bach
Chancel Choir
Lighting of the FOURTH advent candle
9:00 a.m.
Steve, Sarah, Sawyer and Sydney Soboleski
11:00 a.m.
Paul and Jo Ross
*Hymn #28
*Call to Confession
“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”
• we confess •
*Prayer of Confession (together)
Gracious God, in whom all things are possible, we confess that we
have doubted what we cannot explain. We have sought strength and
enjoyment apart from you. We have taken pride in ownership more
than giving praise through stewardship. We have neglected to thank
you, either in good times or when you have supported us during days
of uncertainty. We have resisted the newness you offer. Forgive us,
we pray, for installing ourselves as reigning deities. Lead us, rather,
in paths of trust and obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*Declaration of Pardon
Leader: Friends, believe the good news of the Gospel.
People: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
*Congregational response (together)
Gloria in excelsis Deo (2x)
*Affirmation of Faith - The Apostles’ Creed (together)
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the
Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day
he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on
the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come
to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy
catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the
resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
4
Church of the Palms
• we share •
RESPONSE
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates,
Behold, the King of glory waits;
The King of kings is drawing near;
The Savior of the world is here!
Life at Church of the Palms
Please sign and pass the red covered friendship pad at the end of the pew.
Dorothy Schnabel
Sharing our story - Stephen Ministry
music MEDITATION
“Go Tell It on the Mountain”
arr. Robert Hobby
Chancel Choir and Greg Knudsen, trumpet
Recognition of new members and the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day
our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine
is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
offertory
“The Prayer”
Angelena Klosner and Jeff McCauley, duet
David Foster
*DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
• we PROCLAIM •
Laurie Haas
Children’s MomenT (9:00 a.m.)
*Hymn #44
“O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Scripture LESSON
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
SERMON
Jonah 1: 1-3 (Pew Bible Pg. 859);
Matthew 1:18-25 (Pew Bible NT Pg. 1)
“The Silent Prophet”
Dr. Stephen D. McConnell
• we GO •
*Hymn #59 (vs. 1-4) “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
postlude
“Rondeau in C”
Greg Knudsen, trumpet
J.J. Mouret
*Congregation, please stand if able
www.churchofthepalms.org
5
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Flowers
Donor
Andy & Becky Anderson
Dee Ardito and family
Ray & Tracy Bakich
Babe Baptist
George Baptist
Betty Bartlett
Judy & Jerry Beane
Biancardi family
Ariel Birkhoff
Philip Bliss
Wayne & Jane Blythe
Bill & Betty Bridgman
Charles Brooks Jr.
Charlie Brooks
Susan Brown
Dr. William L. Carlton
John & Ellen Cavanaugh
Jeannie Chase
Martha Church
Maxine L. Colgate
Marilyn Counen
Don & Judy Colvin
Sue Hermanson & Pat Curry
Mr. & Mrs. Ron Dahms
Hollice Derrick
Ruth V.W. Dimlich
Libby Early
Margaret & T.H. Edelblute III
Linda, Jeff & Carly Evans
Rina Favat
Susan & Don Featherman
Teresa & Charles and
Helen Shawkey Fridley
In Memory of
Our son, Steve
Frank Ardito
Tracy's parents, Doris & Wayne Platt
Barbara Baptist
Barbara Baptist
John A. Bartlett
Our son, Michael
Monica, Noel & Lorenzo
Her mother and father
Margarette Bliss
Chief & Mrs. Carl Fliegner and
Mrs. Ogeal Blythe
Loved ones
Carolyn S. Brooks
Carolyn Brooks
Dora Harmeling, Elfriede & Bill Bollmeyer
Alice V. Herringer, Casper F. Herringer,
Virginia R. Carlton, Ewell Lee Carlton
Vince & Lucile Cavanaugh,
Rev. & Mrs. James Muckle
Her mom, Wilma; dad, Ted;
husband, Thompson
John L. Church
Harry R. Colgate
Michael Counen
Family, friends
Eric Hermanson
Loved ones
Charles Edward New
Parents: Ruth E. and Robert G. VanWagenen
Dave Howe
Thomas Edelblute Jr.
Tremper Longman
Loved ones
Our parents
Ned W. Shawkey
Donor
Pat Frazier
John C. Frueh
Furst family
Ruben & Beverly Gerzeny
Larry & Wendy Ghezzi
Isabelle Gordon and family
Dianna Grancagnolo
Graper family
Ginny Greenawalt
Bob & Mary Ellen Hagen
Kati Halloy
Babe Hart
Allene Hazeltine
John & Kate Hawkins
Dottye Heritage
Higginbotham family
Anne & Carl Hirsch
Mary Rischmiller Holt
Lois Hopson and family
Eric Jason
Ken & JoAnn Johns
Jean Johnson
Clyde & Shirley Johnson
Doris Kahmar
Blondell Kern
Wallace Kooyman
Gene & Carol Kraus
Joan Lanberg & Howard Ramsay
Nancy & Lou Landt
Cherie Leetzow
Mark, Cathy, Matt &
Christian Leetzow
Jim & Cindy Sunderlin Lock
James & Brigitte Lontz
Robert Luedeka
Susan & John McKinnon
Ann McLain
Joan McQueen
Mary McQueen
Jenny Messina
Mary Ellen Midkiff-Willis
Bettye Miller
Jay & Kyle Anne Mitchell
Jane New and family
Pat & Paul Nielsen
In Memory of
Loved ones
Gretchen Frueh
Bill & Joan Furst, Dee & Bernice Hall
Our parents
Hannah Ghezzi
John Gordon
Edward Grancagnolo, Sr. & John Wahl
Bea & Bill Graper
Family and friends
Doris, David & George Wynne, Lewis Hagen
Anthony & Rina Rogers, Rose Halloy
Her husband, Sam Hart
Don Hazeltine
Grace Carter
Jack
Allen Higginbotham, Jr.
Jeffrey T. Hirsch
Bob Rischmiller
Charles Hopson
Helen Jason
Barbara Dugan & Carolyn Mullins
Dr. E. Joe & Margaret Vandervort
Our parents
George B. Kahmar & Alma C. Waters
Ted Kern, Bill & Patricia Link
Carol Kooyman
Our parents
Loved ones
Our parents & loved ones
Son, Alan Jeffrey Leetzow
Bryan Dobbins-Leetzow
Our loved ones
Jeffrey K. Lontz
Virginia Luedeka
Ed, Virginia, Terry Davis,
L.W. & Eleanor McKinnon
Frances H. Moore
J.W. McQueen
Alice McQueen
Her loved ones
Florence, Carl, Randy & Harry Preston
Her husband, William Miller
Bud, Betty and Jase Mitchell
Charles New, Les & Lill Emmke,
Marilyn and Rachel
Donald & Alice Nielsen
Donor
In Memory of
Robert & Frances Patterson
David & JoAnn Peck
Maxine Perry and family
Louise Pippenger
Bob & Betsy Plott
Betty & Bud Porter
Kyle & Marsha Quattlebaum
Rod Rebholz
Rees, Savary & Taylor families
Andrea & Jack Reynolds
Betty & Rudy Reif
Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Riedel
Mac & Harriet Rouse
Betty G. Rose and daughters
Paul & Jo Ross
Ruth family
Carol Ryan
Nancy Sauer
Don & Julie Schalekamp
Jean Schurman
Dorothy Schnabel
Richard & Ellen Schultz
Joy Schroder
John & Robin Sego
Greg & Lisa Shumway
Joyce Smith
Rick & Carol Spathelf
Doris & Lou Stanek
Claire Steinforth
Dee & Sam Stipp
Clinton Terry
Eilene Thompson
Ron & Ginnie Troyer
Sandy Garrett Ullman
Dimitrios & Nancy Vafeas
Sharyn Van Epps
Sonja Veal-Volino
Barbara, David & Pam Williams
John A. Williams Jr.
Brad & Patty Wilson
Marion Ziebarth
8
The Auten, Leytham & Patterson families
Margaret Peck, Helen Borowitz,
Peter Bertone, Josepha Bertone, R.J. Iafolla
Doug Perry
Jim Pippenger
Son, Bobby
Our parents & sister
Son, Jon Quattlebaum
Seven saints
Johnson S. "Buddy" Savary
Paul Mercer, Dr. & Mrs. O.L. Reynolds,
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Stassi
Doris Hoeffel
Loved ones
Carol Groulx
Earl R. Rose
Art Willaredt, Sr; Bill & Esther Damon
Umbert & Majorie Aliberti, Louise Ruth
Richard Ryan and Robert Ryan
Bob Sauer and Mr. & Mrs. William Kaup
Our parents
Albert Schurman
Her husband, Frank Sparacio
Our parents
Ken Schroder
Charles M. Sego
Andrew Coblentz & Edward Coblentz
Jennifer Stimson
Our families
Our parents
Her family
Jan Stipp and Marshall Browne
Virginia Terry
Mark Thompson
Our parents
Dr. & Mrs. S.M. Garrett
and Dr. F.M. Garrett
Her father, Thurman Napier
Robert Van Epps
Will & Louise Veal
Bob Williams
Dr. Lindasue L. Williams
Mary Wilson
William & Eric Ziebarth
Church of the Palms
Donor
Fred & Ellen Ausnehmer
Judy & Glynn Armitage
Bob & Marcia Baarson
Donald & Roxanna Browning
Dr. William L. Carlton
Sandy & Bob Castle
Joe & Betty Ann Danna
Robert & Margaret Eakin
Linda, Jeff & Carly Evans
Chuck & Judy Fulton
Ruben & Beverly Gerzeny
Pat & Wendell Gottman
Susan & Marty Guice
Ron & Kathy Haesele
Kirsch family
Bumper & Kathryn Lee
John & Mildred Martin
Jay & Kyle Anne Mitchell
Mary-Lou & Don Moulton
Pat & Paul Nielsen
Jane Delgado-Semidei
Nan & Duke Snyder
Sandy Snyder
Barbara & David Twible
Roland & Jeanne VanderValk
Lynn & Bob White
Lelia & Bob Windom
Jerry & Darlene Wiles
Donations
Paul & Jennifer Hudson
Donna Reed
Donald H. Snyder
LeeAnn Stokley
Frieda Thayer
Charles Volkert
In Honor of
Our three children and grandchildren
All tutors
Our grandchildren - Jacob, Alexander,
Caroline, Jack & Anna
Esma Graham
Meredith Lynne Carlton
Our family
Liam & Faith Danna
The Chancel Choir
Mernie Longman
Loved ones
Our family
Our family
Our parents
Loved ones
Our extended family
Marlene Petro
Our family
Charles & Audrey Richardson
Our grandchildren, Thomas, Emrey & Evan
Harold & Margaret Braun
Loved ones
Laurie Haas, Dr. Lal Hmingliani Browne
Her family
Our loving parents, Harlan & Alice Twible
Our children
Our family
Our family
Our family
THINGS TO CONSIDER IN YOUR YEAR-END GIVING
•Supporting the ministry of Church of the Palms is like investing in a lifechanging diversified charitable portfolio. Think of all we do: educate children
and youth, feed the hungry, counsel the discouraged, tutor young students,
inspire worshippers through exceptional music, preach the message of good
news, support missionaries across the globe and the list goes on.
•If you have highly appreciated stocks, instead of selling the stocks and
contributing the cash, contributing the stocks directly will usually provide for
a larger tax deduction. Consult with your financial planner on tax advantages
to your giving.
•Your generosity in these remaining weeks of the year will allow us to address
our severely underfunded capital reserve. We are blessed to have such fine
facilities and we must be prepared to care for them in the years ahead with a
hearty capital reserve.
•Important Notice About Year End Giving: Please remember that all
financial contributions for 2014 must be received in the church office no
later than noon on Wednesday, December 31, which is when the office
closes that day. Contributions that are mailed must be postmarked on or before
December 31 to be considered as contributions for 2014. All contributions
received within these parameters will be reflected on your 2014 financial
contributions statement. Anything else will be posted as received in 2015. To
avoid confusion at year end, please be sure that you note on your check and/
or envelope to which year’s pledge your contribution is intended. You can view
your year-to-date contributions by visiting our website and clicking on the
“Give Online” button. Then, log in and click on the Contribution History tab.
new
member
class
January 11 • Chapel Reception Room
10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. New Members Part 1 - COP Orientation: If you are
ready to make a deeper commitment to the Church of the Palms family of faith or
would just like to explore what that means, then this is the class for you! Just here
seasonally? Come learn about our affiliate membership.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. New Members Part 2 - Join The Community: If
you have made the decision to join our community of faith, this is your opportunity
to be received into membership. The only prerequisite is to have attended a New
Member Orientation. No need to sign up for either New Members Part 1 or 2...just come
to the Chapel Reception Room!
Call to Prayer
Sundays, 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Chapel Reception Room
Join us every Sunday before the services as
we pray for our pastors and the morning
services. Come and pray silently or out
loud. Contact Susan Grundy, 355-2156.
Remember In
Prayer
Missionaries & Mission Partners
An updated list of our supported worldwide and local mission partners and missionaries
is available on the literature racks at the doors in the Sanctuary, the Campus Center
and the Church Office. We ask for your continued prayers for all of our Missionaries
and Mission Partners.
Military
Individuals
Chris Branning
June LeBell Alley
Dennie Bunch
Bob Castle
Mary Cobb
Janet Eddy
TH Edelblute III
Ernie Ingham
Mary Jaqua
Bob Kramer
Cherie Leetzow
Ragnar Petri
Sally Taylor
Roland VanderValk
Bob VanBergen
Mary Wadsworth
David Wachtel
Bill Zurlo
Non-Members
Earl Bloom
Patti Brainard
Jodi Lynn Brown
Nutei Khawlhring
Jim Knecht
Ralph Kom
Frank, Karen & Phil Lagana
Marjorie MacMaster
Craigery Morgan
Lloyd Odegaard
Ann Prohoniak
Linda Dallman-Repp
Chuck Savoca
Devon Simon
Don Wilson
Alex Brown
Richard Carson
Zack & Daniel Castle
Rob Garner
Peter Higginbotham
Zachary Miller
David Moffett
Lauren Moffett
Tracy Prohoniak
Jared Sweetser
Ben Young
The Families of
Esma Graham
Stanley R. Tolbert
Denis Robert Evans
In Need of Prayer?
www.churchofthepalms.org
Please call the church office.
We would love to pray for you
and any prayer requests you
may have, 924-1323.
11
Family
ministry
family
MINISTRY
Looking for a unique way to give back this
Christmas season? The Family Ministry
of Church of the Palms is partnering with
Shaddai church in Pucallpa Peru to raise
funds to clothe 102 children in need in Peru. For the price of two trips to Starbucks,
you can clothe a child for the year. For more information visit us online at the102project.
weebly.com or visit our table upstairs in the education building. Reminder: Projoect 102
bags are due TODAY.
Christmas Eve Live Nativity - Casting Call!
We will provide the live nativity as a gift to our great church family, the
community, on Christmas Eve, during our 5:00 p.m, 7:00 p.m. and 9:00
p.m. services. We are need of “players” for the 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
services. There’s a place for everyone: Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds
and wise “men.” You will need to be available 30 minutes before and after
each service. Sign up for one, multiple or all services today by emailing Valerie Mathews
at [email protected].
SMALL Group ANNOUNCEMENT
Please note: Due to the holiday schedule, there will be NO youth group on Wednesday,
December 28 and Wednesday, January 4. Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY
NEW YEAR!!
STUDENT SUNDAY
Student Sunday is coming soon! Mark your calendars for Sunday,
January 11. Join students as they team up with our music ministry
and pastoral staff to help lead and serve during worship.
SUNDAY KIDS WORSHIP • 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
All Pre-K through 5th grade kids should begin worship with their families at
the 9:00 a.m. service. After the Children’s Moment, they will be escorted from the
service to participate in Kids Worship in room 205-207 from 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
On the first Sunday of the month, children will have Chapel (in the Chapel) during
Kids Worship time. Parents are welcome to join us for Chapel, which will include
music, a short message, and Communion. After Kids Worship or Chapel, children
will have Fellowship Time in room 205-207 from 10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
SUNDAY CHILDCARE • 8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Nursery: room 101
Toddlers & 2 Year Olds: room 103
3 Year Olds: room 103B
sunday Elementary Small Groups • 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
This year, children are learning the same theme being preached in the Sanctuary
and Garden each week. We are all finding our place in God’s Story, the Bible.
Pre-K - Kindergarten: room 114
1st & 2nd grade: room 207
3rd grade: 211 Library
4th & 5th grade: room 205
SUNDAY Middle & High School Small Groups (Rooms 208, 209, 210)
Each Sunday from 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 am, students will gather in Rooms 208,
209, and 210 to explore the deeper themes of God’s Story through the narrative
lectionary being studied church wide. We will have creative conversations and
share personal stories to find where we connect to God’s greater story.
CONTACT FAMILY MINISTRY STAFF (924-1323):
Family Ministry Director:
Student Ministry Director:
Family Ministry Coordinator:
Children’s Ministry Coordinator:
Nursery Coordinator:
Laurie Haas ([email protected])
Jeff McCauley ([email protected])
Valerie Mathews ([email protected])
Carol Homeister ([email protected])
Corrie Hoffman ([email protected])
students serving
Serve your church family and earn those trip bucks! Contact Valerie Mathews to sign
up: 924-1323 ext. 208, [email protected]. Remember: You must have
15 hours served before March 1 to keep your spot on a summer trip!
Undonut & Undecorating Party
Sunday, January 4
12:00 p.m. (lunch provided)
Yellow Umbrella Greeting
Want to brighten someone’s day with your
smile? Sign up to be a yellow umbrella greeter.
Wednesday Afternoon
Kitchen Prep
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Help during dinner and clean-up
afterwards. Contact Kathy Robinett,
[email protected]
Volunteers Needed
Family Ministry is looking
for a team of volunteers
to help in our creative
outreach. If you have an
eye for design or know
how to use Pinterest, we
want YOU! All ages are
welcome. Contact Valerie
Mathews (924-1323 ext. 208, vmathews@
churchofthepalms.org) to sign up.
www.churchofthepalms.org
13
sunday
The story: creation TO THE resurrection
10:15 a.m. • Chapel
This class is designed as a companion to the Sunday sermon series. Each week we
will have the opportunity to look deeper into the scriptures behind the sermon. We
will learn how God has revealed His plan of salvation from Creation to the Cross.
Augustine formulated the axiom, “in the Old Testament the New is concealed, in the
New the Old is revealed”. Led by Dale Vollrath: [email protected].
New Life Class
10:15 a.m. • Room 202
New Life Class is a wonderful group of parents who meet Sunday mornings
to discuss topics related to parenting and marriage. Our purpose is to provide
a time and place for couples to grow closer to God by studying scripture
and gleaning wisdom from current books related to family life. Led by Derek
Thompson, [email protected].
Christians Under Construction - Biblical Potpourri
10:15 a.m. • Room 206
Each week we will tackle a new subject. For example, we will bring Bible lessons
to current issues; we’ll ponder Biblical mysteries; we will wrestle with the question
of free will against Biblical truth and match what we know from science against
traditional Biblical beliefs. We read the Bible, consider how the lessons apply to the
real world, and practice informed discussion. Led by Adam Leonard (acleonard@
comcast.net) and Tom Webber.
A Time out for parents
10:15 a.m. • Room 202
Our group will meet together with the New Life Class in room 202.
Church of the Palms Book Group
January 18, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. • Chapel Reception Room
Although we do not plan to meet in December, you are warmly invited to
join us to discuss our highly-recommended January book choice, I Dared to
Call Him Father by Bilquis Sheikh. Everyone is welcome to attend any of
our monthly gatherings (whether or not you’ve read the book). Questions?
Please contact Doris Kamphuis, 360-8474, [email protected]
14
Church of the Palms
MONday
PALMS’ SINGLES DINNER (50+)
5:30 p.m. • Off Campus
Every Monday we have dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by events such as book talks,
game night, special outings and more. Please call in your dinner reservations by the
Thursday prior to this dinner, no later than noon. Contact Dottie Stoddard, 924-7430.
TUESday
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY & BREAKFAST
7:00 a.m. • Off Campus
This group is open to any men who would like the opportunity
to get to know other men from our church while deepening their
faith through Bible study and prayer. Please bring a Bible. We
are currently studying the book of John. Led by Dale Vollrath.
Contact Dale Vollrath, [email protected].
Women’s Prayer Group
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. • Chapel Narthex
Our prayer time is a time for encouragement through God’s Word and
prayer. We pray for our church, country, family relationships, adult
children with addictions, grandchildren and friends. We will stroll with
Paul through Romans. Join us to know Jesus Christ more clearly, to love
Him more dearly and to follow Him more nearly. We welcome all prayer
requests. Gaye O’Brien 377-3480.
C.S. Lewis Reading Group
January 6, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. • Room 206
Our reading group, led by Dr. McConnell, will begin our discussion
on The Abolition of Man.
north home bible study
January 13, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.• Off Campus
We are currently studying the book of I Peter. We meet
on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Please
join us for Bible study, prayer and food/fellowship. Please
contact Reyn or Doris Kamphuis at 360-8474 or email us at
[email protected] if you have any questions.
Stephen ministry
January 20, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. • Room 206
Receive continuing education and meet in supervised groups every third Tuesday of
the month. Contact Hmingi Browne, 924-1323.
www.churchofthepalms.org
15
WEDNESday
Men’s Bible Study
7:30 a.m. • Chapel Reception Room
In the letter to the Romans Paul develops the argument that is the basis of
Christianity: Nothing you can do will save you. It is through faith alone that we are
saved. Led by Tom Webber, [email protected] and Rev. Fred Marsh.
watercolor wednesday
Janaury 7, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. • Chapel Reception Room
Paint with watercolor and enjoy the company of other artsy folk!
Please remember to bring your own supplies. Contact Pastor Hmingi
Browne, 924-1323 or [email protected].
prayer shawl group
Janaury 7, 3:30 p.m.• Chapel Narthex
We are knitting prayer shawls. All are welcome
to join us! Contact Hmingi Browne, 924-1323 or
[email protected].
Palms Buffet & Grille
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. • Campus Center
Enjoy food and fellowship for all on Wednesday evenings!
Due to the holiday schedule, we will be closed this Wednesday
(12/24) and next (12/31). Our Wednesday dinner will resume on
January 7. Have a Merry Christmas!!
oasis midweek worship January 7, 6:30 p.m. • Chapel
In worship on Sunday it all seems so clear how we can live in a way that’s
pleasing to God, but sometimes by the middle of the week the
stresses and demands of life threaten to consume all our time
and attention. Join us on Wednesdays beginning in January for
a midweek time of refreshment to help us regain our faith focus. m i d w e e k
OAS S
worship
REMEMBERING THE SABBATH (Women’s study)
January 7, 14, 21 & 28 • 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. • Room 206
Is keeping the Sabbath a challenge for you and your family? Join us for
this 4 week study as we explore what the Bible says about the Sabbath,
listen to short videos from Matthew Sleeth, author of 24/6, and share
in discussions about today’s challenges and what we can do to “Keep the Sabbath.”Please
bring your Bible. Conact Jan Hunt, [email protected].
16
Adult Discipleship & Fellowship
COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS
January 7, 14, 21 & 28 • 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. • Chapel Reception Room
In this class we will study and explore the four of the major religions in today’s
world: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Each week is self-contained.
Led by Dr. William Browne, assisted by Dr. Doris Nocera and Dr. Hmingi
Browne. Contact Pastor Hmingi Browne, [email protected].
THURSday
PALMS BRIDGE CLUB
January 15, 7:00 p.m.• Chapel Reception Room
We will NOT meet in December nor on the first
Thursday in January due to the holidays. We will
reconvene on January 15. Normally, we meet on the first
and third Thursdays of the month for fun and fellowship.
Contact Nancy Kanellos, 320-3478 to make your reservation
or to be placed on the “fill-in” list. “Fill-in” players are greatly
appreciated (and needed) as well as players who are able to
play on a regular basis. Come and join us - you’ll love it!
Beginning Creative Signing Class
5:30 p.m. • Music & Arts Building
This class is an introduction to incorporating American
Sign Language with music to interpret God’s message to
us in visual form. No previous experience is necessary. Our
Advanced Creative Signers will be leading this class. Anyone
from Middle School through senior adults is welcome. If
you are curious how this works, and you love to talk with
your hands, come and sign up under the Fellowship Tree.
Contact Susy Welsh 321-5703, [email protected].
sisters in Christ
January 22,2015 • 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. • Room 209
We meet on the fourth Thursday of the month but will not meet in December
due to the holiday schedule. We will reconvene in January to study books and
articles to help us on our spiritual journeys. Come share insights and fellowship with
coffee, discussion and prayer. Contact Cindy Lanoue-Foster, 922-1826 (please leave a
message); [email protected].
Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines
January 8 - March 26 • 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. • Off Campus
Using the book Spiritual Classics we will be introduced to twelve historical disciplines
grouped by their inward, outward and corporate focus. This is modeled on Richard
Foster’s book Celebration of Discipline. As we read we will explore ways to engage with
these classic practices. Please let Bill Lewis know that you would like to participate so
the books (about $15) can be ordered. Led by Bill Lewis: 355-2156, billatpalms@gmail.
com and Susan Grundy.
www.churchofthepalms.org
17
FRIday
Friday Morning Bible Study
January 9, 9:30 a.m. • Room 202
Please note: Due to the holiday schedule, we will not meet for
the remainder of December. Classes will resume on January 9.
Our new Bible study is titled, “Luke 24” will last approximately 10
weeks, give or take a week. If you need a study guide, please email
Meriam. Led by Meriam Matthews, meriam112@mindspring.
com and Peter Connor, [email protected].
grief support group
January 2, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. • Chapel Reception Room
All those who have lost a loved one are invited to attend on Fridays. Licensed counselor
Diane Brantley of Samaritan Counseling is leading. For more information, contact
Pastor Hmingi Browne, 924-1323.
Eat, Meet & Be Merry
January 30, 11:30 a.m. • Off Campus
Join Pastor Hmingi Browne for food and fellowship at Der Dutchman
every last Friday of the month. Contact Hmingi Browne, 924-1323.
south home bible study
January 9, 6:30 p.m. • Off Campus
We meet the second and fourth Friday of the month. Due to the holiday schedule,
we will not meet on the fourth Friday of December. We will reconvene the second week of January, beginning our study on different books in the Old Testament.
Join us for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. Contact Reyn and Doris Kamphuis,
360-8474 or [email protected].
loving stitches
January 30, 2015 • 9:45 a.m. • Chapel Reception Room
We are a group of women who knit, crochet, sew and quilt for
local charities. We create baby sweaters and blankets for Healthy
Start and the Veterans Hospital; teddy bears for the Sheriff and
Police Departments and hats for the Resurrection House and the
Salvation Army. We meet on the fourth Friday of each month.
We will not meet in December. We will reconvene in January. If
you enjoy sewing, knitting, quilting or crocheting, please join us.
Knitting and crochet instructions are available. Contact Alberta
Adams, 924-8464.
18
Church of the Palms
opportunities for
generosity
Christmas Eve Ushers Needed
We need members
of our usher teams
to volunteer for the 3
Christmas Eve services
(7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. & 11:00
p.m.). There are sign-up sheets in
the usher’s closet for each service.
Print your name and phone number
on the corresponding sheet along
with which service time that you will
be able to usher. Also, pick up the
sheet that explains the procedures for
ushering at Christmas. If you have
any questions, please contact Barry
Buchanan, 371-7033.
Christmas Eve Greeters Needed
Give a special gift this
Christmas – your gift
of a smile and a warm
welcome to all who
come to worship with us
on Christmas Eve. Greeters are
needed for the 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.,
9:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m. services. All
you need to do is come a half hour
before the service begins and give a
candle to each person as they come
in. The gift that you will receive is a
reserved seat for the service, and the
joy of participating in this wonderful
greeter ministry. If you can help,
please contact Marcia Baarson: 9223547, [email protected].
Wednesday Grille Volunteers
We need volunteers for prepping (2
hours), dining room setup (begins at
3:00 p.m.), dining room help during
dinner and cleanup afterwards.
To help, please contact Kathy
Robinett, 924-1323, krobinett@
churchofthepalms.org.
Food Pantry Help Wanted
The Food Pantry is
looking for substitutes and
packers. We are in need of
substitutes for distribution.
To help, please contact
Kathy Robinett, 924-1323, krobinett@
churchofthepalms.org.
Two Cents A Meal
Collection Dec. 28!
Join the Fight Against
Hunger Every donation
we collect will go to hunger related
projects, including 50% to our own
Food Pantry. Red collection baskets
will be located by the Sanctuary main
entrances. To donate by check, include
Two Cents A Meal in the memo line.
back t bas cs
tutoring program
The Tutoring Program
is on Christmas break
this week.
We begin
again January 6 with
many students without tutors. For
information and/or to sign up, please
call Judy Armitage at 924-1323.
Merry Christmas to all of you!
Family Ministry Volunteers
Family Ministry is looking for a team
of volunteers to help in our creative
outreach. If you have an eye for design
or know how to use Pinterest, we want
YOU! All ages are welcome. Contact
Valerie Mathews (924-1323 ext. 208,
[email protected]) to
sign up.
www.churchofthepalms.org
19
spotlight on
missions
Thanksgiving and Advent in Iraq
Imagine what it would be like to suddenly lose everything – your house, car,
gas, clothing, your jewelry, your wedding rings, your savings, in fact all of your
belongings including your Identity Card--all taken from you by an angry mob that
calls itself the Islamic State of Iraq. Where to go? What to do? How to exist? These
are questions that have been present in the Iraqi refugees’ minds continuously since
ISIS took over Iraq’s second largest city of Mosul and its environs last summer. It
is cold now as winter settles over northern Iraq. What are these homeless refugees
to do?
Thanks to Pastor Haitham of the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of
Kirkuk, many families have found a place to live in this church. The members of this
church have taken them in, providing shelter in the Sunday School classrooms, food,
clothing, blankets, heaters, warmth, and Christina love. Although Thanksgiving
is an American holiday where we follow our pilgrim forefathers’ example of giving
thanks to God for the blessings He have given to us, these Iraqi refugees gather
in the church’s Fellowship Hall to celebrate a joyous feast provided by the church
members and give thanks to God for the blessings that they do have.
20
Church of the Palms
The Kirkuk Presbyterian Church also works with local Christian churches in and
around Kirkuk, and with churches in Iraqi Kurdistan north of Kirkuk, including
Duhok, Akre, Kabat, Shaqlawa, and Zakoh, to provide blankets, heaters, and
clothing. This is done with funds that have been donated to the Iraq Partnership
Network, the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and the Outreach Foundation
(all Presbyterian sponsored organizations). Because of our efforts many more
Christian refugees have been able to give thanks to God for the generous donations
of concerned Christians in the USA.
As we approach Advent, Americans become preoccupied with activities such as
gift buying, decorating, Santa Claus, and Christmas get-togethers. We become
so concerned with earthly
things that we often
forget that the reason for
Christmas is to celebrate
Christ’s birth. However, in
Iraq the refugee Christians
there are ever mindful that
in spite of the loss of all of
their personal belongings
and attempts to steal
their identity, ISIS can
never steal their soul and
their faith in God who has
already given us the most
wonderful and precious
Christmas gift ever, His son
Jesus Christ. For that gift every day is a thanksgiving. It is not the earthly gifts
and belongings that are important at Christmas time, but it is the love of God. Our
praise and glory is given to Him.
The plight of the Christian refugees in Iraq is a continuing problem with no end
in sight. The Church of the Palms has been very generous in its support of the
Kirkuk Presbyterian Church through it Mission Committee, Presbyterian Women
Christmas Fair, and through the many individual members who have contributed.
Your gifts and prayers show your concern and generosity to the Christians in Iraq
who face a long and arduous uphill struggle, not knowing if they will ever return
to their homes, if they will ever find jobs, and what their future will be.
This Spotlight has been prepared by COP members Charles and Carol Haeussner.
Iraqi Displaced Christian Relief
Contributions can be made online: http://www.presbyterianmissions.org/donate/
E052049, or you may make a check payable to PC/USA ECO Fund # 052049. Write
“Iraqi Displaced Christian Relief” on the Memo Line and mail to:
PC/USA
Individual Remittance Processing
P.O Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Attn: ECO Fund #052049 - Displaced Christian Relief
www.churchofthepalms.org
21
upcoming ministry
events
Longest Night Service
TODAY • 6:00 p.m. • Chapel
On the longest night of the year we provide a worship service particularly for
those who find the Advent and Christmas season a difficult time. We will light
candles in celebration of departed ones as well as read scriptures, share our
stories and sing God’s praise.
Christmas WORSHIP
On The Beach
Tuesday, December 23 • 5:00 p.m.
In front of the pavilion on Siesta Beach
Bring your own chair or blanket and join us on the
sand for a new Christmas week worship experience
as The Garden reaches out to the community in
this modern celebration of Christ’s birth. In case of
inclement weather, we will postpone until next year.
Christmas Eve
Services
at Church of the Palms
Sanctuary Family
Service
5:00 p.m.
22
Lessons & Carols in the Sanctuary
7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. &11:00 p.m.
Church of the Palms
Christmas CD Benefit
Makes a GREAT Christmas gift!
Looking for a great Christmas gift this year - new music to listen to
this Christmas season, all the while supporting a worthy mission.*
Look no further! Our very own Jeff McCauley’s Christmas album
is NOW AVAILABLE for purchase under the tree or from the
front desk here at Church of the Palms for only $10 per copy.
Visit Jeff under the tree or stop by the front desk to purchase
your copies today.
*A
portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Church of the Palms’ ongoing
partnership with Vida Joven Nicaragua by providing additional funding for student travel costs.
Coffee
Sales
Supporting our Nicaragua Mission Team
Stop by our table under the tree each Sunday to
purchase our Dona Katy Nicaraguan Coffee for only
$10 a bag! Each purchase of this coffee supports Church
of the Palms’ continued partnership with Vida Joven (Young Life)
Nicaraguan Ministry. Stop by and hear about how your purchase
will impact the lives of our students and allow many to hear the
gospel in Nicaragua. It’s a win for everyone.
Legacy Giving Corner
Five Common (but not very convincing)
Excuses For Not Having A Will – Part IV:
I’ve arranged with my children to handle the
distribution of my property. Even the best
intentioned children may forget exactly what
you wanted done with a certain asset. Others
may decide your wishes no longer “make sense”
and may overrule your intent with a plan of
their own.
Contact your tax professional to learn more. For more
information, about the Legacy Society, contact Dr. McConnell, smcconnell@
churchofthepalms.org, 924-1323 or John Mercier, Chair of the Legacy
Giving Committee, 921-5726, [email protected].
2015 Offering Envelopes
Your offering envelopes for 2015 are on their way. They should
arrive by mail no later than December 20, 2014. If you have not
received them by then, please contact the church office. Although
our 2015 Stewardship Campaign doesn’t kick-off until January,
please consider increasing your giving now.
23
are you new
here?
Want to find out more about
Church of the Palms?
Check out our website at:
http://www.churchofthepalms.org
There you can:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Learn more about our ministries
Catch the Livestream worship service every Sunday
Watch archived services
Download our 2014 Winter Planner
Connect via iTunes to our sermon & teaching podcasts
Sign up to be on our email list
Friend us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Make an online donation - it’s fast, easy & secure!
And more . . .
got the
QR app?
Use this
QR code on
your mobile
phone to
give online!
Every 2nd Sunday at 10:15 a.m. in the Chapel Reception Room
24
Church of the Palms
calendar of
events
Sunday, december 21
8:00 a.m.
Chapel Worship Service
8:00 a.m.
Prayer Meeting
8:45 a.m.
Childcare
9:00 a.m. The Garden Worship Service
9:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m.
Kid’s Worship
10:15 a.m.
Pre-K - Elementary Small Groups
10:15 a.m.
Middle - High School Small Groups
10:15 a.m.
Christians Under Construction
10:15 a.m.New Life Class
10:15 a.m.
The Story: Creation to Resurrection
11:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship
12:00 p.m.
Choir Luncheon
4:30 p.m. Praise & Glory Choir Rehearsal
6:00 p.m.
Longest Night Service
Monday, DECEMBER 22
5:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Palm Singles Dinner
Sounds of Glory Orchestra Rehearsal
Chapel
Chapel Study
See Page 9
Campus Center
Sanctuary
205-207
See Page 9
See Page 9
206
202
Chapel
Sanctuary
Campus Center
Music & Arts Building
Sanctuary
Off Campus
Music & Arts Building
Tuesday, DECEMBER 23
7:00 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
5:45 p.m.
Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast
Off Campus
Women’s Prayer Group
Chapel Narthex
SYV Prelude & Training Choir Rehearsal Music & Arts Building
Christmas Beach Worship- Siesta Key
Off Campus
Creative SignersSanctuary
SYV Concert Choir Rehearsal Music & Arts Building
Wednesday, DECEMBER 24 - ECC closed
7:30 a.m.
5:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
11:00 p.m.
Men’s Bible Study Chapel Reception Room
Christmas Eve Family Candlelight Service Sanctuary
Christmas Eve Candlelight Servic
Sanctuary
Christmas Eve Candlelight Servic
Sanctuary
Christmas Eve Candlelight Servic
Sanctuary
Thursday, DECEMBER 25
Office, Food Pantry and ECC closed - Christmas Day.
Friday, DECEMBER 26
Office and Food Pantry closed for Christmas holidays.
ECC open all day.
Saturday, DECEMBER 27
No events scheduled.
www.churchofthepalms.org
25
calendar of
events
Sunday, DECEMBER 28
8:00 a.m.
Chapel Worship Service
8:00 a.m.
Prayer Meeting
8:45 a.m.
Childcare
9:00 a.m. The Garden Worship Service
9:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m.
Kid’s Worship
10:15 a.m.
Pre-K - Elementary Small Groups
10:15 a.m.
Middle - High School Small Groups
10:15 a.m.
Christians Under Construction
10:15 a.m.New Life Class
10:15 a.m.
The Story: Creation to Resurrection
11:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship
4:30 p.m. Praise & Glory Choir Rehearsal
Chapel
Chapel Study
See Page 9
Campus Center
Sanctuary
205-207
See Page 9
See Page 9
206
202
Chapel
Sanctuary
Music & Arts Building
Professional leadership opportunity at COP
As we continue to pursue our mission of “equipping disciples for the
service of Christ” in 2015, session has redefined the role of Dr. Bruce
Hedgepeth to focus on discipleship and outreach. As a result, we are
currently seeking a person to serve as Executive Director of Operations
who will oversee the organizational/business facets of our ministry. A
full job description is available on the church website.
Thaonuk
Y
26
Thank you so much for helping us with our socks &
underwear drive! Including all of our locations we
collected over 2100 pairs of socks/underwear and
$915, which was far surpassing the goal I had set of
1000 items. Now so many kids will have access to
the basics & have one less thing to worry about. We
greatly appreciate your tremendous support!
Sincerely,
Hayes Leaver
Church of the Palms
God’s Story
Your Story
December 21, 2014
For the week of December 21, 2104
Devotion: Use this resource at home to guide your household’s daily
devotions. You can do this alone, as a couple, as a family; in the morning,
during the day, or at night. Find a routine that works best for you.
Pray: Light a candle and open your devotion time with a prayer.
God of trust, you placed your precious son, Jesus, into the hands of
Joseph and Mary. Place your trust in us, too, that we will care for all
your beloved children who walk upon the earth, for the sake of Jesus
Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Reflect: Reflect on the key verse from Sunday’s reading.
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him
Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” Matthew 1:23
Study: Study the reading and consider the background.
The book of Matthew was written about 80 years after Jesus walked the
earth. Early Christians were still working out how they were going to show
up in the world; whether they would behave more like Jews or more like
Gentiles. Matthew speaks to both perspectives, pointing out that what’s
important is not so much how people behave, but how God acts in the
world.
God sent God’s son, Jesus, into the world to be God in the world. Jesus
bridged the gap between God and humanity so that nothing could separate
us from the presence of God.
- Continued on back -
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council
of theRevised
Churches
of ChrisVersion
t in the Uni
ted States
of Ameri
ca. Used
with of
permission.
AllEducation
rights reserved.
New
Standard
Bible,
copyright
© 1989,
Division
Christian
of the National
Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
God’s
Story
Your Story
- continued -
Read: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding of
Sunday’s text. After the reading, ask the follow-up questions.
Read about God’s covenant with Abraham and David, and the promise
of Immanuel to the people of Israel.
Sunday, Matthew 1:18-25, Jesus as Immanuel
Monday, Matthew 1:1-17, Genealogy of Jesus
Tuesday, Genesis 15:1-21, God’s Covenant with Abram
Wednesday, Luke 2:1-14, [15-20], Birth of Jesus
Thursday, Luke 2:8-20, Shepherds Visit
Friday, Isaiah 7:10-17, A Sign of Immanuel
Saturday, Isaiah 7:18-25, A Sign of Immanuel
What has God promised? How has God been faithful to God’s
promises?
Connect:
Connect in conversation with others in your household. Discuss the
following questions, or simply check in with “Highs” and “Lows.”



What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
What difference might it make to realize God made a covenant
with the community of humanity, rather than with individuals?
How does Immanuel show up in your life?
Do:
By acting on what we learn, we make God’s word come alive. Do the
following activity this week.
Gather your entire household together for a low-stress meal (other than
your planned holiday meal). If you live alone, invite a friend over. Set
aside and inform the household of a period of time you will be together
so that you are not rushed. Set the table. Use your best dishes. Light
candles (unless you have very little ones). Say grace. No electronics at
the table. Talk to each other. Linger over dessert. Slow down and enjoy
the time together.
Bless:
Close your devotion with a blessing.
Copyright © 2014 Clergy Stuff. Used with Permission. Find more at www.ClergyStuff.com. Blessing written
by Pr. Chip Borgstadt.