THE
DECEMBER 2012
AN UNEXPECTED GIFT Donnie Scearce, Lead Pastor
Gabriel appeared to her [Mary] and said,“Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. Luke 1:28-29 (NLT) They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 (NLT) If you have ever given an unexpected gift, you know how rewarding it can be, especially if the gift is meeting a real need. My great aunt Doris was often on the receiving end of these gifts. Her husband was a trucker and one hard winter’s night he lost control and was killed. Aunt Doris had three children, five and under. She tried to make ends meet but without unexpected gifts from others, there was no way she could have made it. When our family would visit her years later (when I was a boy), with amazing joy she would tell us the stories of these unexpected gifts, referring to them as though they were sent directly from heaven. In many ways, this year has been a year of the unexpected. So often when the unexpected breaks into our world, making us feel vulnerable or unsettled, we actually discover we are on the cusp of something new and growth accelerating. Think about it. An unexpected angel appears to Mary. Her world – and ours - would never be the same again. The angel’s unexpected visit was only the beginning. The three guests and their gifts were equally unexpected. And about everything Jesus would say and do afterwards, well, that too was not what everyone was expecting. Together at North Park in 2012, we have had unexpected opportunities to speak into the lives of people --- to journey together. Some have stepped out in faith toward Christ; others have been baptized. Every week, there have been real and beautiful stories of service to one another and our neighbours: a meal provided, a lesson taught, a small group led, a job given, a visit when it has been needed most, or a prayer offered. Through our partnering relationships, serious life giving hope is being provided locally and globally. Nearly every week, there are stories of the unexpected … simple stories of hope and transformation. Enter the Story, the E100 initiative, has far exceeded our hopes in creating unexpected positive influence for individuals and families, even beyond North Park. On behalf of our entire team (pastors, administration, and facilities staff) here at North Park, it has been our joy to serve you this year. We wish you a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year! May you be surprised again this year by the most unexpected gift ever given: Jesus. And filled with joy and love to give unexpected gifts to others! December 1/2 STOMP Children’s Christmas Musical Saturday 6:30pm Sunday 9:00 & 11:00am
December 8/9 Acoustic Christmas Music Saturday 6:30pm Sunday 9:00, 10:15 & 11:00am
December 15/16 North Park Strings Saturday 6:30pm Sunday 9:00, 10:15 & 11:00am
December 22/23 North Park Choir Saturday 6:30pm Sunday 9:00, 10:15 & 11:00am
December 24 Family Service & Candlelight Communion Service Monday 4:30, 6:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm