First Pulse: December 2015

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December 2015 Edition

Can anyone believe that it is nearly December? We are a few weeks away from Christmas… and then, a few days later, we will be entering 2016. It hardly seems possible to me that time is moving so swiftly. Of course, December means lots of activities are on the schedule of First Church. Advent is the anticipation and preparation for the coming of Christ that is celebrated on Christmas. There are so many ways to be involved and invested in living through the preparatory season of Advent. You will read about all of the opportunities to participate in the life of our congregation, from reading a daily Advent meditation resource, going caroling, attending Blue Christmas, being in worship, or serving in the myriad of outreach and mission ministries of First Church. Our theme for Advent, 2015 is The Luminaria of the Fruits of the Spirit! The theme will actually take us through the month of January as well. Our primary text for the entire series is; Galatians 5:22-25. Sunday, November 29 — The first Sunday of Advent! The sermon title is The Luminary of Love with the text from I John 4:7-19 and Colossians 3:12-4.

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We d n e s d a y, December 2 — Advent is the anticipation and preparation Blue Christmas for the coming of Christ that is celebrated Service at 7:00 on Christmas. There are so many ways to be pm. A Taizéstyle service of involved and invested in living through the scripture, prayer, preparatory season of Advent. song, light, and silence, specially planned for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, health, employment, or relationship. Sunday, December 6 — The second Sunday of Advent! The sermon title is The Luminary of Joy! The scripture lesson is Luke 2:8-14. We will also celebrate communion. Sunday, December 13 — The third Sunday of Advent! The Luminary of Peace is the sermon title based on Psalm 29:11 and Luke 2:13. Caroling to the homebound will also take place following worship. Sunday, December 20 — The fourth Sunday of Advent is an all-church family-focused service of Lessons and Carols. The meditation will be titled; The Luminary of Patience. Thursday, December 24 — Christmas Eve begins with the Community Breakfast that will be served once again along with the giving of Casey’s Socks. 5:00 pm is the Christmas Story family-focused service. 7:00 and 9:00 pm are identical Christmas Eve services with a meditation based on Luke 2:15; Confirming What the Lord has Revealed to us!

Tuesday, December 1 — at 7 pm is our Annual Church Conference. District Superintendent, Bill Haggard will be with us to review our ministry progress in 2015 as well as begin the preparations for 2016. EVERYONE Sunday, December 27 — is the first is welcome! Sunday of Christmas and once again, we will have ONE morning worship service at 10 am. The title of the sermon is The Luminary of Kindness.

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Intentional Faith Development

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Please make every effort to join us this Advent and Christmas season. Invite a friend or relative as together we prepare once again for the coming of Christ. Join us this holy season by losing yourself in the beauty of worship that will restore your soul.

Passionate Worship

Radical Hospitality

Pastor’s Message

Compassionate Care

Extravagant Generosity 4

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1 Risk-taking Mission and Service

Pastor Bob Hundley

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