Weekly Update, November 22nd, 2024

Hi church,

Thanksgiving is next week so Christmas is really around the corner now! To help us focus on Christ, our church will be giving out 2 different free devotionals to use in the month of December. First, we are giving away the family devotional "The Way to the Manger." Go to the Children's check-in station to receive a copy. Also, we are offering "Everyday Gospel Christmas Devotional" by Paul David Tripp, a very popular writer. These devotionals can be found at the Connect Center.

This Sunday I will preach from John 5 as we explore "Jesus, the Divine Healer." During the service, we will celebrate the baptism of Connor Dent. Finally, a reminder that next Wednesday we will have NO church activities with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Basics of Islam

Join us Sunday, December 1 from 6:30-8pm as Pastor Bryan gives an overview of Islam – its history, beliefs, and how we as Christians can be praying and witnessing to Muslims around the world and our neighborhood. We will hear from Matt Kasap who grew up as Muslim before trusting Christ later in life and now has a deep passion to reach Muslims. We will meet in the multipurpose room. Please sign up at the Connect Center, in the church app, or using this link: Basics of Islam

Women’s Bible Study

The next women’s Bible study begins the week of Dec. 2. They will be using the book Finding God Faithful by Kelly Minter. Do you ever find yourself wondering where God is when things don’t seem to be going right? Make plans to join us as we study the life of Joseph in the book of Genesis to observe how God’s sovereignty reigns, even in our darkest moments. We will learn how to recognize when God is working during our periods of waiting, to trust God’s plan when life doesn’t make sense, and to rest in the sufficiency of God’s presence in every circumstance. His provision is enough, His presence is constant, and His purpose is unstoppable. The cost of the book is $10. This study is offered at 3 different times – Tuesdays at10am (Tuesday Registration), Wednesdays at 6:30 pm (Wednesday Registration), and Saturdays at 9:30am (Saturday Registration). You may also sign up at the Connect Center.

Christmas Caroling

Join us Sunday evening, Dec. 8 at 6pm as we bring Christmas cheer to the Annapolis area! We’ll meet at church and divide into groups. After spending about 30 minutes caroling, we’ll meet back at the church for a time of fellowship with cookies and cocoa. Please sign up at the Connect Center, in the church app, or using this link: Christmas Caroling

Christmas Decorating

This Sunday after church! If you would like to help Tracie Link decorate, join her in room 111 for lunch before getting started. Many hands make light work! We need a few more volunteers. Lunch will be provided.

SonShiners (55 ) Christmas Party

The SonShiners will be having their annual Christmas Party on Dec. 5th at noon in the multipurpose room. They’ll have a potluck lunch, devotion, and Christmas sing-along. It will be a great time! The church will provide ham and drinks. Please bring a side dish to share. Sign up at the Connect Center.

Cookies & Cocoa

Ladies (6th grade and older), make plans to join us for a cup of hot cocoa, a Christmas cookie or two, and a fun time of fellowship. The annual Women’s Ministry Cookies & Cocoa will take place Saturday, Dec. 14 from 1-3pm. You are invited to bring 1) a dozen of your favorite Christmas cookies to share, 2) a friend or two, 3) and a dose of holiday cheer! We will enjoy some fun games, great fellowship, and, of course, cookies and cocoa WITH ALL THE TOPPINGS! Please sign up in the church app, at the Connect Center, or by using this link: Cookies & Cocoa. You don’t want to miss this fellowship!

Upcoming Events

Dec. 24 – Candlelight Service, 6pm

Jan. 3-5 – Student Winter Retreat

Blessings!

Pastor Bryan

Bryan Sims