“Immanuel, God with us,” is without question one of the most beautiful, life altering, hope inspiring phrases in the entire world of words. It was an Old Testament prophecy foretelling of Jesus (Isaiah 7:14), a fulfilled reality testified to in the New Testament (Matthew 1:20-23), and it has been our church's theme the entire month of December. It is also one of my favorite names of Jesus.
The first Candlelight Service at Council Road was in 1970, when I was six years old. Fred Wilhoite, our first pastor, was a kind, older gentleman, and I remember children like me were naturally drawn to him. The tradition of children climbing onto the stage for the Christmas story didn’t start until years later. About 12 years ago, Norman had a wonderful idea to begin writing and publishing our own children’s books for that service, with each child getting to take one home.
Christians should be familiar with the call to be servants, right? 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us “God loves a cheerful giver,” while Acts 20:35 admonishes “It is better to give than to receive.” It requires selflessness and sacrifice to be a giver. Let’s be people who give as the Lord has given so much to us. But, when we talk about receiving or asking for help, I can get a little squirmy. Who wants to be in a position where they need to ask for help? I’m sure you can think of a time you were in that spot. Christian community must do more than give; they must also be willing to receive.
Millenials have turned coffee shops into the place you go for everything: business meetings, first dates, friend dates, devotional time, study time, interviews, and more. Of course, all generations can enjoy time in a coffee shop. We would like to encourage you to use this “coffee shop for everything” idea to invite someone you don’t really know to coffee. Bonding over coffee (or tea for the non-coffee crowd!) is a great way to build a friendship or relationship with someone.
What if? If not now, when? If only….
For a little two-letter word, “if” packs a big punch! Here’s another if phrase: If Table groups.
The first time I heard about IF Table groups was two years ago when our Women’s Ministry offered the opportunity to sign-up for one. It sounded interesting, was a short time commitment, and involved food and conversation around a table with a girl group. What’s not to like about that? So, I signed up, agreeing to co-host. Turns out, if I had not, I would have missed a great time of fellowship with a multi-generational, small group of women. Some of these women I knew and some I didn’t, but all were all focused on growing closer to God and in their faith.
