Christmas is drawing closer and closer. The Christmas season is a time for celebrations! If you’re like me, the moment that Thanksgiving is done, it’s officially Christmas season (even though I know some people like to start earlier). It’s the season we’ve waited for all year and as the temperatures get cooler and the familiar carols begin to play, that season of joy begins to build up our own anticipation for the celebration!
Every year you’re bound to hear familiar Christmas songs: Jingle Bells, Joy to the World, O Holy Night, and the list could go on and on. I’d go so far as to say that these songs help build up within us that joy and anticipation for the 25th. Over this next month, many of us will be out shopping or travel to familiar gatherings with these songs on in the car or at the party.
But what if there was a song louder than all the rest? I’m not talking about who’s car can play the loudest carols. But just think for a moment. A soloist, even mic’d, is just 1 voice. But a whole choir of people singing the same song brings power, awe, and vibrancy to our carols.
Check out this video about what our Advent Anthem should be:
May this be a powerful call to worship that will stir the hearts of the Church and around the globe to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Wherever you may be this Christmas season whether that is with family, friends, or with us here at California EC Church, I extend to you from my family a very Merry Christmas and wonderfully Happy New Year! May God continue to bless each of us along our journeys.
Events in December:
- Choir Practice (Tuesdays @ 6:30 and 7 PM) – Junior and Senior Choir continue as they each prepare for the Christmas Cantata. Junior Choir (Children and Youth) begins at 6:30 PM and the Senior Choir (Adults) starts at 7 PM. Come along and join us!
- Bible Study (Wednesdays @ 7 PM) – Each week join Pastor David as we spend time together in prayer and study through the word of God. Previously we’ve done Proverbs, Elijah, John’s New Testament Letters, and Spiritual Warfare. Each Wednesday night at 7 PM we have been studying a 16 session study on the book of Romans. “Can I come even if I haven’t been there for the 1st week?” YES! You won’t miss a thing as we catch each other up each week and come fresh together to the Word of God.
- Advent Begins (Dec 3rd) – The Christmas season is a time for celebrations! If you’re like me, the moment that Thanksgiving is done, it’s officially Christmas season (even though I know some people like to start even earlier). It’s the season we’ve waited for all year. So let’s celebrate by looking back at this special time of year through the eyes of those who were a part of that special time. May we begin our Advent season in celebration of what is to come – like it’s the first time we’ve heard the story; full of joy, excitement, and anticipation! Join us for our special Advent sermon series: “HARK” all throughout the month of December!
- Advent Workshop (Dec 3rd) – Join us after worship on Sunday, December 3rd for a lasagna luncheon and then our Advent Workshop – using our hands and our minds to get us ready for the Christmas season. This year we will be making 24 ornaments that coincide with a 24-day devotional that tells the story of the lineage of Jesus from Adam and Eve all the way up to His birth. Everyone is welcome!
- Christmas Cantata & Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service (Dec. 24th @ 10:15 AM) – Join us this Sunday morning for a special time of worship from our Children and Adult choirs as they present the Christmas story through music and song. It’s always a special time for families to watch and participate in as we readily await our Savior’s birth! AND Join us for our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight that will happen during our morning worship service as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Bring the whole family and invite a friend to this very special time of our service that morning that you won’t want to miss!
Upcoming Events in 2018:
- Annual Congregational Meeting (January 21st) – Following our Worship Service that Sunday, we will hold our Annual Congregation Meeting. It’s a time to look back and see all that God has done over the past year as well as provide a road-map of the year to come. This meeting includes reports from the Pastor, Lay Delegate, Treasurer, and other church leaders as we plan ahead and ask for God’s wisdom in our future goals for 2018 and beyond.
*SNOW DATE – January 28th* - His Ladies’ Fundraiser (January 28th) – Ever hear your stomach growling during worship? Well, have no fear, for on this particular Sunday, immediately following our worship service lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall! It’ll be a Salad and Potato menu along with everyone’s favorite treat: desserts! (YUM) So be sure to keep your eyes open for that upcoming event!
Don’t forget to stay in touch here on our website as well as at our church! Feel free to COMMENT and SHARE with your friends on social media and we look forward to seeing you at California EC Church this month!
Did you miss out on a new a post or missed a Sunday and want to hear the message? Be sure to check back for more Monthly Snapshots (always on the 1st of the month), “The Gospel According to…” reviews, recorded sermons, and lots of other great things here on our church blog and website!
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