December is always such a full season. With its fullness comes many opportunities! There are three opportunities that we have the next couple of weeks that I don’t want you to miss:
The Lord’s Supper – This Sunday in our services we will be taking the Lord’s Supper together. This will be the first time we’ve done it on a Sunday morning since COVID. We have a special time planned to pause and remember Jesus’ sacrifice and all that He did for us on the cross.
Christmas Eve Invite Cards – As I write this, there are only 8 days before our first Christmas Eve service. That means soon, our invite cards will be no good! Let’s make the most of this next week and invite, invite, invite. According to recent studies, more people will come to church at Christmas than any other time of year. We have such a unique opportunity right now to invite!
Three Gifts for Jesus – Tammy and I started early in our parenting giving three gifts to each of our children. Just like Jesus received three gifts, every Christmas our children receive one “gold” gift, the big item, something they want; one “myrrh” gift, such as clothing or something they need; and one “frankincense” gift, like a Bible, devotional, book, or game. This December, I am asking you to prayerfully consider the following three gifts:
– Tithe – Look back over your income for 2021 and make sure you have given 10% to the church budget. Every dollar given covers 100% of the cost of doing ministry. God promises to bless our obedience when we give Him the first 10% of our income!
– The Big Give – Your gift to The Big Give this year goes towards Campus Development, Correctional Facility Ministries, and our School of Ministry. Our mission is changing lives, communities, and the world for Jesus Christ and each of these areas are unique avenues to carry out our God-given mission.
– International Missions Offering – The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering was established in 1988 to empower international missions efforts. Thousands of missionaries depend on this offering. Your giving enables missionaries to be sent to make disciples and multiply churches among unreached peoples and places for the glory of God. Every penny given goes to the mission field.
Be intentional with Christmas this year. Make the most of this season and these opportunities. As you gather with friends and family, finish up your shopping, get the kids through their last week of school, remember Jesus. Make it a priority to be in church this Sunday. Ask God to give you opportunities to hand out invite cards and talk to others about the true meaning of the season. And don’t forget your gifts for Him.
Tammy and I love you and love celebrating Jesus with you!