First Church Alert
5 Things to Know this Week @ First Church
A pastoral note: As many of us now know, our community was directly impacted by Saturday night’s mass shooting in Colorado Springs. We mourn the death of Ashley Paugh, and pray for her husband Kurt and daughter Ryleigh. Ryleigh has been a part of our children’s ministries in the past. We pray for the families of others who died, as well as for the healing of those injured, including another local friend who is choosing privacy at this time. We hold to the promise of Christ so real in this Advent season, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4). ~Pastor MJ
1 “Fear Not”: Advent begins this Sunday
Our Advent worship series follows the “Fear Not” declarations leading to the birth of Christ–from the prophet Isaiah, to Joseph, Zechariah, and Mary. We begin this Sunday with “Fear Not: The Long View” from Isaiah 41:8-13. The Hulsey & Aldea family will light the first Advent candle, and we’ll enjoy special music from Barb Walter playing a Hymn Medley.
2 Angel Tree
The Angel Tree will be up this Sunday! Children of an incarcerated parent receive Angel Tree gifts that are suggested by their parent and local caregivers. We do the shopping and then deliver the gift. Stop by the table outside the sanctuary for you to choose a gift and get shopping.
3 Pageant rehearsals have begun!
Aricka and the kids have begun work on this year’s Christmas pageant, which will be performed in worship on Sunday, December 18. If you have a child, grandchild, or one of their friends who’d be interested in participating, it’s not too late. Just come to practice on Sunday morning! Contact Aricka for more details at 719-468-0234.
4 “We’re All In This Together”
We’re all in this together, as we work together to live out our calling as followers of Jesus. Our ministries in 2023 depend upon all of us being the Body of Christ and contributing what we’re able to this effort. We have received 20 commitments so far, which represents about half the households in the church. Thank you! If you have not yet submitted your Estimate of Giving card, please do so as soon as possible, or you can simply call or text Kathy Parker at 719-469-6191 and let her know what you anticipate being able to give in 2023.
5 “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”
Dean Rees invites singers to rehearse on Thursday evenings in December in preparation for our Christmas Eve “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” Candlelight Communion Service. Rehearsals will take place on Thursdays, December 1, 8, 15, and 22, at 6:30 p.m. Our songs will include an arrangement of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” along with bell accompaniment. Please consider making the time this Advent season for this musical offering.
Visit the church website to find out more on our midweek groups for men, women, youth, and Mothers of Preschoolers!
Find us!
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Website: https://firstchurchlajunta.org/
