Be patient and stand firm...
Sunday, December 11
I came across this vanity plate in line at McDonalds: GRINCHD. I wondered who would so proudly display such a trademark, then I looked up into the driver’s side rearview mirror of the car and noticed a face that was glaring back at me, and then it seemed to sort-of fit.
In our Advent text for Sunday morning, James is writing about waiting patiently for the arrival of Christ even in the midst of trials and tribulations. He cautions, “… be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another…” (James 5:8-9a)
Among all the Christmastime characters that we become reacquainted with this time of year, is the Grinch. You find him everywhere from stores to greeting cards to TV specials. It can be easy to become Grinchy.
James encourages Christians to wait patiently, expectantly and joyfully, even in the midst of the troubles of this world. Why? Because we know that what is coming is just what we’ve been living for and hoping for all along. We can wait and be glad!
Advent Blessings,
Pastor Rich
Click the image above for this years Christmas Card list. If you would like to give Christmas Cards to your church family, you can drop them in the card holders hanging on the coat racks in the foyer. Pockets are separated by last name initials. There are also printed copies of this list in the foyer. Thanks!
Are you searching for ways to be the church throughout the week? Join our Helping Hands group for opportunities!
NDI - To make Christlike Disciples in the Nations
See what the kids are up to!
- Check out the kids' wish list on Amazon by clicking the image above. Thank you for all the ways you help our kids!
- We are in need of kids volunteers for Sunday School and Children's Church. Can you spare a couple hours a month to serve on this team? See Kara Purves or John Harris for more info
See what the teens are up to!
Check it out! Our teens will be gift wrapping at church this year every Sunday from 1-4pm. The gift wrapping is free but they will be accepting donations to raise money to go to camp next summer.
You can sign up for an approximate arrival time using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C0F49AEA722ABFACF8
or let us know on our Facebook event here: https://fb.me/e/35c4JPAYT
If you would like to donate to help our kids go to camp, you can do so by marking your envelope "camp" or by choosing the camp fund here: https://glnaz.com/give
- Click the image above to view the teens Amazon wish list
- The teens are also in need of some helpers for Sunday School and Youth Group on Sunday nights. If you could spare a couple hours to help lead our teens, see John Harris or Stephanie Dewey
Life Groups
Life is better when we do it together - when we are able to come alongside and support and encourage each other.
Life Groups have begun! They meet at various locations/times/dates every other week.
Use the link below to sign up or see John Harris:
Grief Share Support Group
This support group meets from 6:30 - 8:30pm in the side classroom off the sanctuary.
Here are the scheduled meeting dates:
Thursday, December 15
Tuesday, December 20
There is no cost to participate but you may purchase the work book for $15. If cost presents a problem for you, the church can help with that so you can attend this healing process.
See Richelle Martzke for more information on this group.
Financial Peace University
Would you like to take control of your money? See John or Darlene Harris for a one-on-one FPU class or sign up for a group class with others.
Be sure to 'like' our I Love My City - Grand Ledge Facebook page!
Click the image above to get there
Grand Ledge Christmas Parade
Huge thank you to all our volunteers who helped at the parade Friday night! We gave out 250 cups of hot chocolate to our neighbors and cleaned up lots of trash after the parade. Thank you for helping us love our city!
Shared Pregnancy Women's Center Partnership
We are excited for our new partnership with Shared Pregnancy Women's Center. There are many ways we can give, donate, volunteer and pray for this ministry.
See the list below of items they can use. You can bring them in and drop them in the toy box in the kids hallway.
If you wish to donate money, you can drop change or bills in the baby bottle outside the kids room or give online at https://faithlife.com/glnaz/give and choosing the "Shared Pregnancy Women's Center" Fund
If you have any questions, see Kara Purves
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who donated items to Shared Pregnancy! Here is our latest drop-off of items to them!
Use the link below to order your very own GLCN, ILMC and STRIVE logo wear items!
Crisis Care Kits are a way we can help others in emergency situations. Receiving simple items like toothpaste, a comb, or band-aids become very helpful in a natural disaster, war or other crisis. Crisis Care Kits (CCKs) are designed to provide people with some of the essentials they may not have due to those scenarios.
Our NMI Council has set a goal for Grand Ledge to collect 12 boxes (72 CCK's) by July 2023. Each month or so, we will feature an item to collect. (Although you can always give any of the items at any time!)
See below for this month's featured item and the details on the specifics. Thank you for helping us work toward reaching our goal!
December Featured Item:
December - Fingernail Clippers
We will be collecting these at the Missions corner in the foyer. Here is an idea of how many we will need by July 2023:
1 per CCK
6 per box
72 for all 12 boxes
Other ways to help:
- Pick up banana boxes (can get free from most grocery stores) we will need at least 12 before July 2023
- Pray for those who will be receiving these kits
2023 Camp Dates:
Upcoming Events
Join us Christmas Eve for a candlelight service. Bring the whole family for Christmas music and a great Christmas message. We can't wait to see you there!
