Jesus! The Advent of The Messiah

Transcription

1 Operation Christmas Child Suffolk Christian Church Suffolk, Virginia November 17, 2017 We delivered 40 boxes to Southside Baptist Church on Monday, November 13th. Thank you to everyone who filled a box. If you did not bring your box to church on Sunday, please deliver your box directly to Southside Baptist Church. The schedule of Drop-Off Times is located on the Operation Christmas Child website. Thank you again for putting smiles on children s faces throughout the world. Office...(757) Office Hours, 9:00-5:00 Monday - Friday Fax: (757) office@suffolkchristian.org Website Webmaster@suffolkchristian.org Submitted by Priscilla Bunch Pastor...Rev. Michael D. Halley Choral Director Janet L. Rock Director of Children, Youth & Adult Ministries. Priscilla G. Bunch Church Secretary...Margaret N. Saunders Financial Secretary Dae R. Nixon Organist...Mary N. Huber Pianist Carmen B. Halley Handbell Choirmaster.....Sean C. Bilby Custodian.....Aaron Whidbee Security Attendants Gary Williams Nursery Worker Julie McBride Webmaster....Pat Hawn Audio/Visual Recorders...Jonathan Martin, Edie Matthews, Tom Arthur Schedule of Services Sunday School for all ages......sunday, 10:00 a.m. Early Worship Service Sunday, 8:45 a.m. Worship Service Sunday, 11:00 a.m. Child of God Choir..... Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Kings Ringers Handbells... Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Nursery Provided for Regular Worship Service / Nursery Provided for All Other Services Holy Communion every First Sunday We are Committed to Christian Education. 216 N Main Street Suffolk VA Our Vision: We Worship. We Disciple. We Serve. November 17, 2017 Inside this issue: Calendar/Birthdays Children s Events Youth Events Memorials Stewardship Prayer Requests Non-Profit Org. U. S. Postage Paid Permit No. 33 Suffolk VA Return Service Requested Special points of Interest: Voices of Christmas Presents A Red Letter Christmas Chancel Choir Christmas Concert and Reception Christmas Eve Services Suffolk, VA Church Wide Christmas Potluck Lunch Million Bulb Walk at Norfolk Botanical Garden We thank God for... Night Stay Bus Drivers Needed Angel Tree 31 Challenge Report on the Jesus! The Advent of The Messiah There really is something about that name. It s as ordinary as your next door neighbor and as rare as the answer to your every question. It s a name that causes demons to tremble, but comforts the lonely in the darkest night. That name is JESUS! The significant events surrounding Christ s birth still impact us today. He was a baby sent to change everything. He was JESUS! Please join us on Sunday, December 17, at 5 p.m. as our Music Ministry celebrates this season of His birth and honors the gift of a Savior ~ our Savior ~ JESUS! The program includes music presented by our Men s Chorus and handbell choirs. A nursery will be provided, and you are cordially invited to join us for a reception in the fellowship hall following the program. Plan now to join us as we celebrate this High and Holy One, this Name above all names ~ this mighty King who reigns over heaven and earth. And bring a friend! This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce someone to our church. Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas season!

2 My Dear Friends, Christmas is coming! Are you ready? Some, maybe are, but most are not. Actually, I was speaking in the cultural and material sense... decorations, gifts, holiday planning, etc. But there is also, and most importantly, the spiritual sense: Are we ready for the coming of Christ into our lives? The season of Advent gives us four Sundays in which to celebrate and explore that preparation for the coming of Christ. We light the Advent candles each week and ponder what Christ brings to us and to our world. Our Christmas celebration each year is simply not complete without these important church rituals and liturgies, so I pray you will take full advantage of these Sundays to prepare for the coming of Christ into your life. And then there is the giving of gifts. Special gifts to loved ones, specially chosen. What joy they bring, both to giver and recipient! As we give to loved ones, may we also give to our Lord Jesus the gift that only we can give... the gift of ourselves. For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) May you and your family have a most blessed Christmas! Love, Michael Pastor s Column Rev. Michael D. Halley Pastor Angel Tree The tags for our annual Angel Tree will be available on Sunday, November 19 th. When you take a tag off the tree, please put your name, phone number and address beside the number of your tag. You will need to return your wrapped gifts to the church on Sunday, December 10 th. Please keep in mind that if you do not return your gifts by December 10 th, you will have to deliver your gifts directly to Social Services. If you should have any questions, please contact Priscilla Bunch at or pbunch1@charter.net. Church wide Christmas Potluck Lunch The Board of Christian Education will be sponsoring our annual party on Sunday, December 10th, immediately following The Voices of Christmas program. The BoCE will provide fried chicken & beverages. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share with everyone. We will have a special visitor attending after lunch. Please sign up on the bulletin board outside of the church office. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact Priscilla Bunch at via pbunch1@charter.net. Please make your plans now to attend everyone is invited. Want to be More Spiritually and Physically Fit? Take the 31 Challenge! New Prayer Concerns Margaret Herring (Kindred Healthcare)... Barbara Griffin (at home).ed Roberts Prayer Concerns Kenny Griffin... Nita Wyatt... Kasey Banton... Jim Hancock... Jene Rountree... Peggy Hemphill... Mary Jane & Forrest Cathey... Michael Reid... Sara Heuberger... Bonnie McCrary... Bobby Johnson... Wanda & Bryan Cadwell... Eddie Hawn... Jenny Smith... Jimmy & Becky Bradshaw... Kathleen & Kenny Wilson... Debbie Spivey... Steve Redd... Rita Redfern... Janine Joyner... Kitty & Earl Martin... Our Church Family... Unspoken Requests... Website Requests Military Service Austin Babb (USA)... Spencer Best (USMC)... Derek Causin (USN... Brandon Gardner (USN)... Nathan Marsh (USN)... Adam Reckley (USCG)... William Slack (USAF)... Matthew Stroup (USN) Our Missionaries Joyce & Jim White, Scripture Memory Mountain Mission, Emmalena, Kentucky; Supply & Multiply, Haiti (Christine & Chris Surber; Meredith Barnhill) Our College Students Meghan Babb, Louisiana State University; Rebecca Bangley, Radford University; Alex Banton, Tidewater Community College; Kasey Banton, Tidewater Community College; Abigail Bilby, George Mason University; Courtney Buchanan, Riverside School of Health Sciences; Christine Comer, Northwestern University; Neal Davis, Old Dominion University; Olivia Elliott, University of South Carolina; Shannon Griffin, South University; Caitlyn Hannah, Virginia Tech; Katelyn Herek, Tidewater Community College; Jacob Holland, Ferrum College; Bryce Jones, Paul D. Camp Community College; William Keyt, University of Virginia; Shae Masters, Paul D. Camp Community College; Diana McBride, Liberty University; Connor Munn, Longwood University; Scott Munn, University of Mary Washington; Simon Munn, James Madison University; Kaylor Nash, Radford University; Michaela Noel, Tidewater Community College; Sarah Rhodes, Tidewater Community College; Will Rhodes, Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University; Blair Ritter, James Madison University; Jennifer Saunders, James Madison University; Hunter Simpkins, The College and Career Academy at Pruden; Grace Smith, Belmont University; Nicholas Smith, Elon University - studying in London; Emma Wyatt, Virginia Commonwealth University Extended Family & Friends Prayer Concerns Damen Smith (cousin of Diane Mathias)... Shaun Powell (son-n-law of June & Mike Beale)... Nita Parker (friend of Jessica Rogge)... David Gardner (brother of Priscilla Bunch)... Matthew Thornton (nephew of Lisa & Andy McLaughlin)... Brian Kooyman (Vicki Winslow s niece s boyfriend)... Barbara Whitmore (sister-in-law of Robert & Mae Whitmore)... Nadeem Kokhar (minister friend of Gary Munn)...Fathom O Flaherty (friend of Eddie Hawn)... Jo Anna Bates (sister of Betty Johnson)... Meeghan Kummer (friend of Jill Harris)... Joey Francis (friend of Sara Keene)... Carolyn Furman (friend of Michael Halley)... Ashley Baker (friend of Jessica Rogge)... Jackson Cramer (nephew of Michael & Jessica Rogge)... Maya Mason (friend of Jessica Rogge)... Bill Sasser (friend of Bill Shumate)... Jahquita Ramsey (mother of Kim Comer)... Angie Parsain (death of her son Alex, friend of Betty Johnson)... Beth Wallace (friend of Eddie Hawn)... Tammy & Sarah Halley (daughter-in-law and granddaughter of Carmen and Michael Halley)...Lana & Robin Loeb (sister and brother-in-law of Shirley Talbert)... Joann Wolford Dale (sister of Grace Atkins)... Johnsie Barringer (friend of Shirley Talbert)... Linda Carr (friend of Shirley Talbert)... Sheldon Swain (friend of Eddie Hawn)... Vickey Furr (friend of Shirley Talbert)... Jack Norris, Jr., & Family (friends of Pat Hawn)... Nancy Galasso (friend of Pat Mann)... Amanda Hersch (friend of Pat Hawn)... Kayleigh (friend of Eddie Hawn)... Jimmy Parr (son of Sue Parr)... Paige Harrington... Mildred Dewell (mother-in-law of Judy Eure)... Joseph Sanders (friend of Fred Potter)... Rick Pearce (nephew of Judy Eure)... Chris Redinger (friend of Bill Shumate)... Gordon Atkinson (friend of Pat Hawn)... Marjorie & Mark Campbell (mother & step-father of Glenn Hott)... Angela Seed (friend of Lynne Copeland)... Kristi Rezabek... Rick Copeland... Sandy Robertson (friend of Shirley Mutter)... Janet Britt (friend of Priscilla Bunch)... Lumio (friend of Eddie Hawn)... David Earl Britt, Jr. (nephew of Sarah Burford & Margaret Herring)... Rebecca (friend of Eddie Hawn)... Aubrey Roane (friend of Jane Marie & Jim Dailey)... Brenda Holland (friend of Shirley Talbert)... Steve Easterday (nephew of Beverly McGahee)... Samantha Bright (granddaughter of Jimmy & Becky Bradshaw)... Majdah Schiavi (CAPS Interim Director)... Mary Ellen Simms (mother of Debra Carr)... Wade Asbell (grandson of Betty Asbell)... Peggy Chapman (aunt of Vicki Winslow)... Family of Ray Martin (friends of Lindsey Hawn... Christof (friend of Eddie Hawn)... Zephan Luck & Family (friends of Pat Hawn)... Peter Glasier & Family (friends of Carmen & Michael Halley) Our Country: Pray for all elected and appointed officials in the national, state, and local settings; pray for all uniformed and civil servants who keep us safe and secure. Prayer requests will remain on the list as space allows. If you wish to change, add, or delete a request, please call the church office at , or office@suffolkchristian.org Skilled Care: Kindred Nansemond Pointe: Doris Gardner (aunt of Priscilla Bunch), Ann Pierce Assisted Living: Kindred Nansemond Pointe: Nancy Chalkley; Chesapeake Place: Millie Strickland; Elizabeth City (NC) Health & Rehab Center: Marjorie Wilkinson; Harbor s Edge, Norfolk: Nancy Fulgham; Cedarfield, Richmond: Madelyn Howell Home Bound: Dorothy Judkins, Vernon Taylor, Jane Pritchard, Margaret Herring

3 January Coalition against Poverty in Suffolk (CAPS) - $ February Food Pantry - $ March Haiti Missions - $1, April Church Family Assistance - $ May SCC Youth Mission-Fuge Trip - $ June Scripture Memory Mountain Mission - $ July Supply and Multiply $ August Coalition against Poverty in Suffolk (CAPS) - $ September Night Stay Ministry - $ October Sarah Halley Education Fund Account - $2, November Coats for Community - $ December Veterans of the Cross Dimes for Missions - $ Donations to the Food Pantry have been given by the West Memorial Bible Class, Afternoon Circle and Evening Circle. Stewardship Report: We Are Walking By Faith January October 2017 income to date - $295, January October 2017 expenses to date - $304, Coats for the Community It s time once again to gear up for our annual coat drive. We will distribute on two days this year, Saturday, January 6 from 9:00-11:00 am and Monday, January 8, from 2:00-4:00 pm. There are many ways that you can help with this church-wide project. Please consider buying a new coat for the project or donate any gently used coats from your closet. (We always have a need for the larger adult sized coats, as well as for hats, scarfs, gloves and mittens for children and adults.) Another way to participate is by volunteering to help with the set-up of the coats and/or the distribution, a most rewarding experience. AND.we hope that you will pray for this project and that the recipients of a winter coat will feel the warmth of God s love. Circle News The Afternoon Circle will meet on Monday, December 4, at 12 noon in the Saints Alive Center for their annual Christmas lunch. Chicken will be provided. Those attending are to bring a favorite dish to share. Please bring your gift items for our Angel Tree selection. You are invited to attend and join us for Christian fellowship, fun, and great food! If you would like more information, please call the circle leader, Jane Marie Dailey at The Evening Circle will meet on Monday, December 11 at 6:30 pm for their Christmas potluck meal at the home of Muriel Shumate. This will be followed by a special Christmas devotion. Their Christmas gift exchange will also take place. The circle invites you to join them. Elaine Abernathy is the circle leader, Contact her at Christmas wonder I want to see into the heart of a thing I want the God-given way of seeing life, not to possess and to control, but to stand back in wonder and gratitude. Esther de Waal, Newsletter Newsletter Dec Church Bus drivers needed We need transportation for a few of our Night Stay weeks this year. We have a great bus here that could be used, but we need drivers! We would need the bus to be at the pickup site (train station on Main Street) at 6pm in the evening, leave there at 6:30 and transport to the host church. An intake team from the host church would meet you at the site to do the intake process. All you would need to do is drive the bus. The following morning, we need a driver and one rider to be at the host church by 7am and transport back to the train station. This would only require approximately 1 hour of time in the evening and usually less than an hour in the morning. If anyone has any questions, or is willing to help, please let me know. Thank you! Cheryl Griffin or Thank you, Congregation: We have so much to be thankful for. I just had to tell you the program, the music, the food, and especially the Fellowship was wonderful! Sincerely, Nancy Parker [Editor s Note: Note was received after the Suffolk Hymn Festival, held at the church on November 5, 2017.] News About Our Church Family Our congratulations to April and Ryan Fleming on the birth of their son, Lucas Ryan Fleming on October 26, Lucas weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces and is 20 inches long. His big sister and brother are Hannah and Caden. A free clothing distribution will start at Suffolk Christian Church in The plan is to start mid-january. To accomplish this volunteer helpers are needed to sort, hang, and fold clothes. Anyone interested in being involved please contact Deb Munn at or epiqure@icloud.com or sign up on the bulletin board. You can also help by donating your men s, women s, and children s gently used clothing such as tops, shirts, pants, skirts, belts, and shoes. No underwear, lingerie, jewelry or bathing suits please. We also need hangers, plastic bags, and plastic containers with lids for storing clothes. Rev. Halley and I have been corresponding by with Katie McCarthy, Community Engagement Coordinator, for the ForKids organization. We will be collecting toys for their Holiday Toy Drive. This is an opportunity you can give to children if you don t choose to pick an Angel Tree tag. Always remember giving to small children will bring smiles on their little faces. There will be a box outside of the Board of Christian Education office for your unwrapped toys. We would need to collect all of the toys no later than Sunday, December 10th. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact Priscilla Bunch at pbunch1@charter.net or Submitted by Priscilla Bunch 2018 offering envelopes are now available for pickup in the foyer area of the Sanctuary.

4 I would like to place poinsettias in the church in honor of or in memory of a loved one. They will be ordered by and delivered to the church. The cost is the same as last year, $12.00 each. Deadline to place your order is Monday, December 11. No orders will be accepted after that deadline. In Honor/Memory of: [Circle one] Given by: Please make your check payable to: Suffolk Christian Church and mark it Poinsettias [If mailing, please send to:] Suffolk Christian Church Attn: Cheryl Ashcraft Suffolk, VA Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. Henry Ford Newsletter Newsletter Dec The Christmas season is approaching quickly and it s time to be thinking about placing your order for Christmas greenery and poinsettias. If you would like to place an order for any of the items listed below, in honor of or in memory of a loved one, please contact Cheryl Ashcraft at Deadline for all orders is Monday, December 11. No order will be accepted after that deadline. 2 Outside Front Wreaths...$50 each 1 Upstairs Balcony Wreaths.$50 each 1 Inside Front Column Wreaths $35 each 1 Side Foyer Arrangement SOLD.. $35 1 Huntboard Arrangement SOLD.. $40 Piano/Organ Arrangement SOLD.. $40 Upstairs Foyer Arrangement SOLD...$35 1 Downstairs Newel Post Swag.$35 1 Wreaths North Entrance Columns.$30 each 2 Wreaths North Entrance Doors..SOLD..$30 each 2 Wreaths Iron Gates Front Entrance.SOLD..$30 each 8 Boxwood Wreaths Outside Windows.$25 each North Foyer Arrangement SOLD... $35 North Second Floor Foyer Arrangement SOLD $35 Wreath Beside Office Door SOLD.$35 Miscellaneous items ( greens, Ribbons, wire, etc.)...$97 Poinsettias are still needed. Million Bulb Walk Norfolk Botanical Garden Saturday, November 25 th On Saturday, November 25 th, we will go to the Million Bulb Walk through the Norfolk Botanical Garden. The tickets are as follows: Adult: $17.00, Child: 3 17: $ You can order your tickets online prior to going to the garden no later than 4:00pm of the date you are attending. We will leave church around 4:30pm and go directly to the garden. Once we have walked through the garden, we will eat dinner together. Please sign up on the bulletin board if you would like to go. Any questions, please contact Priscilla Bunch at pbunch1@charter.net or Congregational Meetings Report By: Evelyn Jones During the months of September and October, the Stewardship Committee along with the Board of Finance, Deacons and Christian Education held eleven congregational meetings. The Board of Finance would like to thank each of our hosts and all those who attended. Suggestions on growing our congregation were presented by members that love and care for our Church. Some of the ideas are included below. Additional suggestions are always welcomed. 1. T he possibility of an alternative, more contemporary service, either during the Sunday early service on Saturday night. 2. Consider a new sign out front if the Historical Regulations will allow it. Add more lighting out front. 3. Advertise church activities. 4. Have a greeter at the front doors and keep the doors open until the service begins. 5. Incorporate more contemporary music or blended music into our services. 6. Develop a welcoming center to include Sunday morning coffees. 7. Be a more welcoming congregation. Follow up with visitors and send them information on church happenings. Possibly develop a discipling program. 8. Investigate the Welcome to Suffolk group through the city of Suffolk to obtain names of new residents. 9. Grow The Praying Church. 10. Expand our children and youth programs and maintain connection with our college students. 11. Consider that some people have to work on Sunday mornings. Plan for some alternate worship times. 12. Let Boards and Sunday School Classes make presentations during 11:00 worship to keep the congregation informed of upcoming events. 13. Have a sign-up form for people to indicate if they are interested in boards, committees, teaching slots, etc. 14. Open the church when there are downtown activities. 15. Host an open house. 16. Re-examine core values and see if there are others that we can promote like we are doing the core value of prayer. During the coming months, our Boards and Staff will be meeting to discuss and make recommendations on how to incorporate some of these suggestions. However, we know it is not likely that we can do them all and some will take time to initiate. During our November 27th Praying Church we will focus on these ideas by praying for God s guidance and direction. We will ask Him where He feels we should begin. Please plan to join us at 7:00 PM. If you cannot attend in person, we are asking each of you to pray from wherever you are from 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM. There is power in prayer and we feel this is where we need to start. First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017 Second of Advent December 10, 2017 Third of Advent December 17, 2017 Fourth of Advent December 24, 2017 Christmas Eve December 24, 2017 Christmas Day December 25, 2017 Church Office will be closed Monday, December 25 Tuesday, December 26

5 Suffolk s Annual Christmas Parade Saturday, December 9 th 7:00 pm The children and youth will be participating in the parade this year. We will have some walking and some riding the church bus. We will decorate the bus and the children will work in biblical costumes. I will send an to all parents once I attend the participant meeting. Please let Priscilla know if your child/youth would like to participate as soon as possible. I can be reached either by at pbunch1@charter.net or VOICES OF CHRISTMAS WILL BE PRESENTING A Red Letter Christmas Our children and youth will perform on Sunday, December 10 th during the 11am worship service. Please try to have your child/children at the practices. Thanks for your support and if you should have any questions, please contact Sara Keene. Sunday December 24 8:45 am Early Service 10 am Sunday School 11 am Worship Service 6:00 pm Christmas Eve Family Worship 11:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion Service Youth December Calendar Dates Youth Bible Study December 13 7:00 pm Youth Bible Study December 20 7:00 pm The Church Staff wishes each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed and Healthy New Year. Our greatest need If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness and acceptance, so God sent us a Savior. Author unknown Newsletter Newsletter December 2017 The Praying Church Tuesday, December 26 7:00 pm