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December 3, 2014
A Devotional Life

 A Devotional Life

 

Throughout Advent, we will read and reflect upon the same scripture. These devotions have been written by many different members of our church family. If you didn't pick up your free Advent devotional this past Sunday after church, don't worry; there are still many available. 

Click here for an online copy:  Advent Devotions 

  

 Psalms 17 and 147

Luke 20:19-26

 

"He said to them, 'Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's'" (Luke 20:25)

 

These passages all correspond together into one major theme: God is everything we see, hear and feel; and through the bad He makes light. Demons are present everywhere and we face them every day. They are present within us and around us biding time and waiting to strike during moments of weakness. Psalm 17:8-9 says, "Hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who despoil me, my deadly enemies who surround me." The psalmist offers a plea to God, asking Him to protect and guard us from these demons that haunt our waking paths. These passages help us to remember that God is in control and reminds us that without Him, we would be lost sheep blinded by the pleasures in this world. Psalm 147 offers a joyful gladness toward God reminding us that everything we have is from Him. Through this Psalm, we are reminded to be humbled and thankful for what we have for everything comes from God and can easily be taken away by Him. Often times we forget how good life is until tragedy occurs taking with it simple pleasures. Yet again in Luke 20:19-26, we are reminded that everything we have comes from God. While we claim objects and people to be our own, we forget that they are already claimed by Him and will always be claimed by Him. In this time of Advent, take time to thank God for the simple things in life because through Him we were saved. He gave His one and only Son for us, an unforgettable act that is often forgotten.

 

            ~Amy Spangenberg

 

 

A Worshipful Life

Advent Series:   "The Gifts of God"

Sermon Title:     "The Needed Gift"

Matthew 2:1-8
 

This sermon is for those of you who have received socks and underwear as a Christmas gift (this was a staple of my childhood, at any rate). We tend to think of "gifts" in terms of luxuries we wouldn't pursue for ourselves. The love of God is no luxury; it is a needed gift. Yet its necessity should not detract from it's "gift-ness," because we can never pursue God's love; we can only ever receive it.

An Advent-ful Life
Each week in Advent will bring a different experience to Center Church worship. 

                      

  • December 6th from 9am - noon and December 7th from 8:30am to 2:00pm the Fair Trade Market will be in full swing.  Stop by to shop for those hard to buy for folks and know that your purchases will make a difference in the life of the person who crafted or grew it.  Catalogs for the Heifer project will also be available if you care to support under-privileged families with a donation to help provide clean water or livestock. 
  • December 7th Worship is 8:30am and 11:00am
  • Poinsettias with a Promise is new this year.  When you purchase a $10 plant, you will also be making a $4 donation to Family Promise.   As the flowers brighten our sanctuary throughout the Christmas season, our promise of support will brighten the season for those who need it most.  Order forms will be in the bulletin and orders accepted through December 7th.  Please mail, order online, or place the form in the collection on plate on Sunday.

  • This Sunday is a Congregation Meeting to elect the officers for year class 2017.  If you are not currently serving as an officer, consider answering the call to serve on the Nominating Committee.  We will be electing those folks as well.  The meeting will convene immediately following 11:00 worship.  Attendees at 8:30 are encourage to return to participate in this important part of the life of the church.  Orders for Poinsettias with a Promise are due. 

 

  • December 14th worship at 8:30 and 11:00.  Plan to arrive in time for the Advent Breakfast.  Everyone is asked to bring a breakfast/brunch dish to feed at least 8.  Serving begins at 9:45 and will be followed by an entertaining program. 
  • December 21st brings us together again with one worship service for the Annual Musical Presentation.  What a wonderful way to lead us up to Christmas Eve.
  • Candle light Christmas Eve Worship will be at 7:30 and 11:00 pm.  The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper will be celebrated at both services. 
A Servant's Life
Upcoming Events
  • Anyone who would like to take a Hymns for the Family of God home may do so. Hymnals with book plate dedications are sorted alphabetically by donor's name. Please take as many as you wish, there are some great craft projects you can do with these books, just check out Pinterest to get your creative juices flowing.

  • The Giving Tree in the Gathering Place is filled with tags of gift suggestions for Soldiers Angels and Family Promise.  Please return your gift wrapped, with the tag firmly attached by the date indicated.  No gift bags please. 
  • Presbyterian Women again are sponsoring C-Mail.  Christmas cards for your Center Church friends can be placed in the alphabetical slots in the box provided.  These cards will be sorted and placed on tables ready for pick up.  Please check each week for cards addressed to you and to be sure that cards you have addressed have been claimed.  PW asks that in lieu of the of postage saved, a donation be made to support the mission projects of the Presbyterian Women.
  • Mary Martha Circle will meet on Monday December 8th in the Gathering Place at 11:30 a.m.  Bring your lunch and join our study of II Corinthians.

  • Once again we are accepting donations of interesting cr�ches for display in our library throughout Advent.  If you have one to share, please contact Amy Davis 724-745-9048.  Each will be set up in the library with an information card identifying the donor and whatever information you would like to share about it.

  • Do you have any gently worn coats in your closets that you won't be wearing this season?  Think about donating them. Family Promise is looking for winter apparel for their families and the balance will be sent to Mancan Staffing Agency's 4th Annual Coats for Kids Campaign.  Boxes will be set up in the Gathering Place for the next 2 weeks.


 

A Joyful Life

 

Classic Christmas Movie Scene: Buddy the Elf at the Mall - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pXzUu8LkmI