2021 December news letter article

Hello Church Family:
 
As we enter the Christmas season, our old and ever-changing nemesis, the CORONA virus is still making its presence known in our community and church.  Our best efforts against this virus still appear to be vigilance, social distancing, face masks, and vaccination.  We are monitoring the situation and will let you know if changes in our schedules are required.  
 
Here is a run-down of our Christmas schedule:
Wed, Dec. 1, 9:00-11:00 AM. Toy Store distribution
Wed, Dec. 1, 7:00-9:00 PM. normal Wednesday evening activities
Thu, Dec. 2, 5:00-7:00 PM. Toy Store distribution
Sat, Dec. 3, 9:00-11:00 AM. Toy Store distribution
Mon, Dec. 6, 7:00 PM. annual Fireman’s Supper
Tue, Dec. 7, 7:00-8:00 PM. Life Brite town hall
Wed, Dec. 8, 7:00-9:00 PM. normal Wednesday evening activities
Wed, Dec. 15, 6:30-8:00 PM. Christmas caroling in community
Sun, Dec. 19, 11:00 AM. Treat bag distribution at end of service
Sun, Dec. 19, 6:00 PM. Candlelight service
Wed, Dec. 22. No evening activities
Sat, Dec. 25. NO Hope Kitchen (December meal already distributed)
Sun, Dec. 26, 11:00 AM. Christmas worship service
Wed, Dec. 29. No evening activities
 
Thanks to so many of you who have contributed, bought toys, and worked in the annual toy store.  The toy store is a partnership with our church, the Pilot Mountain Baptist Association, as well as other Southern Baptist churches in our community, namely Willow Oak Baptist, Germanton Baptist, Friendship Baptist, and Red Bank Baptist.  We are ready for another successful event.  This year we will minister to over seventy families and more than one hundred children.  Donna Craig coordinates this event annually and she makes sure every deserving parent who applies receives assistance for their children.  Because of your support, we can purchase new coats for over sixty of these children (all the children that the parents requested coats).  As the toys are distributed to parents, we get to meet and share the Gospel with each one.  This is a great ministry to bring the hope of Christ to many homes.  Thanks for all you do to make it happen.
 
You may have noticed in our December schedule; the Annual Treat night and Candlelight service have been combined to one service.  After the morning service, we will distribute treat bags to everyone.  That evening at 6:00 PM we will hold our candlelight service which will be more family/kids focused.  With many of our families not back at church yet, this service will not have the rehearsal and costuming efforts that characterized past services.  Nonetheless, we should have a great time of worship that evening with our church family.  Plan to attend as you are able.
 
I am asking for you to pray that our Hope Kitchen ministry can expand to another weekend per month with the help of another church in Walnut Cove that is considering this ministry.  We may support them in some way, but I ask your prayers that they will be able to prepare and distribute meals on a second weekend per month.  This church did distribute the second meal in November.  A heartfelt thanks to all of you who make this great ministry a reality every month.
 
Be sure to read Missy Moore’s section in this month’s newsletter about the new church software we are in the process of fielding.  This software will make keeping accurate information on church members, guests, perspective members easier.  It also streamlines contributions, communications, and a multitude of other services for us all.  Perhaps just as importantly it securely protects church information.  We can even print an “online” church directory.  Stay tuned for upcoming training and orientation to this new program.
 
This month we will be preaching on “God’s Heroes of the Advent” in Matthew and Luke’s Gospel.  The messages are about Joseph, Mary, Zechariah, and the shepherds.  I am excited about these messages.  Join us in-person or online as we worship this season.  I know A.J. and the Choir will provide inspiring music this season.
 
Debbie and I pray you and your family will have a joyful Christmas season this year.  We pray that despite the difficulties of the time, and the difficulties in your own life that you will know the joy of Christ that brings light to all the darkness.  Please tell me if we can assist you in any way this season.  God bless you.  We love you.
 
-Pastor Jim