calvary updates 12/19

Ten of us went Christmas caroling last night and experienced a great blessing as we visited four homes of those shut in due to illness. We also sang for the residents at Timbercreek Nursing Home during their evening meal.

I was so encouraged by the comment of one resident at Timbercreek who said very emphatically, "Thank you so much for coming out to sing for us." Sometimes it's just a simple acts of kindness that give us the most joy. You may not be the best singer, you may not be the best baker, you may not have the most time to give, but giving what you can brings a blessing when it's done with a joyful heart.

I guarantee we were NOT the best singers last night, but the carols we offered pack wonderful words of encouragement. I know we encouraged them and we were blessed by singing the message of the carols. I came across this passage today in my devotions. Colossians 3: 16Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

My understanding is that we are serving (singing or baking or investing time) to honor the name of the Lord who saved us. We don't do it to be seen or praised. We do it simply because we love the Lord and he has asked us to love others also.

WHAT TO EXPECT SUNDAY

Our message is entitled "The Incomparable Christ." We will remind ourselves of the enormity of all that Christ did for us in coming to his creation. Our worship begins at 10:30 AM and Sunday School kicks off our morning at 9:15 AM. Come for a cup of coffee and a donut.

It will be warm enough to meet in the sanctuary this Sunday! Yeah! The new furnace will be installed after Christmas.

Here is a song you will hear Sunday, Josh Groban - O Holy Night [with lyrics]

You will hear our carolers this Sunday! And to be clear, I thought we sounded pretty good in my humble opinion!

Church Business Meeting immediately following worship service this Sunday

Christmas Eve Service Wednesday December 24th. 4 PM.

Men's Breakfast Saturday, January 3rd. 8:30 am.

For a chronological read through the Bible try this website biblestudytools.com.  Today's reading was Titus 1-3.

You all know the carol, "The First Noel." But do you know what Noel means?

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Frank Winfrey

cell:309-645-9621