This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Holy wow!!!! Christmas and the New Year feel like they are right around the corner. I don't know about you, but to me, this year feels like it has absolutely flown by. It's been busy. Amidst the quick pace and the busyness, I am thankful this Thursday for the opportunity each week to write this newsletter. It allows me to both think ahead and reflect on what we have done and what we still need to do.

Thinking back, I am giving thanks. Thank you all for a fantastic year at church. From beautiful services and worship to hurricane relief work, to refugee ministries, to feeding ministries, to coat and clothing drives, we have done a lot. Your volunteering, your giving, your presence, and support have made all of these things possible. As the weather turns cold, I know there are children warmer because of the coats you gave, and as the weekend approaches, I know families are being fed because of the food you donated and the shelves you helped stock. Again, thank you!

As we look ahead, I invite you all to worship with us for the rest of Advent and on Christmas Eve. Our services will be beautiful. In last week's gospel, John the Baptist, standing in the wilderness, called on us all to "prepare for the coming of the Lord." One of the best ways to prepare for the Lord is by drawing near to him through worship. In worship, we get to lay our hopes, dreams, hurts, loves, and vulnerabilities at the altar and in the manger. 

If it's been a minute since you've been to church, come on back. You will find this place as warm and welcoming as ever. Come and worship, come and prepare for Christmas.

Peace,

Mitch