ADVENT CONSPIRACY
To keep our hearts and lives centered on the true meaning of Christmas, we are once again making a commitment to spend less, give more, worship fully and love all. Below are specific ways these elements are unfolding in our church and lives.
SPEND LESS
Nearly half a trillion dollars is spent on Christmas every year leaving most of us with a heavy debt that we pay on for months. Consider the following suggestions to spend less this year and eliminate this unnecessary burden...
Nearly half a trillion dollars is spent on Christmas every year leaving most of us with a heavy debt that we pay on for months. Consider the following suggestions to spend less this year and eliminate this unnecessary burden...
- Substantially reduce your Christmas budget in order to give
- Commit to not go into debt
- Reject the lie that love is expressed through stuff
GIVE MORE
Spending less gives us the opportunity to give more and give relationally...to exchange our wealth to help those in poverty and to give ourselves as Jesus did for us. Below are opportunities to invest in by spending less and giving relationally...
Spending less gives us the opportunity to give more and give relationally...to exchange our wealth to help those in poverty and to give ourselves as Jesus did for us. Below are opportunities to invest in by spending less and giving relationally...
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Give Relational Gifts To Others
Instead of giving the usual "stuff" that we most often forget about after a few months, why not give of yourself? It's much more costly, but much more
meaningful. Here are a few suggestions...
...Make gifts instead of purchasing them.
...Purchase an inexpensive gift that requires you to interact with others - like a project or game for your child so you can participate with them.
...Give time - Give someone a day with you enjoying your friendship and relationship.
...Make gifts instead of purchasing them.
...Purchase an inexpensive gift that requires you to interact with others - like a project or game for your child so you can participate with them.
...Give time - Give someone a day with you enjoying your friendship and relationship.
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E. 3rd Christmas Party
We will be hosting a Christmas party for the families living on E. 3rd at 5 Rock Ranch on Sunday, December 18.
See the handout on Sundays to discover how you can participate.
WORSHIP FULLY
Many times we are so busy celebrating Christmas that we miss the point of worshipping Christ. Here are ways we are simplifying our lives and schedules to focus more on Jesus...
Many times we are so busy celebrating Christmas that we miss the point of worshipping Christ. Here are ways we are simplifying our lives and schedules to focus more on Jesus...
- Simplified Church Schedule
You will notice there are minimal events scheduled on the church calendar for the month of December. Instead of adding to the Christmas chaos,
take the time to focus on your family, friends and most of all, Jesus.
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Simplified Personal Schedule
Look at your December schedule and eliminate those things that distract from or don't allow you to fully worship Jesus.
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Christmas Eve, Eve Gatherings - Friday, December 23 @ 5:30 & 7pm
To celebrate Christ's birth, provide valuable time for family celebrations/traditions and maintain a simple schedule, we have moved our
Christmas Eve Gatherings to Friday, December 23 @ 5:30 & 7pm.
- Interactive Advent
To enhance our experience of the Advent (the arrival/coming of Christ) season, we will be participating in an interactive experience.
Each Sunday throughout this season a summary and reflection sheet will be provided for you to share your thoughts, pictures and
words on the themes of Advent (Hope, Peace, Joy, Love) and post them on the Interactive Advent wall in the lobby area.
LOVE ALL
God has opened doors through Mission 418 to embrace, care for and love the people of Uganda through University Community Fellowship. Spending less on ourselves gives us the opportunity to give more to touch the lives of people. We will be receiving an offering in the month of December to help support UCF as they raise funds for their Hekima Project (see more information here). Please pray and ask the Lord what He would have you give in December as well as monthly throughout the year.
God has opened doors through Mission 418 to embrace, care for and love the people of Uganda through University Community Fellowship. Spending less on ourselves gives us the opportunity to give more to touch the lives of people. We will be receiving an offering in the month of December to help support UCF as they raise funds for their Hekima Project (see more information here). Please pray and ask the Lord what He would have you give in December as well as monthly throughout the year.
