December 2023 Pastor’s Corner — A Season of Promise

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’” — Jeremiah 33:14-16

Advent is one of the most popular seasons in the church calendar, it’s certainly one of mine.  Of course, culturally its popular because it means Christmas is coming and most of us look at Advent as a time to prepare for the celebration of that holiday.  But there is a depth and richness to Advent, an irony even, that runs much deeper than merely getting ready for Christmas.  “Advent” is a Latin word that means “coming” or “arrival.”  Yes, it is a season of preparing to celebrate Christ’s first coming 2,000 years ago, but even more it is a season of preparation for Christ’s return.  This dual focus makes Advent a season of promise — promise fulfilled and promise yet to come.

As foretold in Jeremiah (and Isaiah and the other prophets), the incarnation of Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of God’s promises to redeem His people from sin and exile and restore His Kingdom on earth in a fuller and more beautiful way than ever before.  As the New Testament makes clear, every one of God’s promises about the Messiah were fulfilled in Jesus Christ.  Every single one.  We can spend our entire lives contemplating the wonder of God’s promises fulfilled in the incarnation of Christ and find there’s always more depths to explore, which is why Advent is necessary to help us prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  

What no one expected, though, was that the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ was just the beginning, the inauguration, of that work.  The completion and consummation of that work is yet to come, which is why we use this season to prepare for the glorious return of our Savior.  As certainly as He came the first time, He will surely come again.  The guarantee of His return is that He has already come, let alone how many times He said He would return (Matthew 16:27; Luke 12:40; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; Revelation 22:20, to list just a few).  A full and complete celebration of Advent and Christmas not only looks back, but also looks ahead, anticipating the joyous return of our Savior and the consummation of the Kingdom of God.

Advent is the season that shines brightly the hope, love, joy and peace of Jesus Christ in the darkness of this world.  The irony of Advent is this: as cold of winter sets in and the leaves fall and flowers die, as the dark of winter grows longer each day, Advent reminds us that death has been defeated (1 Corinthians 15: 54-57) and the Light of Jesus Christ continues to shine forth and can not be overcome (John 1:1-14).  God will be faithful, and the promise of this season will bear fruit.  So this Advent, hold fast your hope.  Love, because He first loved us.  Rejoice in your salvation now and your salvation yet to come.  Rest, knowing that God has brought you peace, even in the midst of your enemies.

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. — Hebrews 10:22-25

Blessings,

Rev. David Garrison


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News & Announcements for December 3, 2023

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00.  We look forward to seeing you!

 

MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon

Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.

 

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS – ORDER YOURS TODAY!

 It’s time to order poinsettias to help decorate our sanctuary for the Advent-Christmas season.  You are welcome to donate one in memory and in honor of loved ones. To place an order, please sign your name on the bulletin board outside the sanctuary and fill out the form provided for payment.   They are $6.00 each and the deadline is Sunday, Dec. 10.  Please contact Liz Boothe if you have questions.

 

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, DEC 4, 10AM

Join us Monday morning, December 4th at 10.00 a.m. at Northminster. Anne Wilkins will be leading the discussion about Joseph and Mary – A Bond of Trust, page 75 of Love Stories of the Bible Speak. Don’t forget to complete your workbook pages beginning on page 45. (And if you don’t get your chapter read or your workbook pages completed, come anyway.)  Please notice that we are changing the time from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.

 

MISSION FOCUS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER

Our focus for the month of December is Christmas Cheer Baskets. Peanut butter, canned meats, canned fruits, soups, jelly or jam, mac and cheese, pasta, pancake mix, syrup, and spaghetti sauce are great items to donate. When buying something for yourself, consider getting two and bringing one for this worthy mission. Donations can be placed in the receptacle in the narthex until Sunday, December 10. Thank you for your support!

 

THE DECEMBER NEWSLETTER IS NOW AVAILABLE

The December newsletter is now available.  You can pick up a printed copy in the narthex or download it here..

 

PICK UP YOUR ADVENT DEVOTIONAL TODAY

To help deepen your spiritual journey this season, we invite you to pick up an Advent Devotional in the Narthex, or download it here..


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News & Announcements for November 26, 2023

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00.  We look forward to seeing you!

 

MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon

Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.

 

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS – ORDER YOURS TODAY!

        It’s time to order poinsettias to help decorate our sanctuary for the Advent-Christmas season.  You are welcome to donate one in memory and in honor of loved ones. To place an order, please sign your name on the bulletin board outside the sanctuary and fill out the form provided for payment.   They are $6.00 each and the deadline is Sunday, Dec. 10.  Please contact Liz Boothe if you have questions.  See the November newsletter for an article explaining why poinsettias are so important to the Christmas season.

 

HANGING OF THE GREENS – SATURDAY, DEC 2, 9AM-Noon

        You are invited to join us on Saturday, December 2 from 9-noon as we prepare our church to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  We will gather together to decorate beautiful trees with Chrismons, set up Advent candles, wreaths, and banners as we enjoy light brunch refreshments, Christmas music playing in the background, and above all, each other’s company.

 

MISSION FOCUS FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER

Our focus for the month of November is Christmas Cheer Baskets. Peanut butter, canned meats, canned fruits, soups, and jelly or jam are always a good idea. Since we are closer to the delivery date, mid-December, we can now add packaged foods such as mac and cheese, pasta, and pancake mix. Of course, spaghetti sauce and syrup are welcome too! When buying something for yourself, consider getting two and bringing one for this worthy mission. Donations can be placed in the receptacle in the narthex. Thank you for your support!


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News & Announcements for November 19, 2023

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00.  We look forward to seeing you!

 

MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon

Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.

 

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS – ORDER YOURS TODAY!

        It’s time to order poinsettias to help decorate our sanctuary for the Advent-Christmas season.  You are welcome to donate one in memory and in honor of loved ones. To place an order, please sign your name on the bulletin board outside the sanctuary and fill out the form provided for payment.   They are $6.00 each and the deadline is Sunday, Dec. 10.  Please contact Liz Boothe if you have questions.  See the November newsletter for an article explaining why poinsettias are so important to the Christmas season.

 

HANGING OF THE GREENS – SATURDAY, DEC 2, 9AM-Noon

        You are invited to join us on Saturday, December 2 from 9-noon as we prepare our church to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  We will gather together to decorate beautiful trees with Chrismons, set up Advent candles, wreaths, and banners as we enjoy light brunch refreshments, Christmas music playing in the background, and above all, each other’s company.

 

MISSION FOCUS FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER

Our focus for the month of November is Christmas Cheer Baskets. Peanut butter, canned meats, canned fruits, soups, and jelly or jam are always a good idea. Since we are closer to the delivery date, mid-December, we can now add packaged foods such as mac and cheese, pasta, and pancake mix. Of course, spaghetti sauce and syrup are welcome too! When buying something for yourself, consider getting two and bringing one for this worthy mission. Donations can be placed in the receptacle in the narthex. Thank you for your support!


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News & Announcements for November 12, 2023

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00.  We look forward to seeing you!

 

MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon

Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.

 

GLEANING FOR THE WORLD – WEDNESDAY, 8:30AM

Please join us in the parking lot of the church for carpooling. We will return to the church around 11:30 am.

 

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS – ORDER YOURS TODAY!

It’s time to order poinsettias to help decorate our sanctuary for the Advent-Christmas season.  You are welcome to donate one in memory and in honor of loved ones. To place an order, please sign your name on the bulletin board outside the sanctuary and fill out the form provided for payment.   They are $6.00 each and the deadline is Sunday, Dec. 10.  Please contact Liz Boothe if you have questions.  See the November newsletter for an article explaining why poinsettias are so important to the Christmas season.

 

HANGING OF THE GREENS – SATURDAY, DEC 2, 9AM-Noon

You are invited to join us on Saturday, December 2 from 9-noon as we prepare our church to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  We will gather together to decorate beautiful trees with Chrismons, set up Advent candles, wreaths, and banners as we enjoy light brunch refreshments, Christmas music playing in the background, and above all, each other’s company.

 

MISSION FOCUS FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER

Our focus for the month of November is Christmas Cheer Baskets. Peanut butter, canned meats, canned fruits, soups, and jelly or jam are always a good idea. Since we are closer to the delivery date, mid-December, we can now add packaged foods such as mac and cheese, pasta, and pancake mix. Of course, spaghetti sauce and syrup are welcome too! When buying something for yourself, consider getting two and bringing one for this worthy mission. Donations can be placed in the receptacle in the narthex. Thank you for your support!


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News & Announcements for November 5, 2023

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Children are welcomed in the service. A nursery is provided for infants – 4 years.  Others needing childcare may leave worship after the ANTHEM.

 

 

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00.  We look forward to seeing you!

 

MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon

Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.

 

AUTUMN HARVEST PICNIC, Today @ The Hendersons

Gather with the NEPC church family at 2:30pm at the Hendersons’ as we celebrate the beautiful Fall season together! Please plan to bring your favorite soup and/or salad to share – and desserts are always welcome! Bread and drinks will be provided.  See Cindy Henderson if you have any questions and to RSVP.

 

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Monday, 7pm @ Church

The Women’s Bible Study meets tomorrow at 7:00pm at the church! We will be using the book, The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream.  We will be reading from Song of Solomon and the topic is “The Gift of Love.” Karey Garrison will be our hostess and our facilitator. For this lesson. read the chapter and complete the workbook. Plan to join us, even if you don’t have a chance to read the chapter, and bring a friend! 

 

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY, 10 AM

What a special book club we are having this month! Leah Weiss will be joining us at the November meeting! She is the author of our November book, If the Creek Don’t Rise. We will be meeting at Mary Wilhelm’s house.

 

MISSION FOCUS FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER

Our focus for the month of November is Christmas Cheer Baskets. Peanut butter, canned meats, canned fruits, soups, and jelly or jam are always a good idea. Since we are closer to the delivery date, mid-December, we can now add packaged foods such as mac and cheese, pasta, and pancake mix. Of course, spaghetti sauce and syrup are welcome too! When buying something for yourself, consider getting two and bringing one for this worthy mission. Donations can be placed in the receptacle in the narthex. Thank you for your support!


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November 2023 Pastor’s Corner — Show & Tell 

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? — Rom. 10:13-15

One of my favorite quotations is often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi.  “Preach the Gospel always.  If necessary, use words.”  I love this quote because it emphasizes how important our actions are in backing up what we say we believe.  Telling others about the Gospel is good; living the Gospel is better.  In last month’s article, we talked about how we live the Gospel in our lives, thinking purposefully about how we live in “uniquely Christian” ways in our areas of influence and the places we go.  As the quote above stresses, it is important that we live what we say we believe, and through those actions, proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who do not know.

But the quote does not say to not use words.  Words are important, and when it comes to sharing the Gospel and good news of Jesus Christ with others, we do need to use our words.  As the words of the Apostle Paul at the top of this article make clear, there comes a point where we have to invite others to learn more about Jesus Christ.  How are people supposed to know about the goodness of the Lord and the joy of our salvation if we aren’t telling them about it?  When God meets you where you are and you experience His love and grace in a new and different way, that is something we should want to share with other people.  As Peter says in 1 Peter 3:15, “…in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for the hope that is in you.

Telling others about what God is doing in our lives doesn’t have to be a full exposition of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You don’t have to have all the answers, actually, you don’t have to have any of the answers.  Just Jesus.  To paraphrase the (formerly) blind man’s answer in John 9:25, “I don’t know everything there is to know or understand about Jesus.  One thing I do know, I once was blind, but now I see.”  Or even better is Philip’s answer in John 1:46, “Come and see.”  Invite others to “come and see” Jesus for themselves.  Show people what Jesus has done and is doing by living in uniquely Christian ways, and tell them they can come and see for themselves!  It might simply saying something along the lines of, “I had the most incredible experience with God in church this past Sunday.  You should come next Sunday so you can experience it too.”  Or maybe, “I’m so grateful for my church community because they {fill in the blank}.  If you’re looking for genuine community, come with me next Sunday.”  It might even be “Yesterday, my pastor said {fill in the blank}, and I’d never realized that about God/Jesus/The Holy Spirit/etc, and I’m so encouraged!”  Although, it’ll more likely be, “Yesterday, my pastor put his foot in his mouth so badly, and it was hilarious.  Come and hear him do it again this Sunday!”

By all means, seek to love and serve others wherever you go and in whatever you do in uniquely Christian ways.  As much as you’re able, live out the Gospel in which we have found our hope and our life.  Live in such a way that others want to ask you about your hope and faith in Jesus Christ, and tell them about Him! 

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” — Is. 52:7

Blessings,

Rev. David Garrison


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News & Announcements for October 29, 2023

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Children are welcomed in the service. A nursery is provided for infants – 4 years.  Others needing childcare may leave worship after the ANTHEM.

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00.  We look forward to seeing you!

 

MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon

Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.

 

HELPING HANDS OFFERING – THIS MORNING

Each 5th Sunday, any undesignated offerings placed in the collection plates goes to Helping Hands, a ministry of churches in the Madison Heights-Elon area of Amherst County to help residents in need. It is administered through Madison Heights Baptist Church. Thank you for helping us meet the needs of those in our community!

 

MISSION FOCUS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER

Our focus for the month of October is Christmas Food Boxes. Peanut butter, canned meats, canned fruits, soups, and jelly or jam are always a good idea. Since we are closer to the delivery date, mid-December, we can now add packaged foods such as mac and cheese, pasta, and pancake mix. Of course, spaghetti sauce and syrup are welcome too! When buying something for yourself, consider getting two and bringing one for this worthy mission. Donations can be placed in the receptacle in the narthex. Thank you for your support!

 

AUTUMN HARVEST PICNIC, Sunday, Nov. 5

Gather with the NEPC church family on Sunday, November 5th at the Hendersons’ (115 Morcom Place), as we celebrate the beautiful Fall season together! Please plan to bring your favorite soup and/or salad to share – and desserts are always welcome! Bread and drinks will be provided.  See Cindy Henderson if you have any questions and to RSVP.

 

YOUTH MINISTRY HALLOWEEN GAME NIGHT – TONIGHT!  

Join us this evening from 6:30-8:00 for our annual Halloween Costume Contest & Game Night.  We’ll meet at the Garrisons’ home.  Come sporting your best (church appropriate) costume and be ready for fun games!  See you there!

 

 


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News & Announcements for October 22, 2023

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00.  We look forward to seeing you!

 

MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon

Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.

 

HELPING HANDS OFFERING – NEXT SUNDAY

Each 5th Sunday, any undesignated offerings placed in the collection plates goes to Helping Hands, a ministry of churches in the Madison Heights-Elon area of Amherst County to help residents in need. It is administered through Madison Heights Baptist Church. Thank you for helping us meet the needs of those in our community!

 

MISSION FOCUS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER

Our focus for the month of October is Christmas Food Boxes. Peanut butter, canned meats, canned fruits, soups, and jelly or jam are always a good idea. Since we are closer to the delivery date, mid-December, we can now add packaged foods such as mac and cheese, pasta, and pancake mix. Of course, spaghetti sauce and syrup are welcome too! When buying something for yourself, consider getting two and bringing one for this worthy mission. Donations can be placed in the receptacle in the narthex. Thank you for your support!

 

SAVE THE DATE! AUTUMN HARVEST PICNIC, Sunday, Nov. 5

Plan to gather with the NEPC church family on Sunday, November 5th at the Hendersons’ farm for an Autumn Harvest Picnic. More details coming soon. 

 

YOUTH MINISTRY SCHEDULE CHANGE

Please note that the youth group will not meet on Sunday, October 8, 15 or 22 for fall break.  We will resume next Sunday, October 29 for our annual Halloween Costume Contest & Game Night.  See you then!


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News & Announcements for October 15, 2023

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00.  We look forward to seeing you!

 

GLEANING FOR THE WORLD – WEDNESDAY, 8:30AM

        Please join us in the parking lot of the church for carpooling. We will return to the church around 11:30 am. 

 

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY,  10:00AM

The Women’s Book Club will meet Thursday, October 19 at 10:00am at Sharon Bryant’s home. This month’s book is The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls.  The next meeting will be November 9 at Mary Wilhelm’s house.  Leah Weiss, author of If the Creek Don’t Rise will be a special guest.

 

MISSION FOCUS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER

Our focus for the month of October is Christmas Food Boxes. Peanut butter, canned meats, canned fruits, soups, and jelly or jam are always a good idea. Since we are closer to the delivery date, mid-December, we can now add packaged foods such as mac and cheese, pasta, and pancake mix. Of course, spaghetti sauce and syrup are welcome too! When buying something for yourself, consider getting two and bringing one for this worthy mission. Donations can be placed in the receptacle in the narthex. Thank you for your support!

 

SAVE THE DATE! AUTUMN HARVEST PICNIC, Sunday, Nov. 5

Plan to gather with the NEPC church family on Sunday, November 5th at the Hendersons’ farm for an Autumn Harvest Picnic. More details coming soon. 

 

YOUTH MINISTRY SCHEDULE CHANGE

Please note that the youth group will not meet on Sunday, October 8, 15 or 22 for fall break.

 

PASTOR DAVID AWAY ON STUDY LEAVE – OCTOBER 9-20

Pastor David is away on Study Leave from October 9-20.  If you have a pastoral need, please contact Bob Mills or one of the Elders.  Thank you to Bob Mills for filling in the pulpit while he is away.


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