The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming.”
Since the first people sinned, people have been waiting for the promised Messiah. Isaiah told us that His first coming would be as a child: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (9:6, NIV)
Those words lingered for around 700 years. Then one night, a star appeared in the sky. This star signified the arrival of the King of Kings! The angels told the shepherds of His arrival. Elsewhere the wisemen asked: “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matt. 2:2, NIV)
Jesus was born just as Isaiah foretold, died as Isaiah and other’s predicted, and then rose on the third day just as He said He would! Forty days later, He ascended to Heaven and angels once again spoke to people about Jesus, but this time about a second Advent: “this same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9–11, NIV)
As we begin celebrating the very first Advent of our Lord this Christmas season, let us also look to His second Advent with great anticipation. The God who keeps His promises will indeed send Jesus back to conquer the devil, death, sin, pain, and remove our tears for eternity. What a great day that will be! As we continue to wait, we pray God fills your hearts and lives with hope, love, joy, and peace as we celebrate together each week.
LOOKING BACK: What a fall so far! Sunday mornings and growth groups are both rocking with record involvement. In addition, our services have been reaching 150-200 people a week online with the good news! We had an awesome Sunday on 11/25 with a baptism and testimonies. The fun continued with great food, fun games, and wonderful fellowship after worship. Congrats to Bill and Don on winning the cornhole tournament of champions. Thanks to everyone who helped make that day special!
Thanks for your incredible generosity towards our Harvest Offering! The total given so far is over $10,000! Ten percent, or over $1000 of that, will go to help the Harbor get a kitchen going in downtown Detroit for dinner church. We still have $3-4K left from last years offering too. We’ll put together a plan, and begin working on the bathrooms in Jan/Feb, after our volunteer team gets through with all the business of the holidays.
We also announced our new adoption of Schweitzer Elementary. Principle Brickey and Maria Mitter (director of Community Engagement) were at WFMC to celebrate with us on Sunday 12/2. You’ll see more about opportunities like: reading programs, lunchtime help, and much more very soon.
We also detailed the new ministry initiatives at Biggby and Jefferson Barnes. Please be in prayer over all this as we try to spread the love of God to those around us in new ways in 2019.
COMING UP: Sunday mornings are rocking with the sounds of the season. Here’s a glimpse of other events that are upcoming:
12/2 – Adore Him Series Kicks Off
12/9 – SEED is at WFMC; Pastor’s Open House from 3-5pm at the Rose’s Home (All welcome)
12/16 (1pm) & 12/22 (10am) – Christmas Eve Choir Practice for 23rd & 24th; 1-1.5 hrs. (All welcome)
12/16 – Society Meeting after worship hitting on positive momentum & 2019 budget
12/23 – The last Sunday in Advent; a fun worship service for the entire family!
12/24 – Our impactful and traditional Christmas Eve service
Each service will feature Advent readings, Christmas music, and more. You also may run into one of our parking lot greeters. This is something new that Pastor Eric and the Welcome Team are giving a trial run. On Christmas Eve the front of the church will be lit with luminaries in memory of loved ones who have gone before us. You can sign up for one in our lobby on Sunday or throughout the week. As you arrive at church over the next month you’ll see it decorated for Christmas. Thanks to Joyce Balcom and many more for helping us get in the spirit of the season. You can find more details on everything Christmas at: Christmas.westlandfmc.com.
Anchor (Student Ministries) runs Thursday nights from 7 – 8:30pm (doors open at 6:30). Congrats to Malcolm McGlothian who was our Fortnite tournament champ. Anchor Christmas party will be on the 20th and Anchor will then be on break until January 10th.
We wish you a Merry Christmas!!!
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