It is the beginning of December, and Christmas is coming. When we think of Christmas, we often think of gifts. We give gifts and we receive gifts. Christmas itself is about gifts. God gives his one and only son so that we can have eternal life. And the response to that is to give.
This year, there is one gift I would encourage our whole church family to give: An invitation. It was made clear at the budget forum hosted by the session two weeks ago that we must become more intentional in communicating our information to the community. Time and time again it has been shown that the most effective way to do outreach is to extend a personal invitation.
Here are some of the events coming up over the next few weeks:
- Friday, December 2-Advent Festival 6pm
- A light dinner, Christmas carols, and then adults and older children decorate the sanctuary while younger children make Christmas crafts
- Sunday, December 4-Holiday Dinner
- Following worship, around noon, the fellowship committee is host- ing a holiday dinner for the congregation.
- Saturday, December 10-Christmas Caroling 6:30pm
- All are invited to meet in the parking lot from whence we will spread Christmas cheer to some of the older members of our congregation. This will be followed by a Christmas social at the manse.
- Sunday, December 11-Christmas Joy Service 7pm
- The annual Joy Gift service highlights the outstanding music minis try of CTPC. This worship service is always a highlight of the advent season at CTPC.
I’d like to encourage every one of us to invite someone. If you’re not sure who, or you’re nervous about that idea, the first step is to pray. Ask God to show you who to invite, and to give you the courage to do so. Then, follow through and ask away!
We have so much to give. Of course, as Christians, it is our honor and privilege to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. This holiday season gives us additional ways to share that love and to welcome people into the life of the church.
Blessings,
Pastor John
