It's hard to believe Christmas is just 12 weeks away! But before we all look to our lists, gatherings, and trips, let's take a look at what's happening here at Shades.
Hello church family!
The temperatures are cooling down, which means Christmas will be here before we know it! And as you can see behind me, we’re already hard at work! I know the calendar just turned to October, but our Worship Arts ministry is hard at work on our Christmas production, Hope is Alive. We’re excited for this one-night television special to air in early December, and we’re welcoming LifeWay Christian Resources as a partner where the show will stream on their Lifeway Now platform throughout the month of December. There are a few surprises in store, so stay tuned as we roll-out details in the coming weeks!
More of you continue to make your way back on Sunday mornings, and it’s great to see you, even distanced and in masks! Sunday School has been back in full swing for a few weeks now, but we are excited to welcome back more classes each Sunday. Over the next few weeks, more adult Sunday School classes are returning, providing a real sense of community to our Sunday morning ministry. You did an amazing job staying connected with one another while we were away -- I wish you could hear some of the stories about how you served one another! But we know we’re better together in-person, and so we’re eager for everyone to return to campus as they are able to.
As more of you do return, we want to be safe and responsible for each other. Our staff and readiness team do a great job of ensuring we have a clean campus when you show up on Sunday mornings, and I can’t thank you enough for the way you’ve been proactive in wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and following our safety precautions. If you want a refresher on the steps we’re taking, visit shades.org/together.
Sunday mornings don’t just happen on their own, though; it takes all of us! We still need volunteers each Sunday, and there are a lot of ways you can get involved. From preschool and children’s ministry to greeting to serving on our tech team -- God has gifted you to play a role in the body of Christ, and we’d love to help you plug in. If you’re unsure where you might fit, you can take our Volunteer Assessment to learn just how God has wired you and how you can use your gifts right here at Shades. For more information on how you can volunteer, head to shades.org/volunteer.
I love you, church family, and I’m so grateful to be your pastor! I’m excited to see you for worship this Sunday -- either in-person or online!