The Lord has faithfully blessed us, and we want to work together to bless others.
Hello Church Family,
Thanksgiving is next week … can you believe it? Even in this unprecedented year the Lord has still faithfully blessed us. And we want to work together to bless others. Currently there are two ways you can help out this Thanksgiving. First, Love in Action—we usually collect donations of food and other items to provide a Thanksgiving meal for families in the area, but this year, we’re encouraging you to make a $25 contribution instead. The Love in Action team will handle the purchasing and packing, maximizing your gift. Just find the Love in Action table in the Worship Center Lobby to give. Second, Orphan Care Wish Lists …this year, you can go to shades.org/wish to sign up to donate a $150 Target or Walmart gift card to provide a child in Jefferson County Foster Care a chance to go Christmas shopping. We have been provided 175 names and over half have already been taken so let’s make this Christmas special for the remaining children on our list. Go to shades.org/wish for more details and to sign-up.
Next, Sunday, November 29, we will come together for one special worship service at 10:30. Our Pastor Emeritus, Dr. Charles T. Carter, will bring his legendary “Come Before Winter” message. You will definitely want to be here. Sunday School classes will not meet that Sunday, but there will be Children’s Worship and Worship Care. Speaking of Worship Care, y’all have done a great job this fall responding to the call for help in preschool and we are so grateful. Hey listen, I understand there will be some challenges on Sunday the 29, but we are in great need of a few more volunteers. So carry over the Thanksgiving servant-hearted spirit and volunteer to serve in preschool worship care that morning. If you can help, contact Sarah Kent our minister to preschool at skent@shades.org.
Christmas at Shades this year might not feature a full orchestra and worship choir on the platform, but it will definitely still be a special event! In less than a month, on December 6, our special Christmas program, Hope is Alive will air on FOX6 at 5:00 in the evening. This television broadcast will include lots of familiar Shades faces and musical talent along with recording artists Drew and Ellie Holcomb, all sharing the life-changing story of Jesus’ birth. What a great way to invite neighbors and co-workers into meaningful conversation! Be sure to spread the word about December 6 and Hope is Alive! Check out www.hopeisaliveshow.com for all the details as well as graphics you can share with friends or on social media.
Folks, at this point we are almost eight months into the pandemic. Eight months of face coverings, fist bumps, and social distancing. And while we are all getting a little tired of these things, we need to keep it up. The COVID numbers continue to rise in Alabama and around the country, so we need to be vigilant in protecting ourselves and protecting those around us. A few small things can make a big difference in keeping us safe when we gather together. So, hang in there! Stay the course! Let’s take good care of one another.
This Sunday, I will continue the sermon series from the Psalms: Hope in Times of Uncertainty. We will focus this week on Psalm 30 and managing through the ups and downs of life. Whatever we’re going through, God wants to hear from us—our praises and our cries for help. He hears us and He answers us.
I hope you have great week. I look for to seeing you Sunday, either in person or online!