Pastor Danny talks through Hope is Alive, our upcoming holiday event schedule, and finishing our sermon series in Psalms. Take a look!
Hello Church!
I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving! It was great seeing so many of you Sunday in worship with Dr. Carter and his convicting Come Before Winter message. December’s here, though, and it’s time to kick things off for Christmas.
First up: This Sunday, December 6th, Hope is Alive, a one-hour musical Christmas special featuring lots of Shades and Birmingham talent along with recording artists, Drew and Ellie Holcomb. This year, our worship arts and creative teams landed on a unique and meaningful way to tell the story of the savior’s birth! Beautifully crafted songs and storytelling bring life to the event that changed everything and brought hope to the whole world. The hope that gets us through the tough times, the hope that brings joy, the hope we have in Jesus—everybody needs this message more than ever. Invite friends and neighbors, spread the word, and watch with us this Sunday at 5:00 p.m. on FOX6. Throughout the program you will have opportunities to donate to Christian Service Mission—an organization that makes a big difference in our community by identifying and meeting people’s immediate needs for food, clothing, and care. Contributions during Hope is Alive will support CSM’s Christmas in the City initiative that provides gifts for area children. Last year, CSM provided Christmas gifts to over 10,000 children, and we believe that the need this year will be even greater. After the broadcast on the 6th, Hope is Alive will be streamed via Lifeway’s free Digital Pass, and then on December 11th made available on the Shades YouTube channel. Check out hopeisaliveshow.com for all the details.
Later next week on Wednesday and Thursday, December 9th and 10th, it’s One Starry Night. The Children’s Ministry has coordinated a live, interactive, walk-through experience for families of 1st through 6th graders that takes them from the tax collector to the manger! Children will be counted by the census taker, round up sheep in the field, and worship the baby Jesus! Registration is required for this special free event and we already have over 200 children registered but there are still spots available for Thursday the 10th. Go to shades.org/events for more details and to sign up.
When you think about meaningful family events at Christmas, the Christmas Eve candlelight service at Shades is always a favorite. Now we want to make it possible for everyone to come and worship comfortably and safely with plenty of room. We are presently working on plans for this service, so stay tuned for details!
The response to the Orphan Care Wish Lists has been incredible! Because of your generosity, we are able to help over 230 children in the Jefferson County Foster Care have a better Christmas. If you signed up to contribute a gift card, be sure to drop it by the church by this Sunday!
Speaking of this Sunday, I will wrap up our study in the Psalms on Hope in Times of Uncertainty. We will take a look at Psalm 42 and focus on remembering God’s steadfast love for us, his strength and provision, and be reminded once again that God as our source of hope.
Church, every Sunday we can meet together (face to face or virtually) to study God’s word is a great day! I am grateful for you and I look forward to seeing you this Sunday—either in person or online!