A Christmas to Remember
Posted in Missions | By Shades Staff | Posted on Thu Dec 10, 2020
No doubt that 2020 is a year that will long be remembered! For many, those memories will undoubtedly include the challenges from the political and social unrest as well as the impact of COVID-19. Yet, even in the midst of all that has happened, hope is alive! Christmas brings us the message of hope and because of that, this Christmas could be one that is long remembered. You could very well be a part of not only changing someone’s Christmas but also changing their eternity. Listed below are several ways that you make this a Christmas to remember for someone who needs the Gospel.
- While we’re socially distanced, give even more time to praying by name for folks to turn to Christ. The apostle Paul said his heart’s desire and prayer for Israel was that they be saved (Rom 10:1). As God breaks our heart over particular people, that ought to be our prayer as well.
- Put a reminder ornament in honor of someone on the tree. This can be a fun project with kids or a special ornament you purchase. Each time you see it, it is to be a reminder to pray for that someone. Hopefully later, when they receive Christ you can give it to them as a way to remember their decision and your prayers.
- Practice telling the Gospel. If you aren’t able to socialize with others as much as you would like, use the time to practice telling the Gospel. One of the most effective tools for sharing the Gospel is called Three Circles. Here is a video showing the presentation and a number of different people sharing it.
- Meet someone new. One of the reasons some people don’t share the Gospel with people they know is that are afraid of rejection from someone they know. Look for an opportunity this Christmas to meet someone new and in so doing simply ask them, “Do you know the real meaning of Christmas?” Use this question to then share with them about Jesus.
- Use your Christmas letter to tell the story of Jesus. Many of us receive numbers of holiday letters, and we learn what people have been doing through the last year. This year, focus your Christmas letter on Christ and His blessings more than on yourself.
- Put an “invite” card in the gift you exchange. We have prepared some cards that can be picked up at the Connection Desk. (Or just make your own.) This can be simple way to invite people to join us online or in-person for our services. These cards are small to keep in your wallet or purse to use anytime.
- Be up front about offering the greatest gift ever given. Contact a loved one or friend, and say up front: “This Christmas I’d love to take ten minutes to tell you what Jesus, the greatest gift ever given, means to me. Would you allow me that privilege?” Somebody might give you that opportunity.
- Give simple gospel gifts to your unchurched family members or neighbors. Even while maintaining social distancing, give a filled stocking to your neighbors, and include a simple book or tract about the truth of Christmas. Don’t overwhelm your unchurched neighbors, but get the gospel in their hands.
- Do servant evangelism during this season. Servant evangelism is doing good deeds in Jesus’ name, with the hope of gaining an opportunity to share the gospel. Shovel a friend’s driveway for no charge. Scrape the ice from a car windshield. Offer to shop for a non-believing elderly friend or family member. In so doing, have a conversation with them about Jesus and leave an invite card.
- Work with your church, local social services, or schools to assist an impoverished family. Meet some needs, especially for families who’ve lost employment this year. Show them the love of God through your actions, and ask permission to explain why you’re doing what you do: because Jesus came to earth and died on our behalf.
- Use social media to do more than wish others a Merry Christmas. The greeting is fine, but do more than that: talk about how much your relationship with the Son of God born in Bethlehem means to you. Do it briefly but clearly.
- Focus on sharing the gospel with non-believing family members. When it’s tougher these days to invite co-workers, neighbors, and friends into our homes, give attention to those closest to you—whether they live with you or elsewhere. You may find that the stress of 2020 makes somebody you love more open to the gospel.
Merry Christmas and let’s make this Christmas one that will always be remembered!
Christmas at Shades
Posted in From the Pastor | By Shades Staff | Posted on Wed Dec 9, 2020
As we begin to close out this challenging year, Pastor Danny guides us through what's happening here at Shades. Take a look!
Hope is Alive
Posted in From the Pastor | By Shades Staff | Posted on Thu Dec 3, 2020
Pastor Danny talks through Hope is Alive, our upcoming holiday event schedule, and finishing our sermon series in Psalms. Take a look!
A Season of Advent
Posted in Uncategorized | By Jordan Cox | Posted on Tue Dec 1, 2020
We're in the month remembering Christ's coming, and the resulting hope, love, joy, and peace we've been given.
Shades Preschool, Shades Kids, and Shades Students all have various Advent resources to help your family worship throughout this season.
We also taped four episodes of The Shades Podcast specifically for this time of year. Bradley Patton sat down with Sarah Kent, Stephanie Hartsell, and Jeremy Horton to discuss how to walk through these Advent guides with preschoolers, children, and students. But they also talk about what truth of Christ's coming for us means to them. Each episode will release over the next four weeks. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast below!
A Season of Gratitude
Posted in From the Pastor | By Shades Staff | Posted on Tue Nov 24, 2020
In his weekly update, Pastor Danny encourages to carry a spirit of gratitude with us this Thanksgiving week. He also covers some exciting upcoming events here at Shades -- take a look!
Faithfully Blessed
Posted in From the Pastor | By Shades Staff | Posted on Wed Nov 18, 2020
The Lord has faithfully blessed us, and we want to work together to bless others.
Hope in Uncertainty
Posted in From the Pastor | By Shades Staff | Posted on Thu Nov 5, 2020
It's hard to believe it's time to talk about Christmas, but before we announce some exciting plans, we have some other things to make you aware of. Take a look at this week's update from Pastor Danny!
Time Change this Weekend
Posted in From the Pastor | By Shades Staff | Posted on Wed Oct 28, 2020
We're rolling into November, which is so hard to believe, but things are picking up here at Shades! We have an important message this Sunday, in addition to the time change, and the deadline for submitting deacon nominations is coming up.
Another Exciting Sunday
Posted in From the Pastor | By Shades Staff | Posted on Thu Oct 22, 2020
We have another exciting weekend coming! More Sunday School classes are returning, we'll celebrate baptism and more activities continue to resume each week! Take a look at today's weekly update.
McElwain Update | New Name & New Pastor
Posted in From the Pastor | By Shades Staff | Posted on Thu Oct 22, 2020
We have some exciting new updates about the Shades and McElwain adoption process! Last Sunday, our relationship with McElwain became official, and with the completion of this significant step, there are three terrific announcements to share!
First, McElwain Baptist Church is now Hope Community Church. You can watch and read more below about how we landed on this name. Second, we're sending out one of our own to serve as pastor at Hope Community. Jacob Simmons, Minister to Single Adults and Pastoral Care, will become pastor of Hope Community, effective November 1. Third, there will be an interest meeting for anyone wanting to learn more about ways to get involved with Hope Community. Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 1 at 6 PM in the Student Building to learn more about how you can join this work.
Take a look at the videos below for all the details!