It Really is ... A Wonderful Life. This Advent we are working through devotionals based on “It’s a Wonderful Life” and we’ll be watching the movie together at church. Like the movie, we see in life that there is a sharp division between seeing the bad and the good in situations. Sometimes the bad news, obstacles and opposition are so strong that it darkens our worldview. I want to encourage you this season to take extra good care of your emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Note that even the darkness of winter can darken our spirits. Let us know where our hope is. Jesus is the hope and light for the world.
John writes about this contrast of darkness and light in his Gospel.
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to
testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
John points to the light of the Creator in the beginning, alludes to the light of the Redeemer in the end and guides us to the light of the sustainer through the dark valleys. Often we need to reframe our dark days in the bigger picture of God’s eternal love and purpose. I pray that you will rejoice in Him, feel His presence and hold His promise.
Blessings this Christmas Season,
Pastor Tom
Advent and Christmas We are looking forward to celebrating Advent and Christmas this year!
The first Sunday of Advent was November 27. Our Advent Devotional “Our Greatest Gift - A Wonderful Life in Christ,” by Michael Hoy will be available in the Narthex. It is based on the classic Frank Capra Film “It’s a Wonderful Life” and reminds us that life is precious. The daily reflections pair God’s Word with powerful scenes from the life and times of the film’s central character, George Bailey.
Each week we will have a special reading as we light the Advent Candle.
We will be taking orders for Poinsettias to decorate the Sanctuary during the first couple weeks of Advent. Look for order forms in the bulletin, or contact Joyce Kelley.
On December 11, after worship and lunch, we will be showing the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Please plan on joining us for a fun, relaxing afternoon.
This year, since Christmas Eve falls on Saturday and Christmas Day is Sunday, the Worship and Advisory Boards have decided to only have one service. We are planning a lovely, family-friendly, candlelight Christmas Eve service starting at 7 pm. There will not be a Sunday service on Christmas Day. You can all stay in your pajamas and enjoy the joys of Christmas morning at home with your family.
On or around January 7, we will take down the decorations and put them away. We would appreciate your help. More information on time and date will be provided after Christmas.
We hope you find this year’s Advent Season meaningful and find joy, hope, peace, and love as we prepare for Christ’s coming.
American Baptist Women’s Ministry
All women are invited to join in the Christmas Lunch Event on December 15 at noon at MCL. Pat Trent is our coordinator. Please bring five small gifts for our five lady shut-ins. We appreciate all who participated in CROP Walk. We donated $270. Also, thanks to all who shopped, baked, made items for our bazaar. Before expenses we had collected $1,300. Our Christmas projects are:
● Christmas surprises for our lady shut-ins (can donate in the Giving Center).
● Collecting white socks on Giving Tree in Fellowship Hall for men & women prisoners at Montgomery County Jail.
● Collecting all stamps to be sent to Florida where stamps are prepared and sold to raise funds for Spanish Sunday School materials.
● Donate used books for Dayton Read Project – box in Fellowship Hall.
● Save pull tabs from pop cans for Ronald McDonald House.
● We purchased approximately $100 worth of toys for Dayton Christian Center.
● We have adopted a Southdale School Family (with 6 children) to donate Christmas gifts. (Pat Trent is our shopper...thanks Pat).
Saying Goodbye!
Tasha Johnson has been serving Dayton Christian Center for over 20 years. For the last 14 years she has served as Executive Director. She led the agency through difficult financial uncertainty and helped it become the successful ministry it is today. DCC is an American Baptist Neighborhood Ministry serving those in West Dayton. Tasha has taken an administrative position with Wright Patterson Air Force Base Childcare. We wish her well and thank her for her service.
Library News – Off the Shelf
Christmas Reading - Books in Lobby for your Christmas enjoyment!!
DLABC Men’s Fellowship
The fellowship meeting will be Friday, December 9, 2022 at Jimmie’s Ladder 11 Restaurant. Jimmie’s Ladder 11 is located at 936 Brown Street, Dayton, OH. If you would like to bring a friend, please do so. If you plan on attending or have any questions, call or text Brad at 1•937•603•2141.
Board of Christian Education
We are looking for an adult Sunday School teacher. If you are interested, please see Susan, Connie, Megan, or Kelly.
Caring & Missions Last month, we collected 10 shoeboxes for Samaritan's Purse. Thank you to all those who contributed! We are discussing the Fellowship Fund and revising the emergency call list. Dayton Christian Center - $75.00
Missionaries - $75.00 UMB - 427.85 Bucket Fund - $18.52
Special Thanks Dear Women of ABW,
Thank you so much for all the gifts for Ethan's baby shower! The clothes are very cute, and we can't wait until he grows into them. Ethan has enjoyed the books, toys, blankets, etc. Jasmine has also very much enjoyed the care package sent for her.
We hope to fly back up to Ohio in the summer and can't wait for y'all to meet Ethan then!
Jasmine, Kyle, Ethan
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