THE SEASON OF ADVENT
From November 27 through December 18, we light the candles of the Advent Wreath. This Sunday, December 11, we light the third candle. These four weeks leading up to Christmas Day, we set aside time to prepare and quiet our hearts, step away from the hectic pace of the holiday season, and worship Jesus, God’s Son!
IMPORTANT DATES
- Tuesday, December 13 – Feeding the Hungry! Leadership Team Meeting!
- Thursday, December 15 – Men’s Group!
- Sunday, December 25 – Christmas Day! Joint Service!
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
We are exploring the story of Christmas using the order of Advent candles. We look forward to gathering together on this third Sunday of Advent to discuss the significance of this week’s candle-lighting. Please join us Sunday morning at 8:45!
NEEDS IN THE CHURCH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
Worship/Praise Team: Have you ever considered putting your beautiful voice and leadership abilities to use on the worship/praise team? If so, talk to Laura or Erica!
Sound/Tech Team: If you have a desire to serve on the tech team and would like to be trained by none other than our very own Josh, let him know!
Reminder to Keep the Heat In! With the onset of cold weather, the church building’s heat is on. In order to keep our boiler system from breaking down, we cannot prop outside doors open during the winter months.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE…
A woman who lived next door to a parsonage noticed that the preacher’s personality at home was quite different from his personality at church. At home, he was shy, quiet, and soft-spoken. At church, however, he delivered loud, passionate, fire-and-brimstone sermons. One day she asked him about the dramatic transformation that occurred every Sunday morning. “Ah,” he said, “that’s my altar ego.”
DIGGING DEEPER…
How much do you remember? Fill in the blanks from the box below.
- Last Sunday, Pastor Shaun preached from Isaiah 11:1-10. He asked, “What one thing needs to happen for there to be peace and righteousness in this ______?”
- Answer: There needs to be an exchange.
- An exchange involves a giving up of __________ and a receiving of something else.
- In this case, it means exchanging a carnal way of living, based on what we see and hear, for a spiritual way of living, based on righteousness.
- Since carnal living leads to strife, brokenness, and fractured relationships, why is it still the ______ of so many people? Answer: Because the enemy of our souls, the devil, deceives people with the lie that there is no other way.
- Those who take that step of faith, and exchange carnal living for new life in Christ, are grafted into the spiritual vine that is Jesus. They stand ____ in this dark world because of their inner peace and outward compassion.
- Where there is grafting, there is also periodic pruning. Pastor Shaun reminded us that the pruning or removal of what is ________ and destructive in our lives is a good thing. It enables our spiritual lives to take root and grow.
- In addition, verses 4-5 explain that when we are in close proximity to the Lord, our lives will be marked by righteousness, faithfulness, and discernment!
- When you say yes to the great exchange, you give up your _______ to receive the Lord’s rest. In Matthew 11, Jesus says, “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest – for your souls.”
- Now that is a great exchange!
| burdens choice out world unhealthy something |
NEEDS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRY
| This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA |
The Lighthouse is a local ministry that is bringing healing and hope to survivors of domestic abuse. Their current high-need items are baby wipes, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. Thank you to those who have contributed! For those who still wish to, you may bring items to the church office throughout the month of December.
THANK YOU TO…
–The planners, pray-ers, participants, and attendees at the Women’s Tea on Saturday! What a beautiful time together for the women from Midway, Ministerio, and Marshallese Churches. Special thanks to Marti, Susan, MJ, & Ruth, as well as all who lifted your lovely voices to sing “Joy to the World!”
–Those of you who are transporting some of our homebound friends to church. The Lord bless you!
—George from the Marshallese Church for helping with building and maintenance issues around the church building!
PRAISES/PRAYER REQUESTS
1. Praise that Jesus invites us to exchange our weariness for His rest!
2. Pray for several families from Midway and our sister churches who are sick.
3. Keep praying for all of our Midway family and friends who have health issues.
4. Continue to pray for the situation in Ukraine.
5. Keep praying for the light and love of Jesus to shine from our church family to our Midway neighbors.
6. Pray for strength, health, and protection for the first responders & front-line workers in our communities.
7. Keep praying for the nations and leaders around the world.
SERMON SCHEDULE
December 11, 3rd Sunday of Advent: Rev. Shaun Higgins, Isaiah 35:1-10
December 18, 4th Sunday of Advent: Rev. Shaun Higgins, Isaiah 7:10-16
December 25, Christmas Day: Joint Service!
CHURCH & OFFICE INFORMATION
- The Church Office is open Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m.
- Office phone number: 206-878-4861 // Office email: office@midwaycovenant.org
- Sunday Morning Bible Study: 8:45 a.m. in the Prayer Room
- Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary, or online at live.midcov.org
- Feeding the Hungry: Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. in parking lot
- Men’s Morning Bible Study: Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. at Tuscany’s
- Men’s Group: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Prayer Room