THE SEASON OF ADVENT
On Sunday, December 18, we light the fourth candle of the Advent Wreath. These four weeks leading up to Christmas Day are a time we set aside to prepare and quiet our hearts, set aside the hectic pace of the holiday season, and worship Jesus, God’s Son! May the hope, peace, love, and joy of our Savior shine brightly in our hearts and homes this Christmas 2022.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Tuesday, December 20 – Feeding the Hungry!
- Thursday, December 22 – 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 fourth 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 family visiting the West Coast for the first time went to the beach on a foggy day for their first look at the Pacific Ocean. They arrived at low tide, and the fog was so thick that the water was hidden from view. “Don’t worry,” said their 4-year-old son. “We’ll see the ocean as soon as God fills it up.”
DIGGING DEEPER…
How much do you remember? Fill in the blanks from the box below.
- Last Sunday, Pastor Shaun preached from Isaiah 35:1-10. Pastor _________ us that true peace is possible, but only through submission to God’s righteousness.
- Just think: every person has the opportunity to experience inner peace in this life! So why doesn’t everyone pursue it?
- We have a fallen nature that deceives us into believing that we know _______ than God what is best for us. Ever heard these claims: “I got this!” “I can figure this out!” “I don’t need anyone!”
- We must choose: we can either live for the flesh and what we think we’re entitled to, or we can submit ourselves to God and live ____________ to the wonderful purpose He has created us for.
- Remember: Every worthwhile pursuit has obstacles that test our character and endurance.
- Matthew 7 says that the path of the __________ is difficult, and the gate is narrow, and few find it, but IT LEADS TO LIFE!
- Pastor said there are many who mock and ridicule the existence of God and the truths of the Bible, but as God’s Word says, a day of reckoning and God’s judgment is coming.
- He said we all go through desert places where it seems there is no _____, and those are the times when we most need to be reminded of God’s promises.
- What promise do you need today? Let’s encourage one another with these words:
Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”
Isaiah 40:31 “Those who wait on the Lord will ________ their strength.”
Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Isaiah 35:4 “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies;
He is coming to save you.”
| hope better righteous according reminded renew |
NEEDS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRY
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. For those who still wish to contribute, please bring your donations to the church office by December 24th.
STAFF APPRECIATION
One of our blessings as the Midway Family is our amazing staff. They faithfully show up and give out week after week. Our Sunday services continue to be a blessing, drawing us deeper into our walk of faith. Let’s say thank you to those who serve us so faithfully with a Christmas gift. With “Staff gift” on a check’s memo line, or cash in an envelope labeled “Staff gift,” place your gift in the offering box at church, drop it off at the office, or mail it in. Thank you! –Ruth Hill, Leadership Team Chair
ANNUAL MEETING NEXT MONTH!
Our annual meeting is coming! Please mark your calendars for Sunday, January 15, 2023. The annual meeting will be held immediately following the fellowship meal after the morning service.
PRAISES/PRAYER REQUESTS
1. Praise for the eternal hope we have because of our Savior, Jesus Christ!
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 18, 4th Sunday of Advent: Rev. Shaun Higgins, Isaiah 7:10-16
December 25, Christmas Day: Joint Service!
January 1, 2023, New Year’s Day: Livestream Service! (No in-person service)
CHURCH & OFFICE INFORMATION
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
Children’s Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. in upstairs classrooms
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