Message from the Pastor - Bob Bahr
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On Sunday, December 10, is the second Sunday of Advent - the time in the colander year when we will take time to reflect on the coming of Immanuel into our world. In preparation for this special season of Advent, I would like to share with you a prayer that moved me very deeply during one of my devotional times this week. “Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, ‘Come Lord Jesus! Amen. We have the privilege of welcoming Jordan Chong as our guest speaker on December 10. He is the Director of Keats Camps and he will be speaking on the theme of “Peace” from Luke 2: 8-14. You will not want to miss what he has to say. He is a dynamic young leader with a deep love for Jesus. He will be accompanied by his wife Elisa and son Luca. Please give them a warm welcome. We will also celebrate the baptism of two of our young people, Manuella Capelo Drummond and Molly Rose Gagan. Their families will be providing some special refreshments following the service in thanksgiving for this very special decision. And, we will gather at 7:00 pm. for our Blue Christmas service. This will give people the opportunity to embrace the darkness and grief that often creeps into our Christmas celebrations. We try to put on a happy face but the joy of Christmas is often muted by our struggles and losses. This service allows us to spend time in the company of those who understand and in the company of our Savior. “He was despised and rejected by mankind. A man of suffering and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hid their faces, he was despised and we held him in love esteem.” Isaiah 53: 3 Ken Davis will be leading the service and I will be sharing a short message entitled: “Loss, Comfort, and Hope." We want to dedicate this Service to Jane Sidjak who is now in hospice but who has prepared and led this service for many years. “Our prayers are with you Jane - we deeply love and appreciate you.” It is with sadness that I share the news of the death of our beloved friend, John Nelson. John passed away yesterday. Please remember Jane and their family in your prayers. May each of you be comforted by God’s abiding presence.
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Membership Recommendation. The Council recommends Linda (Yunzia) Fu for membership in WVBC. If anyone has any questions regarding this recommendation, please contact Hilary Blair, Church Clerk.
Notice of Meeting: A general meeting will be held after the morning worship service on Sunday, December 10, 2023, in the Sanctuary, to consider and vote on the proposed 2024 church budget. The following Motion will be considered: “Motion to approve the 2024 WVBC budget. Moved by Tom Walker and seconded by Don Hill that the proposed 2024 budget as presented at this meeting be approved.” Please note that this meeting will NOT be streamed or on zoom.
Year End Donations: Just a reminder that tithes and offerings for 2023 must be in the office by December 31, 2023, or postmarked no later than the same date. Charitable tax receipts will be available once the year-end financials have been closed, but no later than mid-February. We will be sending the tax receipts via email so please be sure the office has your current email. If you want to know what your year-to-date giving is, please call or email Judy Thompson, she is in the office on Tuesdays from 10 am to 3 pm. jthompson@westvanbaptist.com.
Events
Mark your calendars for these great events coming up.
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