All Members, Winter Residents, Family and Friends,
Greetings on this Tuesday 12/17/2024! Susan and I met with some of the family yesterday at EPCOT at Disney World to see the Candlelight Processional. Unfortunately, the crowd was so huge to hear Gary Sinise that we did not get into the seating area. We stood in front of the American Pavilion and listened from there. Then we went to have dinner at Germany, which is always delicious. We did have rain on and off all day long, but we had a good time.
Well for those of you who stayed for the 2025 budget meeting learned about the challenging financial situation we find ourselves in going into 2025. President Bardon did a masterful job explaining our situation and challenged everyone to try giving just $5.00 more each week to help us get through the year ahead. In addition to the difficult financial situation, we find ourselves facing in 2025, you learned some very important information concerning me and my ministry with you. I thank all of you for the kind words that were spoken and the advice given, which Susan and I are seriously looking into to help with this transition.
One of the things that we are looking into for our friends who watch our live stream or simply want to support our ministry is a way to give online. We do not have this option as of this moment. We hope to find a way soon.
One more thing to think about as we enter 2025. Our weekly offering or tithe is not the price of admission for that Sunday’s worship service. We depend on you offering or tithe every week. So please if you miss a Sunday, please remember to include your offering for the week/weeks that you miss as we depend on your gifts each and every week to pay our obligations and pay our staff. Thanks.
I have attached Elder Mike Bardon’s study guide on prayer for Sunday’s adult Bible Study at 8:30AM.
Worship is at 10:00AM. I have attached my sermon for Sunday.
I have also forwarded today Florida/Georgia District Advent Devotional
Our final Mid-Week Advent service is Wednesday at 4:00PM.
Christmas Eve Family Candlelight service will begin at 6:00PM.
Christmas Day will be at 10:00AM with Holy Communion.
Rev. Olckers will be away until December 27th visiting with family in Ireland. He is leaving today Tuesday 12/17. In his absence Rev. McCoy will be assisting me on the Altar.
Susan and I will be traveling December 29th through January 5th, 2025, as we will be on a cruise. So please call the office prior to coming to church as the School is closed and Carmen may not be in the office that day. We will hopefully be back in the office on January 6th.
Have a great week and make it great for someone else as well!
Pastor Norris