Doomsday Hope

Greetings church family! This weekend in all our gatherings we’ll mark the third weekend of advent and take another look at the bold and fascinating prophet, Malachi. I hope you’re able to be with us online or in person. 

But enough about that! While I’ve got your attention, I want to tell you about our holiday service schedule, and ask for your involvement in three different ways, which can be summed up in three words: ATTEND, INVITE, SERVE.

Christmas Eve Services

Our Christmas Eve theme is “A Weary World Rejoices,” with live, in-person gatherings taking place on Dec. 21 (7 pm), Dec. 23 (7 pm), and Dec. 24 (3, 5, and 7 pm). Because we’re adhering to public health orders (masks, seating in household groups/pods, 1/3 capacity), we’re providing all regular attenders and guests an opportunity to reserve seats at their preferred service time. I’d encourage you to coordinate your plans and reserve your pod now. Nearly 600 spots are already snapped up, and once a service is full, only limited balcony seating will be available for those without a reservation.

Then there’s the INVITE part. The Christmas page is set up to help you easily share invitations to A Weary World Rejoices via social media or email. Check it out, it’s slick! You can count on these online and in person gatherings being positive and uplifting celebrations of the birth of our Savior, so please partner with your church by helping to spread the news. It’s been my experience that most friends and neighbors respond positively to this kind of invitation.

About that gathering on the 21st – that early week Christmas Eve service may be ideal for those who are working or traveling on Christmas, but it’s got an additional purpose. We’ll be filming and photographing that evening, with content being edited and packaged for the online version of Christmas Eve. Would you consider joining us that night to help create atmosphere and visuals for our online congregation? By attending this service, you can both ATTEND and SERVE our community.

Serving

Finally, could you please take on a serving role? Even though in person attendance is likely to be less than in pre COVID times, facilitating this outreach experience for our church and community with extra protocols requires MORE leaders than usual. Please click the ‘SERVE’ button on the Christmas page and find your place on the team. Your presence matters and will make a difference for those who engage with our church for the first time, or the first time in a long time.

Christmas Weekend Online

And before I go, looking beyond Christmas, note that Dec. 25 & 26 services will be ONLINE ONLY, nor will we hold an on campus gathering Saturday night Jan. 1. There will be two in person services on Jan. 2 at our normal times, 9 & 11 am.
 
Be well friends! Two weeks until Christmas!

Greg Hochhalter
Lead Pastor

We are excited to offer both in-person and online Christmas Eve services this year, with five options for you to choose from! Seats will fill up quickly, so head to spac.ca/christmas to reserve your seat.

Want to help on the day? Click here to find out more information. 

• December 21st at 7 pm (in person)

• December 23rd at 7 pm (in person & online)

• December 24th at 3 pm, 5 pm, and 7 pm (in person & online)

Please note: The Dec. 21st service will be both recorded and photographed.

This Christmas season we are offering an evening of Christmas cheer for the community of Millbourne on December 13th and 15th at 6:30 pm! This event will have both indoor and outdoor components.

Volunteers will be helping inside with a Christmas activity and a photo booth. Outside we will have firepits, hot chocolate, and cookies. This is a great serving opportunity for all ages. Come join the fun and Christmas spirit in Millbourne. Hope to see you there! spac.ca/millbourne

Sign up online to pick up a bag from the church office and fill it for someone in need this Christmas! This project is done in partnership with our We Care ministry.

Please return the bags to the church by Monday, December 12th. Find out more information at spac.ca/wecarebags!

As a church, each Christmas we come together to express love to our International Workers. You can participate this year by writing a note of encouragement in a number of different ways or by giving a financial gift. Go to spac.ca/iwchristmas to find out all the details!

Cards can be picked up or dropped off at the church during office hours or around a weekend service—Dec 11/12 and Dec 18/19.

On Monday, December 13th at 7:00 pm we will be hosting an in-person and online service for those who are grieving or struggling this Christmas. Join us for some scripture, music, and prayers as we learn to lean on God to bring His comfort. 

Registration for this evening is required - visit spac.ca/bluechristmas to register for this service. 

Advent is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the birth of Jesus and center your home around the good news of our long-awaited Saviour. Before the calendar begins to overflow, make a plan to set aside a few minutes each day to remember and celebrate this Advent season by engaging in activities, prayer, and intentional conversations about Jesus as a family.

Go to spac.ca/kids to download a digital copy for yourself!