Dear Holy Cross Members and Friends,
I've just returned from our weekly Worship Planning Team meeting and I am so excited about Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at our church. I want to encourage each and every one of you to be here for one or both of these very moving services. They will feature a beautiful setting for our celebration, traditional Christmas music by our Choir and Praise Band, special music by our soloists and small groups, and a traditional Christmas message. Of course there will be communion and plenty of time for us to enjoy each other's company. The theme for our Advent Worship Series is "Home for the Holidays," and I can't think of a better time to come and see what God is doing in new ways at Holy Cross MCC of Pensacola, and bring your friends and family. Come try it on and join us in celebration of God's greatest gift of Jesus the Christ child. We would love to have you here with us.
Immediately after the Christmas Eve service we will enjoy a Holiday Sweets Reception. We're asking everyone to bring a sample of their favorite holiday desserts - cakes, cookies, pies, candies - with enough to share. We'll enjoy those together for just a little while as soon as the service is ended. Let's all join together in this Christmas celebration as a church family. Remember again to invite your friends and family to join us.
Thanks so much for your participation in our Christmas Extravaganza this past weekend. We had such a wonderful time celebrating with food, music, crafts, contests, Santa, and so much more. A special and heartfelt thank you again to our Worship Planning Team for sponsoring this year's party. Be on the lookout for our next big church event - a Mardi Gras celebration. We'll share information about that soon.
During the final week before Christmas, I'm encouraging everyone to schedule some quiet time. Put it on your calendar and use it to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and how it impacts our lives. Think about what you can do to bring the message of Christmas home to your family and friends. Finally, spend that time preparing your own heart for God's greatest gift; the gift of Jesus....who will be back any moment now.
This Sunday we celebrate love. We have a beautiful service planned as we await the movement of God's Spirit among us. Be here and bring somebody with you. And remember to stay around for a "Love" cookie at the end of our worship. I'm looking forward to seeing you here.
Be careful out there and have a wonderful weekend.
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