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As we approach the season of Advent, we enter into a time of preparation and anticipation. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival." This is a season where we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and look forward with hope to His promised return.
Advent is marked by four weeks, each with a theme that draws us deeper into the meaning of Christ's coming. This first week centers on hope, symbolized by the lighting of the first candle on the Advent wreath, often called the "Prophet’s Candle." This candle reminds us of the promises of God spoken through the prophets, pointing to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Hope Fulfilled in Christ
Hope is a powerful force. It sustains us in the face of adversity, gives us courage when the future feels uncertain, and roots us in God’s promises. The prophet Isaiah offers a beautiful picture of hope in Isaiah 9:2: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."
For centuries, God’s people held on to the hope of the Messiah—One who would bring salvation, peace, and justice. That hope was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, who is called Emmanuel, meaning "God with us." Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus secured our eternal hope, not just for the future but for our daily lives.
Living in Hope Today
As followers of Christ, we are called to live as people of hope. This does not mean ignoring the challenges of life, but facing them with the confidence that God is faithful and His promises are sure. Romans 15:13 encourages us with this prayer: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
In this first week of Advent, we are invited to reflect on how hope anchors us. Where in your life do you need to experience the hope of Christ? Is there a relationship, a struggle, or a season of waiting where you can trust God to bring light into the darkness?
Sharing the Hope of Christ
Advent also reminds us of our calling to be carriers of Christ’s hope to the world. This season can be a challenging time for many, filled with loneliness or unmet expectations. As a church, let’s consider how we can extend hope to those around us. Perhaps it’s through an act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or an invitation to join in worship.
This week, as we light the first candle on the Advent wreath or reflect on its meaning, let it be a reminder that hope is not just a feeling but a promise fulfilled in Christ. He is the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5).
Let us prepare our hearts with the assurance that Jesus Christ is our hope yesterday, today, and forever.
In hope and anticipation,
Pastor Tony
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Worship Service, Sunday, December 1st @ 9:30am
Join us for a very special worship service this coming Sunday as we hold our first official Hanging of the Greens Service. This is such a special time to be reminded of the true meaning of the symbols of Christmas including the cedar branch, Advent wreath, the holly and the ivy, the poinsettia, and the Chrismon Tree. The service will feature beautiful readings by Mike Hubbard, Liz Kenemer, and Kim Hendrix Skoneki interspersed with congregational singng as well as other special musical offerings.
We are thrilled to have musical guest Guy Penrod on Sunday morning who will be sharing a beautiful selection during the service. What an honor and privilege to have him willing to be a part of this special service. Later in the day, Mr. Penrod will be doing a full concert at 3:00pm at Trinity Methodist. Also within the service you will be blessed by the Voices in Bronze Handbell Choir who will be playing a beautiful arrangement using all handchimes entitled "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly."
Also, our CMC Chorale will share a wonderful anthem entitled "Angels Are Making Their Rounds" by Pepper Choplin. This creative piece describes various times that angels appeared to announce the coming of Jesus including visitations to Zechariah, Joseph, Mary, and eventually all of Christendom. It's a perfect anthem to herald the start of the Advent Season. Don't miss this special service at 9:30am at Lee-Scott! We look forward to seeing you all on Sunday morning!
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GUY PENROD
Sunday, December 1st @ 3pm
Trinity Methodist Opelika (Sanctuary)
On December 1st at 3:00p.m., gospel singer Guy Penrod will perform at Trinity Methodist. As a preacher's son and a protege under the influential Bill Gaither gospel umbrella, Penrod's solo releases bring a unique blend of down-home country charm to contemporary Christian music. His style, marked by a simple yet powerful delivery, allows him to seamlessly explore both classic country gospel hymns and contemporary praise and worship songs. With his rich voice and heartfelt performances, Penrod has earned a reputation for captivating audiences without ever ruffling a feather. On December 1, 2024 at 3:00p.m., gospel singer Guy Penrod will perform at Trinity Methodist. As a preacher's son and a protege under the influential Bill Gaither gospel umbrella, Penrod's solo releases bring a unique blend of down-home country charm to contemporary Christian music. His style, marked by a simple yet powerful delivery, allows him to seamlessly explore both classic country gospel hymns and contemporary praise and worship songs. With his rich voice and heartfelt performances, Penrod has earned a reputation for captivating audiences without ever ruffling a feather.
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We have experienced a wonderful inaugural Stewardship Campaign! Over the past few weeks, we have been focused on our faithful response to fund our 2025 General Fund Budget which was adopted at our recent charge conference. So many of you have been so generous ever since our inception as a church and you have always met every need that has been requested. God continues to be faithful and true to our work as a church as we impact our community and the world with the love of Christ. As of this newsletter, we have 100% of our 2025 budget committed. We ask that if you have not turned in a pledge card, that you consider your part for the coming year and then prayerfully respond by filling out a printed or digital commitment card and submit it to the church finance office ASAP. 2025 holds so much promise to be the best year we have ever experienced in our lives and in the life of the church we love and call home. Thank you in advance for your faithful response! Below is a link to the digital form of the pledge/commitment card for your convenience. | Campaign Update as of Wednesday, November 27th | |
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2024 Advent Devotional Now Available!
Our 2024 Advent Devotional is ready for you to pick up and use as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. This year’s booklet includes 24 devotionals written by our very own CMCA family. This special resource is filled with daily Scripture readings, reflections, and prayers to guide you through this holy season. The booklets are ready for pick up for you to use for you daily Advent readings. Please only take one per family. You may pick them up at Greystone during the week (M-H, 8-4 and F, 8-12) or on Sunday mornings in the main lobby. Devotionals are also available through the church website and digital newsletter. Let’s journey together as a church family, anticipating the joy of Christmas and celebrating the hope, peace, love, and joy of Christ’s birth!
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Needed for the Family
Christmas Service!
For our family Christmas Eve service at 3pm, we need a portable wooden stable and manger to serve as a backdrop for the children's nativity scene. The stable will need to be portable so we can remove it from the Lee-Scott Cafeteria following the service and store it in the basement of Greystone. It will need to be large/stable enough to be seen on the stage and allow room for a number of children to gather inside and around throughout this fun Christmas service. If you have the ability and desire to help construct these items (or know someone who could help us), please contact the church office (334.209-0074) ASAP. Thanks!
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The Shepherd on the Search
Meet Chris the Shepherd. He was in the field when the angels told him and his friends about the birth of Jesus. From now until Christmas, he will be on a search for the manger. Follow Chris on our Facebook page (Christ Methodist Church of Auburn) as he begins his journey beginning December 2nd. Each weekday Chris will take a photo of where he is and ask that you participate in the activity included with his instructions. This is a great way for our children to get involved in the journey to the manger.
We look forward to this Advent Season with Chris helping our children prepare for the birth of Jesus. If you would like to know more about the Shepherd on the Search you can go to their website: www.shepherdonthesearch.com
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Upcoming CMCA Events
Sunday, December 1st
Hanging of the Greens Worship Service @ 9:30 (LSA)
Guy Penrod concert @ 3pm (Trinity Methodist, Opelika)
Sunday, December 8th
Mat and Savanna Shaw concert @ 6:30 (Bottling Plant Event Center)
Friday, December 13th
Denver & the Mile High Orchestra concert @ 6:30 (Trinity Methodist, Opelika)
Sunday, December 15th
Youth Ugly Sweater Christmas Party - @ 6-7:30pm (Hutcheson home)
Monday, December 16th
David Phelps concert @ 7pm (Lakeview Baptist)
Sunday, December 22nd
Lessons & Carols Worship Service @ 9:30
Ian Mulder concert @ 3pm (LSA)
Tuesday, December 24th
Christmas Eve Family Service @ 3pm (LSA cafetorium)
Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service @ 5pm (LSA gym)
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Youth Upcoming Events
Sunday School - December 1st @ 10:45-11:10am (LSA Middle School building)
Sunday School - December 8th @ 10:45-11:10am (LSA Middle School building)
Sunday School - December 15th @ 10:45-11:10am (LSA Middle School building)
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party - December 15th @ 6-7:30pm (Location TBA)
Tentative Youth Winter Retreat - date TBA
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My family and I would like to extend our most heartfelt appreciation for so many of you blessing us in special ways during Pastor Appreciation Month! Our gratitude for our CMCA family is enormous and we felt so loved and appreciated throughout the month and beyond!
In Christ,
Pastor Tony
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Children's Music Ministries
We're thrilled that our children's choirs are up and running on Wednesdays. It's not too late for your children and grandchildren to join the fun.
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Cherub Choir (Ages 3 - Kindergarten) 3:45-4:15pm
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Children's Choir (1st - 6th Grades) 4:30-5:15pm
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Handchime Choir (Grades 4th - 6th) 5:15-6:00pm
All groups will continue to meet each Wednesday at Greystone.
Sign up today by sending an email to gary@christmethodistauburn.com
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As we give from the heart, we sow seeds into God's kingdom. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up." Our giving will bring a harvest of blessings beyond what we can imagine. | |
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Congregational Care
As a caring community of believers, we commit the names listed below for your prayers and expressions of love and care:
CMCA Family:
Jim Carroll, Gene and Rita Chandler, Melody Cruz, Pat Douglas, Emoree Claire Duff, Harry Gill, Sherry Guenther, Kay Guthrie, Donna Kelly, Bess Lord, Caleb Pipes, Ruth Register, Keith Ryland, Becky Speigner, John and Connie Staton, Sherwood and Betty Thomas, Rita Tuck, Gary Webb, Bill Wilkinson, Ann Williams, and Kay Yeager
Extended Friends and Family:
Jessica Flurry Blalock, Nancy Flurry's granddaughter; Tim Boosinger; Max Bush, Craig and Lisa Leonard's grandson; Adam Cannon's (one of our New Birth helpers) brother; April Coulter; Hudson Early, Sandra Fisher's great-grandson; Tad Gidcomb, Ann Thompson's nephew; Carolyn Hill, Marlene Bowman's mother; Matthew Hood; Justin Johndrow, Sean Canaan's cousin; Elizabeth and Jason Moore, Butch Foster's daughter and son-in-law; Mary Frances Murray, Alicia Conn's mother; Lisa Norrell, friend of Janet Wilson; Stephanie and William Philpott, Gayla Seller's daughter and son-in-law; Dan Pope, Dannelle Fogal's father; Ray Porterfield, Nancy Flurry's son; Sandy Robinson, Wanda Ptomey's cousin; Richard and Joyce Stanyard, Larry Stanyard's father and mother; Brent Wilson, Craig and Lisa Leonard's friend; Christopher Wyatt, relative of Judith Gibson; Chuck Dupree and Martha Cauthen, friends of Beverly Webster and Sue Daniel
If you have additional prayer requests or other needs, please send to:
prayer@christmethodistauburn.com
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www.christmethodistauburn.com | | | | |
