The lights of our family Advent wreath illuminate my childhood memories. Each night in December, my parents, brothers and myself would continue to sit around the table after supper to light the Advent wreath. Of course, there was a little power struggle over which child got to light the candles each night and blow them out. 😊 Once the candles were lit and we were settled back into our seats, my mother would read the scripture passage for the day and the devotional. The flickering candle light was reflected in the breakfast room windows, as it was completely dark outside. But the words my mother spoke and prayed each night shone with the hope and light that is found only in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is the true light of the world. 

We, as a church family, have observed the enriching tradition of Advent during Sunday worship for years. This year, we encourage each of you to experience this life-giving spiritual discipline in your own home this year, with your own Advent wreath. It’s easy to do! Just click here and reserve your Advent box. Each box will contain a devotional written by our staff along with scripture passages and prayers. This devotional was specifically designed to compliment our Characters series, so that we can learn how the Old Testament characters point toward the coming of the Christ Child. If you don’t have an Advent Wreath, you can purchase one online, or simply use a candle at home.  Our Advent boxes are designed for all generations of the church in all stages of life. Even when I was a single adult living alone, I had sweet devotional times lighting my own Advent wreath and reading the ancient, yet familiar passages. 

Our world today is very dark for several reasons. But hear the good news! Jesus proclaims “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).  Friends, please join us this year in preparing for Jesus not just on Sundays, but on every day with the touching tradition of Advent using our Advent boxes and devotionals. 

Grace and peace, 

Helen Harrison 

The Adult Ministry team is looking for folks with firepits who are willing to host a one-time fellowship gathering in their backyard with fellow church members who live in their area.  If you are willing to help out and host a fire pit fellowship, or if you’d like more information, please contact Helen Harrison Ham at [email protected].  

Sundays from 9:45 - 10:30 am. 1st - 5th Grade Kids will be in the gym. Preschoolers and Kindergartners will meet on the playground. Babies and toddlers will be loved on in their usual nursery location.

8 - Study Deborah and learn about serving others by packing OCC boxes

15 - Study Samson and learn about using our strength to honor God

22 - Study Ruth and learn about God's plans by making advent wreaths

29 - First Sunday of Advent

4 - Kids will pack matching boxes for OCC from 6:30-7:30 pm in the Gym

11 - OCC Drive Thru Drop Off Party

18 - Kids will make advent ornaments from 6:30-7:30 pm in the Gym

Friday, December 4: Parents Night Out (6:00-9:00 pm)

Sunday, December 13: Kids Christmas Celebration

Dawn Merck is offering a Sunday morning Bible study time on Zoom for any kids who cannot attend our in-person Sunday School, for any reason, at any time. We are coordinating SS efforts, so she will also be using God's Story Cards and following along with Pastor Jim's sermon series. Please stay tuned for details in Melinda's weekly kids' newsletter.

Kid's Choir will begin practicing for a Christmas song that will be recorded for our Lessons and Carols. Mrs. Madonna and Mrs. Kay will meet all the kids in the gym THIS SUNDAY from 5:30-6:00 pm to learn our song. It's been a while since we've heard you sing and we're excited that we will be featured in our Christmas program!

Calling all 4th-5th graders!!! Club 45 is held on Sunday evenings from 4:00 - 5:30 pm outside the Light House (weather permitting). We have a great time of fellowship and fun. Bring your Bible, a mask and most importantly a friend! Contact Patricia Zeigler with questions:

[email protected].

Middle School: 146/145

High School: 144/143

If you arrive before 9:55 am, you'll find us all hanging out in the Atrium for some fellowship before Justin Hall sends you back to your classroom.

Our Next Gen Student Ministry is preparing to send care packages to our college students and to those in the military that are between the ages of 18-22. We need to know where everyone will be so that the package will get there in time. If you would like to request a care package, please email Mary Knobeloch, [email protected], with your student's name and address by Tuesday, November 17. We also know that this year will be strange, so if your student will be home for exams (during early December) we'd love to drop their package off personally rather than mail it. Just let us know.

We will be collecting items to put in these packages. Items that are being collected are individual bags of microwave popcorn, hot chocolate packs, hard candy, lip balm, packs of crackers, and granola bars. All donations are appreciated and should be dropped off by Sunday, November 15. There are 3 boxes for donations: 1 outside the main office during the week, 1 in the Narthex and 1 in the Atrium on Sundays.

Calling all 6th-8th graders!!!

The Oasis is a place of refreshment for Middle School students. We'll be in the Light House Atrium every Sunday afternoon from 4:00-5:30 pm, so come out and join in!

High School Group - Refuge: Refuge Pauses This Sunday.

6th-8th Girls Bible Study: This group will be going through the book of 1 John. We will study what it means to love one another and the love of God. As we dig into the Word together, we will also have some time to deepen our friendships and fellowship with one another. We will meet on Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00 pm at Stephanie McGee’s home. This group is led by Kalie Wehunt, Livvy McGee and Stephanie McGee. For more information contact Kalie Wehunt.

9th-11th Girls Bible Study: This group will go through the timeline of the Bible, exploring how God is not in a hurry, but He grows things. We will study how the Old Testament points toward Jesus and how the Lord used His people to bring redemption to all mankind. We will also learn how to grow deeper fellowship with one another as we study the Word together. Meets on Tuesdays from 6:15-7:15 pm. This group is on a short break until a new leader is confirmed.

12th Grade Girls Small Group: This group will be going through a semester of apologetics. We will learn how to defend our faith and how to handle the Word of Truth to do so. Meets on Mondays 6:00-7:00 pm. This group is on a short break until a new leader is confirmed.

High School Boys Small Group: We know that iron sharpens iron, so why not pump some iron, too? We're going to get together twice a week to study the Word, work out and get better. Barry Morgan and Justin Hall are going to be leading this small group as we dig into the Word and then hit the gym. We'll meet twice a week in the church gym. Monday afternoons at 5:00-6:00 pm and Thursday mornings at 6:00-7:00 am. You can join in for one or both meetings each week, but make sure you have rides worked out beforehand because we won't be doing school runs since we'll be done around 7:00 am on Thursdays. Wear clothes you can work out in and close-toed shoes. And bring a Bible!

Middle School Boys Bible Study: Join Mr. Nick and Mr. Cliff for a Bible Study that's just for the guys. This group will meet every other Tuesday from 6:00-7:00 pm in the Light House Cafe.

Please contact Justin with questions: [email protected].

Please contact Holly Waldrip for a donation pick-up: 803-931-6218 or [email protected].

Meets virtually on Mondays at 8:30 am for a brief lesson and to pray for each other and for other people. Contact Scott Welborn at [email protected] for meeting information. This Bible study is open to men of all ages.