PASTOR’S MESSAGE
Hi Friends,
As you can imagine the young people of Bethlehem were not lining up to go to college to study to be shepherds. Shepherding was one of the least glamorous jobs of all.
The shepherds were on call 24/7. They needed to provide food and water for the sheep, protect the sheep, and take care of any need that might arise.
The shepherds were around the sheep so much that they smelled like sheep. It was not a “clean” job.
That’s part of what makes Christmas so interesting. The first ones to hear of the birth of the Savior were these “outcasts.”
Perhaps the reason God did this was to put in vivid color the JOY Christ brings no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.
This maybe the most wonderful, the most dysfunctional, the toughest time of year, but the angels give us all a reason to rejoice. Luke 2:10,11 “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
You’re invited to join us for worship this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30am. You can worship at the Ministry Center, on our live stream site, or on our YouTube channel.
Sharing Christ’s Victory,
Pastor Bill
CURRENT SERIES: Christmas list
ICYMI: Pastor Ben continued the sermon series with a message about Belonging. We learned that Matthew wrote the genealogy of Jesus very intentionally, to illustrate that Jesus is inclusive to everyone. He welcomes you into his family of faith no matter your background. To read and watch the message, click here.
Coming Up This Weekend: Pastor Bill continues the series with a message about JOY! For so many, the holiday season is full of stress, anxiety, sadness, and many other feelings. Sin has permeated all of existence. But the good news is that God is good, immeasurably good. Jesus took on OUR pain, OUR sorrow, OUR sin so that our relationship with God would be restored. You can join in on Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30am at the Ministry Center, on our live stream site, or our YouTube channel.
Victory news
Christmas at Victory: Christmas is right around the corner – only 9 days away! You’re invited to join us for Christmas at Victory! We will have worship available for you and your family, both in-person and online, on 12/23 at 6:30pm and 12/24 at 1:00, 2:30, and 4:00pm. We encourage you to invite your loved ones to join us too! Find out more by clicking here.
Worship Service Updates – Because of upcoming holidays, our worship services will be adjusted. For December 25 worship, we will be ONLINE ONLY at 9:00 & 10:30am, and on demand. For January 1 worship, we will be in-person and online for the 9:00am worship service and online-only for the 10:30am service. We encourage you to join in for worship from wherever you’re at for the holidays!
VICTORY Opportunities
Cookies for Christmas: We will be serving cookies and hot cocoa to our guests at the Christmas Eve services. Please consider signing up to bring Christmas cookies for the Café! You can learn more or sign up to donate by clicking here.
Year-Long Bible Reading Plan: You’re invited to join in the Bible Project Reading Plan, a year-long Scripture reading journey that you can take with your Victory family. Join in the plan using the YouVersion app. Each day, you’ll read a section of Scripture and get an opportunity to join in the discussion about the reading. You can learn more and join in the plan by clicking here. The plan begins January 2.
Victory Stories
Toy Drive: Thank you so much to everyone who donated to the Friend’s of Jesus Toy Drive. Because of YOU, we were able to bring JOY to over 200 children this Christmas. Supporting our community is possible because of your generosity, thank you!
How to invite someone to Christmas at Victory: We encourage you to invite your loved ones, your neighbors, or anyone to join us for Christmas at Victory. Sometimes it can feel nerve-wracking to share an invitation, but here is a quick way you can invite someone!
1. Take a picture of the invite card with your phone or click here to find and download the invite!
2. Send it to them via text, email, share on social media.
3. Say “I want to invite you to join me for a fun and beautiful Christmas service! Can I save you a seat?”
4. Pray that God works through you and in the heart of the person you are inviting.