PASTOR’S MESSAGE
Hi Friends,
One week to go. I can remember 13 weeks ago posting on FB that Christmas was in 14 weeks. Some were excited about that some were chagrined that I would post that.
One week to go. Where are you at? Are you excited? Or are you ready for it to all be over? If Christmas is about ribbons, tags, packages, boxes and bags, I can see why people would want it to be over. But if Christmas is not about stores and is about a little bit more… if Christmas is really about Jesus, well let’s get ready to worship!
This weekend, we are continuing our series Christmas at the Movies with a look at the movie The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. The Grinch has one goal: stop Christmas at all costs. He plots and schemes to get rid of all Christmas from Whoville by stealing trees, presents, food, and anything that hints at Christmas. But when he witnesses the people of Whoville celebrating Christmas without the material goods, he has a change of heart.
Without God, our hearts are at least two sizes too small. They deceive us and lead us to act and think in ways that go against God’s will for us. When we recognize this and see our deep need for our Savior Jesus, we too experience a change of heart that lasts through the Christmas season and beyond.
I can’t wait to worship with you this weekend and more! And on behalf of all the staff and our families, Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year! Hope to see you for worship this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30am, in person or online. Feel free to invite a family member or friend to join you. You can worship at Victory, on our live stream site, or on our YouTube channel.
Reaching today’s people with Christ’s victory,
Pastor Bill
THIS WEEKEND – CHRISTMAS AT THE MOVIES
ICYMI – Last weekend, Pastor Ben continued the series with a message about the unexpected. Things don’t always turn out the way we’ve planned. This gets frustrating to us because we think we know what’s best for our lives. But nothing that happens to us surprises God. You can click here to read and watch this message.
Coming Up This Weekend – This weekend, Pastor Bill asks us to consider how Jesus can change all our Grinch-like hearts. Join us for worship on Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30am at Victory on our live stream site or our YouTube channel.
VICTORY OPPORTUNITIES
Cookies for Christmas at Victory – For those who attend Christmas worship at Victory on December 23 & 24, we’ll offer cookies and hot cocoa. You’ve got an opportunity to donate your favorite cookies to provide this service to our guests. Click here to register to donate cookies.
Christmas at Victory – You’re invited to Victory this Christmas as we celebrate the greatest story ever told… the birth of our Savior Jesus, who brings hope and peace to the world. We’ll host services on December 23 at 6:30pm and December 24 at 1:00, 2:30, & 4:00pm. In order to help us plan for guests, we will be asking everyone to reserve their seats, which you can do by clicking here.
Year-Long Bible Reading Plan – If you’ve struggled to keep up with the year-long Bible reading plan, we encourage you to try it this year with a new, more manageable reading schedule. Throughout the year, we’ll be reading the New Testament and the Book of Psalms. You can join in the plan by clicking here. The plan begins January 3.
New Group for Women – Women of all ages are invited to join in a study of the book Jesus & Women by Kristi McLelland, a seven-week opportunity held at the Ministry Center, starting January 11. Participation in this group is $10 to cover the cost of books. To learn more and register, click here.
VICTORY NEWS
Worship Service Updates – Because of upcoming holidays, our worship services will be adjusted. For December 26 worship, we will be ONLINE ONLY at 9:00 & 10:30am. For January 2 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!
Support Tornado Victims – If you’re looking for a way to support the victims of last weekend’s tornadoes across the South and Midwest, you can donate the WELS Christian Aid and Relief fund. To do this, give a gift through our disaster fund at wels.net/CARgift (designate the gift to “disaster relief”).
Victory News – Next week, you will receive this weekly Victory News update on Wednesday. We will not be sending out a Victory News email during the week between Christmas and New Years. You can always stay up-to-date and get in touch at votl.life.