Church Board Elections, Singing and More!
Dear Church Family,
Here is the Advent Devotional for today by Chastity Frederick.
HOPE
H O S E A 6 : 1 - 6
The writings of the prophets are often a bit abrupt, hurling words of God’s coming judgment and calling for repentance. Hosea was such a prophet, calling for Israel’s repentance. We know that he married Gomer, an adulterous wife. And God even instructed Hosea to reconcile with her “though she is loved by another.” In the Scripture, we see this illustration being skillfully woven beside that of God’s love towards the Israelites.
As we enter today’s reading, we are drawn in - “Come. Let us return to the Lord,” Israel laments about their judgments, but suggests that God will heal, bandage, bless, and make new.
But there’s a plot twist, the Israelites were seeking a “quick fix” (I guess no one else has ever prayed one of those prayers?) Israel’s love was “like the early dew that disappears.” The Israelites were not interested in relationship with God, they were interested in relief from His judgment.
Hosea’s prophetic words in verse 6 pierce my soul, “I want mercy and not sacrifice. I want you to recognize me as God instead of bringing me burnt offerings.” In Hebrew, mercy is translated as hesed - right living - love, compassion, forgiveness. God’s “hesed” could not let Israel go and it won’t let you go either.
We can hold hope – confident expectation - that God is faithful. Just as He pursued the Israelites’ hearts and yours, He is pursuing the hearts of those around you.
Today, am I seeking a relationship with God or relief from God?
Watch the Sunday (Dec 3) Services
Stillmeadow Lane Campus —Pastor John Farley
York City Campus — Pastor Jade Frederick
Grow with us
No one matures alone. Check out our listing of other groups and let us know if you’re interested in one. If you’d like help, you can contact Karon Kagan (kkagan@stillnaz.com) or Pastor Tabitha Martin (pastortabitha@stillnaz.com).
Intro to Stillmeadow — Are you interested in learning more about the beliefs of the Church of the Nazarene and the community life of Stillmeadow? Our next 10 week class will be in the spring. Participants have the option of joining the church at the conclusion of the class. Sign up at the button below.
Harvest Prayer-Hear updates from the mission field and from our EJAM partners. Join in prayer and support for our Missionaries around the world. This group is led by Erma Shaffer and meets at 10:30AM the first Sunday of each month in room #124.
Serve with us
You have been gifted and we’d be honored to serve with you. We’d love to have you serve in with our Christmas Caroling or sing in our Christmas Choir. And click the “Serve” button below for more opportunities.
Christmas Caroling—On Dec 17 at 6PM Kids Ministry is inviting Stillmeadow family to sing in three nursing homes in York County. Sign up HERE.
Christmas Choir—So, we’ve got an all church, all generation choir for our Christmas program on Dec 17. Invite family members and friends to sing with you!
Pray with us
You can find a guide to prayer and submit a prayer request at www.stillnaz.com/pray. This week, let us pray for…
All who work in the manufacturing industry in York. The police, fire, and rescue workers. The courts. The Foster Care system: families and children. All young people. All who hurt, need inner healing, or are unable to love.
And let’s pray for our Missions Prayer Requests at www.stillnaz.com/harvestprayer.
Give with us
God has given each of us gifts for us to share. In addition to giving a regular tithe, consider giving to our Disaster Response Team.
Disaster Response
Funds given to this allow us to send teams in response to natural disasters. You can select “Disaster Response” in the online giving options or write “Disaster Response” in the memo line of your check.
Church Board Elections
Elections for the 2024 Church Board will take place after each service on Sunday, December 10th. All members over the age of 15 can vote (age 13 and older can vote for NYI President). There is a flyer available at the Welcome Center with nominee information and pictures to assist you to prepare.
Mid-Atlantic Young Adult Retreat (Dec 29-31)
This event is for young adults ages 18 to early 30s to come grow in their faith with Jesus and in their relationships with young adults on the Mid-Atlantic District! Regular registration is $100 by Dec 11. For information and registration go to: https://madnyi.com/young-adult-ministry/. Also, coordinate with our Stillnaz Young Adults by RSVP’s with Aubrey Shaffer @ 717-819-6131
Congratulations
To the Alley Family (Josh and Lindsay, Aaliyah, Harper, Harvey and Mackenzie) on the adoption of one-year old Lilyana on November 20.
Condolences
To Jennifer Stough and family. Jennifer’s mother passed away November 17th.
To the Family of Ted Brown, wife Marilyn and daughter Chris Deibert. Ted passed away November 25th.
To the Family of Mel Stiffler, wife Esther Stiffler. Mel passed away December 4th. Funeral arrangements are as follows: Monday, December 11th at Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion, Viewing from 1-2PM, Celebration of Life at 2PM.
I conclude this message with the theme verse for our Advent series.
Since ancient times no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
Isaiah 64:4
We’re praying for you. Will you pray for us?
Pastor Josh and the Stillmeadow Team
PS…What’s your favorite advent and Christmas tradition? I’d love to hear. Send me a message at pastorjosh@stillnaz.com.