Mercy Triumphs, Thanks from Florida, Advent is Coming!
Dear Saints,
I got to party with the kids in kids worship on Sunday, and it reminded me of the great joy and responsibility we have as a church family to share the message of Jesus to all generations (#JTAG).
The time with the kids also raised my hopes for our Family Advent Experience, which will take place in our worship services on November 20. (See the announcement below for more details.)
In our mini-series, we’re considering how Jesus served the world. He made friends, gave gifts, threw parties and told stories. This week, as we consider how to “throw parties” like Jesus, let’s remember that as our Good Shepherd, “He guides me along the right paths” and “prepares a table before me…” (Psalm 23). And as we welcome others, let’s remember James advice to not play favorites, because “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13)
Yes, mercy triumphs.
Think about that for yourself. If God wasn’t merciful, where would we be? Thank God that He “is rich in mercy” (Ephesians 2:4).
Now, let us be rich in mercy in this world of judgment, because “mercy triumphs.”
My Prayer:
God, you are the richest giver and most merciful Father. You give forgiveness of sins and second chances for life to anybody who would open their heart to You. Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice so that we can be forgiven and have a second chance. Spirit, help us be the kind of people who show mercy to whoever comes our way. Help us not play favorites in who we welcome into our lives, homes or church. We believe mercy triumphs, help us live according to that belief.
(Read along with us in our “Be the Church” series)
Hear Sunday’s message on Throwing Parties
Stillmeadow Lane Campus-Pastor John Farley
York City Campus-Pastor Jade Frederick
Thank You from Fort Myers, Florida!
Thank you notes we received so far from residents in Forest Park where we sent a team to help after Hurricane Ian. They come with monetary donations to offset our costs.
“Thank you for all your help. We so appreciate all your hard work.” ~George and Gloria
“Thanks for coming to Forest Park and for thinking of us in Florida. We will always remember this, it was such a help.” ~Ellen
“Thanks so much for all you did for Forest Park. You touched my heart and the hearts of many in the community. God bless you all for what you did. “ ~Wayne and Gail
“Thank you all so much for the kindnesses and hard work in putting Forest Park back together following Hurricane Ian’s mass destruction. We will never forget all you did to help us in our time of need.” ~Bob and Kathy
Join us, as a church family, to prepare for the Advent Season with an interactive worship service.
Preschoolers and Elementary Classes will join their families as we worship as one large church family for the Family Advent Experience.
Strengths 101 - StrengthFinders Training
God made you in His image; Strengths is a method to discover how you are made. You are invited to this all-day training event to understand your Strengths, discover more about yourself, and how these Strengths affect all phases of your life.
When: November 19, 2022 Time: 8:30 – 4:00
Cost: $20.00 (covers lunch, snacks, and drinks)
Register HERE: or text “Strengths” to 717-444-8161 or email pastorkent@stillnaz.com
Registration closes November 18, 2022, at 12:00 PM
Youth 30 Hour Famine-November 11-12
~The number of people facing hunger doubled in 2020 and is now 270 million.
~One in eight people in the developing world do not have enough to eat.
~6,000 plus kids under age 5 die from preventable hunger-related causes daily.
Support our youth who will be serving, fasting, and raising money and awareness to combat world hunger. You can contribute HERE.
Youth Gift Card Fundraiser
Stillnaz Youth Ministry is holding a Gift Card Fundraiser! Take advantage of this "one stop shop" to purchase gift cards just in time for your Christmas giving, while supporting our teens so they can attend events like NYC and Teen Camp. Please see a teen or visit the Welcome Table in the Stillmeadow Lane Campus lobby on Sunday Mornings to place your order. Gift cards will be arrive by December 13.
Help For Refugees
The New American Welcome Center (NAWC) is helping many refugee families (read how they're helping here) and can use two kinds of assistance. First, they are looking for children's winter coats (0-18). Second, they are looking for full or queen size mattresses and bed frames so these families do not have to sleep on the floor. If you have coats, you can bring them to the church compassion closet (outside the family life center). If you have a bed, please contact Deb Deztel at the NAWC at (717) 819-0180.
Pray with Us
Condolences to…
Peggy Burkholder and family upon the loss of her husband Tom on November 8.
Danielle Robinson and family upon the loss of her father Rick Robinson on November 2.
To Pastors John & Ricki Emery whose son Josiah passed away October 13th. The Emery family was a part of Stillmeadow prior to relocating.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Josh and the Stillmeadow Team
PS…Advent is one of my favorite seasons in life and I LOVE the devotionals that our people have written to walk through that season. We’ll have booklets available on November 20 and you can receive them by email by clicking below.