Greetings to you all

It’s been such a beautiful Thanksgiving in so many ways and how grateful we are for each of you!

With a Sunday in-between Thanksgiving and the Advent season, I think of November 26th as a transition Sunday.

For most of us, the Christmas season is richly textured, including cherished traditions, great memories and a warm sense of connection with loved ones and friends.
On the other hand, there are decisions and details which arise in rapid succession, sometimes creating new types of stress.

Mixed emotions about how to cope with competing demands on time and money can be very strong. Even when we seek to keep everything as simple as possible, situations arise that can cause a sudden surge of stress.

At every decision-point in our lives, the Holy Spirit’s promises of peace, guidance and wisdom are priceless. But we have to activate it with a simple prayer of faith that is aimed at the specific problem.

Promises such as John 16:13, James 1:5 and Philippians 3:15 are examples of the assurance God gives us for guidance when we face decisions that pit one very good goal over against another. So often we face choices that are a balance between two equally valid options!

These dilemmas seem to multiply at times when emotions are more tender than usual, and when expectations are notching up a bit higher. That’s certainly true for many people in the Christmas season. Investing our best energies and interest in the well-being of others takes wisdom – lots of it!

No wonder, then, that the Lord addresses our need for grace in decision-making in a variety of ways in the Gospels and the Epistles.

Putting just those three of those promises together, we get a composite picture of strong assurance:

“When He the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you…”
“If anyone needs wisdom [in any circumstance] let him ask God who gives to all generously
and without reprimand and it will be given to him.”
“If in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.”

The vast arena of problems and perplexing questions that these verses address is astounding. As guiding principles in all types of stressful situations, they emphasize the reason we can always be confident in prayer.

When we turn, as well, to the torrent of troubling situations we see tearing at the hearts of people in a chaotic world, the promises of God are empowering and crucial. Intercessory prayer arises quickly and boldly from the hearts of those who are following the simple command to….

“Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7)

Schedule of Services ~ December 2023

Join us on each of the following Sundays and for Christmas Candlelight Worship
on Saturday evening, December 23rd @ 6:00 PM

Sunday, December 3rd ~ Cafe Liberty 9:45 AM & Worship @ 10:15 AM
Advent #1: Prophets Candle

Sunday, December 10th ~ Cafe Liberty 9:45 AM & Worship @ 10:15 AM
Advent #2: Angels Candle

Sunday, December 17th ~ 10:00 AM
Birthday Breakfast for Jesus!
Church family & friends breakfast celebration in the fellowship hall
[No Cafe Liberty service on 12/17/23]

Saturday, December 23rd ~ 6:00 PM Candlelight Christmas Worship
Advent #3: Shepherds Candle

Sunday morning ~ December 24th 2023
10:15 AM Worshiping Together on Christmas Eve DAY!
Advent #4: The Christ Candle
[No Cafe Liberty service on 12/24/23]

Sunday, December 31st, 2023
Cafe Liberty @ 9:45 AM
Worship @ 10:15 AM
Advent #5: Magi Candle

Join us! Launching 2024 on New Years Eve MORNING
[Cafe Liberty RESUMES regular weekly schedule on 12/31/23]

Welcome again to each of our friends who link up with Liberty for live stream or listen to the audio podcast. Thanks to each of you for your participation and prayers. We love hearing what’s happening in your life and welcome your email, text or calls! Let us know anytime you need a phone appointment to speak with a pastor or have special prayer concern. We’re here for you.

View the service live online

• Directly from our Live page
• Facebook Live: https://tinyurl.com/355fdkmm

In His love,