December 22, 2021
Greetings Church Friends and Family,
I encourage you to read Luke 1:67-79, for the entire portion of Zechariah’s song.
Zechariah prophesied that the Child to be born will be a Bringer of Light: “78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79 (NIV)
With the birth of Jesus, the light indeed dispels the darkness of sin, as all who believe in Him receive forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.
The world is currently experiencing a dark period. There is far more bad news than good news. We need Jesus, the Bringer of Light, now more than ever. But because we believe in Him, we do not have to remain in darkness.
The Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh had theological training. During his initial sermon, he told the congregation: “when each of us goes back to the daily things and daily duties let us not forget that things are not what they seem, that God by the things of daily life teacheth us higher things, that our life is a pilgrim's progress, and that we are strangers on the earth, but that we have a God and father who preserveth strangers, – and that we are all brethren.”
Everything is not as negative as it seems to us at the moment. God's bright future awaits each of his children. Your suffering will eventually lead to glory (See 2 Cor 4:17).
Lord Jesus, thank You that everything is not as I see it, that You still bring light in dark situations. You give me a bright future because I believe in You. Please bring me, bring us, your light this Christmas season. Amen
If I don’t get to see you before, or on Sabbath (Yes, we will have church service on Christmas), allow me to wish you a very Blessed and Merry Christmas on behalf of the Lewisville Kitney’s (Eugene, Michele and Lauren)
Calendar Items
December
25 - Christmas (Just in case you forgot - And again, yes, we will have church on Sabbath)
31 – Old Years / New Year’s Prayer Time
- The Night Prayer Group would like to invite all to a quiet, reflective service on New Year’s Eve from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (Also, an opportunity to celebrate an Agape Feast type Communion Service). This is an opportunity for the community to gather, say prayers, reflect, and praise God for the many blessings received throughout the year. It also allows us to greet the New Year rejoicing in the Power of the Holy Spirit and to develop a lifestyle of intimacy with God. Please plan to attend December 31st, 9 p.m to 12 a.m
January
Jan. 15-22 - 10 Days of Prayer – Online Zoom Prayer Time (Zoom info will be posted, and a possibility of a Facebook-live video. Watch this space for more)
More info is to be announced as it becomes available.
Have something that should be included in our Calendar? Email Pastor Eugene eugene@arlingtonadventist.com and we will include it in our Google Calendar, and a working Google Doc that will continuously be updated.
In Case You Missed it…
Baptisms
We had a beautiful baptismal service this past Sabbath – More Images will be available on our Facebook Page and Website shortly. If you have any you’d like to add, (with Credit of course), please email Pr. Eugene at eugene@arlingtonadventist.com and we will include it in album.
We again rejoice with
We again rejoice with
- Amaya Smith
- Steven Garcia
- Jordyn Camille Maunuolu Crenshaw
Graduations
We want to congratulate Reba Philips and Suehay Ermshar on their recent graduations, and completion of their current academic pursuits.
- Suehay graduated with her Master of Education - MEd, Educational Leadership and Administration from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Reba graduated with a degree in Biomedical Science and Neuroscience (with honors, mind you) from Texas A&M
Congratulations ladies, Well Done!! We are very proud of you. Enjoy your break!!
A Giving Moment
As 2021 begins to draw to a close, the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church, Lewisville Campus has been reflecting on the blessings of God to our community of faith. The hand of God is clearly evident among His people. We are truly grateful!
During this holiday season, we would like to draw your attention to the need for live-streaming equipment, amongst several needs. (Feel free to talk to Pastor Eugene, Elders Lee, or Greg for information on other areas of need).
As you look to your year-end giving, please consider contributing to this ongoing program as a special “Christmas Offering” on or before December 31, in order to help us finish strong.
Give Online at: shorturl.at/bACV6 or https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANWFQ8/envelope/start - You can search for “Lewisville Seventh-day Adventist Church” if it doesn’t automatically redirect.
Let’s pray for God's spirit to move within us as we prepare our offering. If you would like to make your contribution online
REMEMBERING OUR LOSSES
The Arlington Adventist Church invites you to join them (on the main campus, or online) for a Remembrance Service to honor the memory and legacy of our loved ones. Whether your loss is recent or if you are grieving a loss from another period of life, it is our hope that this service is a meaningful way for you to reflect on the significance your loved one had to you.
Part of our service will include a “reading of the names."
If you would like for your loved one’s or loved ones’ name(s) to be included in the public reading, we would invite you to submit their name and a picture if you so desire.