Announcements:
Welcome to worship
Today is second Sunday in Advent. This season Pastor Dave will be focusing on how we can prepare for Christ’s second coming by having faith, looking forward with hope, and showing love.
Wednesday, 6:30pm - Prayer Meeting
Next Sunday, December 12, after Morning Worship - Congregational Meeting to vote on Calling Ram Aryal to Be Our Next Pastor
Our council has agreed to a request of our Transition Team to ask the congregation to vote on whether or not to call Ram Aryal as our next pastor. Since he is the only candidate on the ballot, the council further decided that in order for us call him, he will need to receive 3/4 of all votes cast. (That would mean, for example, 15 out of 20 votes or 30 out of 40 votes). Only members of our church who made profession of faith here (either in the years after they were baptized or just before their baptism), or who transferred their membership here from another Christian Reformed Church, may vote. You will be asked to vote “yes” if you want to call Ram or “no” if you do not want to call him. If you are not planning to be here you may vote by email or text. Just email the church maranathacrc@msn.com or Pastor Dave dbdykstra@juno.com by Saturday evening, December 11. Or you may text Pastor Dave 920-210-3004 by Saturday evening. Please note that votes received by email or text on Sunday morning might not be counted. He will respond after he receives your vote, so you can know that it was counted. You may also vote signing your name on an envelope with your vote on a slip of paper inside and asking a friend or family member to bring that to church on Sunday.
COVID-19 WORSHIP RULES
- The council is leaving it up to each member to decide for himself/herself whether or not to wear a mask.
- Those who are vaccinated and can sing well in Navajo are encouraged to come up to lead the Navajo hymns.
- We will still practice social distancing, especially in the sanctuary, and it recommends that everyone sit in those are area marked with “the fruit of the Spirit.”
- We will not have a mutual greeting time or a testimony time.
- The deacons will hold the offering plate rather than pass it down the row.
- We are suspending snack time after the service.
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
It's time to start up the childcare room!
We need some new faces. Please talk to Joyce Kaferle if you would like to help with the under 3 children.
We need new volunteers to be on our Safety Team
The safety team monitors the building during our worship service.
We still have some hand sanitizer
If you would like a bottle, check with an elder or deacon.
If you are unable to attend worship in person, you can mail in your tithes and offerings to the church or use the app on our website to give by credit card or through PayPal
The church address is Maranatha Fellowship Church, 618 W. Arrington St., Farmington, NM 87401.
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At-home Faith Practice Reflection Tip: Reflection and Discussion Starter - the Practice of Hospitality
Read Genesis 18:1-8 and ponder or discuss the following questions. (For more on faith practices from Faith Formation Ministries, visit bit.ly/FaithPracticesProject) This passage is the first reference in the Bible to someone opening their home to others. How do Abraham’s actions set the tone for hospitality? What adjectives might you use to describe his welcome of the three strangers?
Advent: A Time of Peace
Check out this week’s kids’ devotion at www.kidscorner.net. When we feel anxious about changes that are happening, we can pray for peace. And God, who knows us really well, will calm our anxiety and give us his peace. Listen now at kidscorner.net and check out all the new content, including The Gifts of Kindness Advent Calendar and the KC parent blog too.
Devotions for a Blue Christmas
In the midst of hard times, find strength and encouragement through God's word. A set of fourteen encouraging Today devotions reassure you that even during the darkest of Christmas seasons, you’re not alone. Receive this free email series and eBook when you subscribe to Today at todaydevotional.com/bluechristmas.
Groundwork: Christmas Hope - Rahab
Do you ever question why God would want you in his family? Do you ever feel like you just don’t belong or are too messed up to be worth saving? Join Groundwork as we study Matthew 1:5, Joshua 2, James 2:25-26, and Romans 5:8 to remember the depth and reach of God’s grace and find hope in the story of Rahab. Listen now at GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
CRCNA Senior Leadership Search
The Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) is searching for senior leaders to fill two new positions: a General Secretary and a Chief Administrative Officer. It is hoped that these positions will be filled during Synod 2022, pending approval of the Structure and Leadership Team’s report. A search for a third position, Executive Director - Canada, also will begin soon. Please pray for those involved in these searches. Pray for wisdom and the Holy Spirit’s leading. Please also pray for the persons that God is preparing to fill these roles, that they may be equipped for leadership of the church during this time and into the future. For more information, or to apply, visit crcna.org/ExecutiveSearch.
Free Advent Devotion: You Shall Call His Name Jesus
Is your soul weary? Take heart in the names of Jesus that remind us of God’s character, presence, and work in the world. Sign up for this free Advent devotion from World Renew, Resonate, and the CRC Office of Social Justice at crcna.org/advent.
December Safe Church Webinar: Ways of Creating a Culture of Goodness
Join Eric Kas, Safe Church Ministry Consultant, and a panel of justice ministry staff as they discuss how their ministry plays a role in creating a culture of goodness within the Church. Wednesday, December 8th, 12p - 1p Eastern (9-10a Pacific). To register visit: https://bit.ly/SCDecemberwebinar.
Race Relations Webinar “Power Sharing: A Conversation about Working Interculturally”
This webinar will feature the interim director of Race Relations and the staff speaking about how they work together in fighting racism, remain respectful of their differences, and recognize how privilege/power affects team dynamics. They will speak to why it is important to understand how the current socio-political cultural climate has hijacked our Christian identity and capacity in fighting racism. Tuesday, December 7 at 12:00 pm (Eastern). Register now at https://bit.ly/RRPowerSharingWebinar.
Give Hope this Advent with World Renew
World Renew’s 2021-2022 Gift Catalog helps people, families, and communities experience more of the hope that God intends for them. Find a transformational gift that helps a family in need. Give at worldrenew.net/gifts or call 1-888-WRLD-RNW.
West Coast Floods
Flooding from extreme rain events in British Columbia and Washington State in November have already destroyed homes, businesses, crops, and livestock. As the rains continue, World Renew Disaster Response Services is in conversation with area CRCs, Diaconal Ministries Canada, and other responders to supplement their efforts once the flood water recedes. Please pray for those who have been evacuated, lost homes and farms, or are stranded without power. Pray for World Renew DRS as we make plans with local churches and families. For updates, see our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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