Hope for the Outcast

Have you ever felt forgotten, lonely, marginalized, or outcast?  Perhaps you struggled to make friends as a youth.  Maybe you sat alone in the lunchroom.  You were not a part of the popular crowd.  You were chosen last in gym class.  People made fun of you.  You are not wealthy or well-to-do.  You have a disability.  You are not the brightest bulb in the bunch.  Your skin or hair is of a different color than most.  If you’ve ever felt alone, like a nobody, or that you didn’t fit in, boy do I have some really great news for you!

It’s no coincidence that the announcement of Jesus’ birth came first to poor, lowly shepherds – those who were outcast and marginalized by others.  The announcement of peace and good news came first and foremost to those who needed to hear it most.  The same is true today.  God sees you.  God sees your struggle.  God feels your loneliness and rejection.  God knows how much you hurt.  And that’s exactly why the news of Jesus’ birth is especially given to ordinary people like us.  A Savior has been born to you!

Join us this second Sunday of Advent, December 10, as we continue our Journey to Bethlehem sermon series with a special focus on the shepherds.  The shepherds can show us the way to Bethlehem because God chose them to receive the Good News and be the first to travel to meet the newborn Christ child personally.  Let us join the shepherds then and travel to Bethlehem to also meet this newborn Christ.  If you’re feeling down, hurting, or struggling, this Sunday’s message is especially for you.  God wants to encourage you!

Traditional worship begins at 9:00 AM.  Contemporary worship begins at 10:45 AM.  Both services feature the lighting of two candles on the Advent wreath, heart-felt worship, the same inspiring biblical message, warm friends, and the healing presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst.  A nursery and Busy Bags are available for children.  Refreshments will be served between the services.  Please join us with your family and friends; and let’s pack the church to the glory of God.  See you Sunday at God’s house!