Hi parents. This week we continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:1-18, including the Lord's Prayer. I found this quote from our curriculum so helpful:

"The first half of the Lord’s Prayer is all about giving God the glory due his name. This stands in stark contrast to the self-glorifying prayer of the hypocrite. Jesus then introduces his hearers to the amazing truth that God is our Father in heaven. God is personal—he is our Father. He has a name, a kingdom, and a will. After celebrating the glory of God and his person, the prayer continues by requesting help from God for daily living. What an amazing truth! Jesus encourages us to ask God for help."       - Gospel Story for Kids

I pray you have some sweet times of discussion and prayer in your family worship this week. Remember, even if you miss a night or two, it's okay. Just pick it up the next evening!

Syria Action Packs

We have our one bag pretty much full. For those of you planning on bringing some items on Sunday, we'll pack what we can and send the rest in a new bag. Thanks to everyone who participated! Please don't forget to pray for the gospel to spread in these spiritual barren countries and for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are giving their lives to proclaim it.

Prepare Him Room

I know it seems early to think about Christmas - but then again, those pellets falling on my car this morning on the way to help Pastor Jim with his snow blower attachment remind me that it's not far away!

One of our favorite traditions as a family during Advent is to use an Advent wreath along with some kind of devotional that focuses our attention on the meaning of the season. This year I'm looking foward to reading through Marty Machowski's (same one who wrote our curriculum), Prepare Him Room and singing some new Christmas songs that go with the book. You can even learn to make your own Advent wreath!

If you want it in time for December, now is the time to order!

Giving

I have some resources to share on the topic of finances, but we'll save that for another time. For now, I just wanted you to be aware that we are exploring some alternate ways for you to give to the church (debit card/bank only). If you think you would ever make use of the opportunity to give with an app on your phone, please let me know. Comments are open below.

That's all for now. Enjoy God's goodness to you this weekend - all because of Jesus! See you Sunday.

Pastor Jonathan