Hanging of the Green
11/22/09
Members of New Colony
The Hanging of the Green worship service is an opportunity to celebrate the beginning of Advent. Advent means "a coming" and celebrates the coming of Jesus Christ born as a baby to deliver us from our sins. The Hanging of the Green service helps explain what the various symbols used at Christmas represent in regards to our Christian faith. For example, the evergreen represents eternal life offered by Jesus. Bells have been used to annoucnce the birth of royalty. The circle design of the wreaths symbolize the never ending love of God for us. Throughout this special service we are given many reminders about how much God loves us and the great lengths that He went to by sending his only son to be born, grow up and die on a cross for us.
Podcast
The Hanging of the Green worship service is an opportunity to celebrate the beginning of Advent. Advent means "a coming" and celebrates the coming of Jesus Christ born as a baby to deliver us from our sins. The Hanging of the Green service helps explain what the various symbols used at Christmas represent in regards to our Christian faith. For example, the evergreen represents eternal life offered by Jesus. Bells have been used to annoucnce the birth of royalty. The circle design of the wreaths symbolize the never ending love of God for us. Throughout this special service we are given many reminders about how much God loves us and the great lengths that He went to by sending his only son to be born, grow up and die on a cross for us.
Podcast
The Advent Conspiracy
11/22/09
Stephanie Potter
www.adventconspiracy.org www.rethinkingChristmas.com
As we reflect on our own spiritual heritage, we are reminded of the bigger picture of the Israelites Advent, awaiting the Messiah who would rescue them in so many ways. We read all throughout the Prophets of the deep, intense longing for this day to come, for God's promised One to arrive!
We are also reminded of our own personal Advent, if we are a believer and follower of Christ. How we also were exiled from God, slaves to sin and longed for the day when we would be at peace, in our inner hearts and outer lives.
Once we grasp the full, breathtaking meaning of Jesus' birth, the Messiah finally coming, we realize that His coming changed the world and can transform lives! So, shouldn't our celebration of His birth do the same?
This year, let's Worship God in loud, bold, creative ways!! Spend less on unimportant things! Give more of our time, presence and resources with glad hearts to those who truly need it the most! Love all people through sharing the love of God, through telling the story of Jesus over and over again!
Podcast
www.adventconspiracy.org www.rethinkingChristmas.com
As we reflect on our own spiritual heritage, we are reminded of the bigger picture of the Israelites Advent, awaiting the Messiah who would rescue them in so many ways. We read all throughout the Prophets of the deep, intense longing for this day to come, for God's promised One to arrive!
We are also reminded of our own personal Advent, if we are a believer and follower of Christ. How we also were exiled from God, slaves to sin and longed for the day when we would be at peace, in our inner hearts and outer lives.
Once we grasp the full, breathtaking meaning of Jesus' birth, the Messiah finally coming, we realize that His coming changed the world and can transform lives! So, shouldn't our celebration of His birth do the same?
This year, let's Worship God in loud, bold, creative ways!! Spend less on unimportant things! Give more of our time, presence and resources with glad hearts to those who truly need it the most! Love all people through sharing the love of God, through telling the story of Jesus over and over again!
Podcast
This is the Life: Sacrifice Required
11/15/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Romans 12:1-2
Paul writes in these verses about fully giving yourself to Christ. He says you are to become “living sacrifices.” Whether in your personal life, in relationships or with your possessions you surrender control to Christ. You choose to live for Him instead of yourself. You put your trust in Him to take care of you instead of holding on tightly to “your stuff.” Instead your life becomes a daily offering to Christ. Christ calls you to sacrifice yourself in small ways, one decision, one relationship at a time so that you might enjoy an ever increasing intimacy with Him.
Podcast
Paul writes in these verses about fully giving yourself to Christ. He says you are to become “living sacrifices.” Whether in your personal life, in relationships or with your possessions you surrender control to Christ. You choose to live for Him instead of yourself. You put your trust in Him to take care of you instead of holding on tightly to “your stuff.” Instead your life becomes a daily offering to Christ. Christ calls you to sacrifice yourself in small ways, one decision, one relationship at a time so that you might enjoy an ever increasing intimacy with Him.
Podcast
This is the Life: Don't Be Held Back
11/08/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, John 8:1-11
Too many times people are paralyzed by their past. But our past does not have to rob us of what God can do for us now and in the future. In John 8 a woman caught in the act of adultery is brought to Jesus. Her sinful past was now haunting her. When she encounters Jesus he does for her the unexpected. He forgives her and sets her free from her past. His forgiveness enables her to move forward with a new life. He tells her “go and sin no more.” What a gift. Christ can set you free from whatever is in your past. Regardless of how you may have failed or sinned, Christ is ready to forgive you and give you a new beginning. Turn to Christ and you will discover the same fresh start that this woman was given by Christ.
Podcast
Too many times people are paralyzed by their past. But our past does not have to rob us of what God can do for us now and in the future. In John 8 a woman caught in the act of adultery is brought to Jesus. Her sinful past was now haunting her. When she encounters Jesus he does for her the unexpected. He forgives her and sets her free from her past. His forgiveness enables her to move forward with a new life. He tells her “go and sin no more.” What a gift. Christ can set you free from whatever is in your past. Regardless of how you may have failed or sinned, Christ is ready to forgive you and give you a new beginning. Turn to Christ and you will discover the same fresh start that this woman was given by Christ.
Podcast
This is the Life: Challenges Along the Way
11/01/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, 1 Peter 1-2
Life can be challenging and seem overwhelming at times. In fact, Jesus told us that when we follow Him we can expect trouble and persecution. Christians are not immune from suffering and hardship. The good news is we have a Savior who heals from suffering, restores from failure, empowers in weakness and gives freedom from bondage. Peter reminds us of several reasons we can rejoice in the midst of suffering and continue to move forward in our faith. Through Christ you have received mercy and been set free from the past. As you follow Christ you have an incredible influence on others around you.
Podcast
Life can be challenging and seem overwhelming at times. In fact, Jesus told us that when we follow Him we can expect trouble and persecution. Christians are not immune from suffering and hardship. The good news is we have a Savior who heals from suffering, restores from failure, empowers in weakness and gives freedom from bondage. Peter reminds us of several reasons we can rejoice in the midst of suffering and continue to move forward in our faith. Through Christ you have received mercy and been set free from the past. As you follow Christ you have an incredible influence on others around you.
Podcast