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November 27, 2022 - FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

 

TODAY'S WORSHIP SERVICES

Pastor Matthew will preach at the morning service. Because of the holiday weekend, our evening service is canceled.

​Large-print bulletins and morning song sheets are located on the coat rack on the east side of the sanctuary entrance.

​Wireless amplifiers for the hearing impaired are available at the sound booth in the back of church.

​Children’s Ministries

Children’s bulletins and activity bags are available in the back of church.

Children’s Time – Dismissal during the service to Room #4 downstairs. Parents, please escort your child(ren).

Sunday School - Classes do not meet today.

​To Our Guests

If you are a guest today, we extend a very warm welcome to you. Our prayer is that you will feel the presence of the

Holy Spirit in this place and among God’s people gathered here. Please do us the favor of completing a yellow card

from the pew rack and placing it in the offering plate as you leave, and please join us again soon!

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TODAY AT WEST LEONARD CHURCH

First Sunday Advent - The Advent season is a four-week period before Christmas that prepares our hearts to celebrate the coming of Jesus in human flesh to redeem our fallen world. The origin of "advent" is from the Latin word adventus which simply translates "coming" or "arrival,” and so it is also a time to remember the promise of His coming again to make all things new.

This morning, Pastor Matthew begins an Advent series of messages entitled Carols for a King. We will be visiting some of the most well-known and time-honored Christmas carols, exploring the way in which they echo the promise and truths of scripture. As we celebrate Advent, we will do so with these beloved songs and also with the truths that they profess. Today’s message is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” Isaiah 7:1-14.

Tonight our service is canceled because of the holiday weekend.

Your offering can be placed in the plates as you leave the sanctuary. Offerings today not designated for another cause will be for the Building Fund.

Thank you to those helping today:

Prayer Team: Jack & Marla Roedema.

Greeters: Dave & Mary Bouwkamp.

Nursery: Lisa Wisneski, Mary Bouwkamp.

Children’s Worship: Tracy Pearce.

Floating Helper: William Wiersma.

Sound Technician: Cory Mc Callum.

 

NEXT WEEK

December 4/Second Sunday of Advent – Pastor Matthew will preach at both services.

Offerings: Morning for Faith Promise; evening for ACCESS.

Prayer Team: Linda Rienstra, Mayme Becker.

Nursery: Brian Buchanan, Shelly Steensma.

Children’s Worship: Diane Hamstra.

Floating Helper: Ben Wiersma.

Sound Technician: David Vander Velde.

 

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Our congregation extends Christian sympathy to Marla & Jack Roedema following the passing from this life of Marla’s brother, Eldon Pals, on Thursday, November 17. A service to honor Eldon’s life will be held on December 7. The obituary can be read on the Vander Laan Funeral Home website. Your prayers are appreciated for the comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit to surround this family.

 

WATER BOTTLES

Please remember to put your empty water bottle in the recycle bins around church. The NW Food pantry is in dire need of both 8-ounce and 16-ounce bottles so we will save ours for the pantry.

 

CHRISTMAS CARDS

This year we have the opportunity to share Christmas joy by sending cards to: Phyllis DeSmit, Sally Driesens, Theresa Ellens, Carol Goodrich, Ed & Marilyn Pardee and Rich & Sharon Pastars.

If you would like to participate, place your cards in the decorated box at the Welcome Center. Cards will be collected until after the morning service on December 11.

If you are willing to help deliver the cards of if you have any questions, contact Sherry Thomasma at 616-340-8530.

 

CHURCH NEWSLETTER

The next issue of The Vine is scheduled for December 4. Articles are due in the church office no later than this Tuesday morning, November 29.

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

Classes do not meet today!

 

TODAY’S BULLETIN INSERT

Chaplains are specialized ministers and pastors who serve in institutional settings and in the military. More information about our denomination’s Chaplaincy and Care Ministry is on the bulletin insert.

 

WEEKLY OFFERING UPDATE

General Fund needed each week   4,444.00

General Fund 11/20/2022                6,105.00

Christian Education                              778.00

Building Fund                                          50.00

Faith Promise                                        140.00

Benevolence                                          325.00

NW Food Pantry                                     48.00

These totals reflect online giving during the month of October.

 

NW FOOD PANTRY UPDATE

​Receipts – The pantry is still in need of D&W and Family Fare receipts to reach their goal of $150,000. You can leave your receipts in our church secretary’s mailbox.

Current Needs: Empty water bottles, toilet paper, hair conditioner, shampoo, laundry soap, dish soap, deodorant, individually wrapped toothbrushes for adults and kids, toothpaste for adults and kids. You can place your donation on the table underneath the window at the entrance to the Activity Center.

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WEST SIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL CHRISTMAS MARKETPLACE

The WSCS Christmas Marketplace will be held at the school (955 Westend NW) on December 3 from 9:00 to 3:00. Come and support local crafters and vendors and get some Christmas shopping done and find décor for your home. Grab a bite at our concessions or purchase fresh baked goods. Book sale in the library. This is a family-friendly event. Vendors include jewelry, bakers, home décor, apparel and much more.

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THIS WEEK AT WEST LEONARD CHURCH

Today, November 27 2022

            9:30 a.m.               Morning Worship – sanctuary

          10:30 a.m.               Coffee Fellowship – upper lobby and outdoors

            6:00 p.m.               Evening Worship – downstairs fellowship room

Tuesday, November 29

            9:45 a.m.              Women’s Coffee Break Bible Study – Activity Center

Wednesday, November 30

            9:00 a.m.              Men’s Life Bible Study – Activity Center

            6:00 p.m.              Fellowship Night Dinner (pasta)

            6:30 p.m.              Fellowship Night Activities – GEMS Girls Club, Boys Club

                                          Adult Bible Study

Thursday, December 1

              5:45 p.m.              Volleyball at Ridgeview Industries

 

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NOVEMBER VERSE OF THE MONTH:  Isaiah 43:1

But now this is what the LORD says - he who formed you, O Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."

 

NOVEMBER SONG OF THE MONTH:

“Be Still"