The calendar has turned to December, and we are moving into the heart of the Christmas season at FBC.      

This Sunday we will begin a special three-week Christmas series entitled, Faces Around The Manger.  This week, we’ll look at Luke 2:8-20, and focus on “The Shepherds: The First Missionaries.”   

Speaking of missionaries, this Sunday is our Ingathering for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  Our church goal is $65,000.  As we talked about this past Sunday, the need has never been greater.  Almost 60% of the International Mission Board’s total budget comes from this offering.  If the COVID crisis causes Lottie Moon giving to drop in our SBC churches, it will have great implications for our ability to send missionaries, at a time when the need is greater than ever.  At FBC, let’s do even better in giving to reach the world in the midst of this worldwide crisis.  Please come prepared to give on Sunday.  If you are attending virtually, you can send in your gift, bring it by the office, or do it electronically…but however you do it please give, that missionaries may be sent to herald the gospel, and that joyous praises to our Savior will rise from every people group on earth.  There is so much sadness around the world right now.  You are a part of God’s plan to push back the darkness, shine the light of Christ, and “let the nations rejoice!”  

Also this past Sunday it was announced that Josh Hrinda is transitioning from his position at FBC, as he finishes seminary and moves on to new endeavors in ministry.  We are thankful for Josh, and his season of ministry with us.  We know God has exciting things in store for he and Shannon.  Pray for them, that God will have His hand on them, and do more in and through them than they can ask or imagine.  

Advent is here, brothers and sisters.  It is a Latin word that means “coming.”  There are three aspects to that: 

• Jesus came into the world 2000 years ago, to die for our sins and rise again.
• Jesus is coming again as King.
• Jesus can come into our lives today. So today, and in this Advent season…quiet your heart and open the door for Him to come in and fellowship with you. 

Looking forward to this Sunday, as we begin our new series, take part in our Ingathering for Lottie Moon…and…Sunday night at 6:30 we’ll have a special Christmas celebration of Songs and Scripture.  It’s going to be a great Lord’s Day! 

By His Grace, For His Glory, To The Nations,  

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.