This New Year is still a blank slate. There are opportunities ahead of you you’ve never had, nor yet missed. Prospects you’ve only dreamed and have not yet escaped you; still it is you who decides which course you are going to take. Sadly, as we come to the beginning of this New Year and the ending of the old one, there are many who ask, ‘where has the year gone?’ What they are really wanting is a ‘do over.’ Yet, I think I would be safe to say that even more desire to turn over a new leaf so they could gain a fresh start, a brand-new beginning. Jeremiah 6:16-19 This is what the Lord says ‘Stop at the crossroads and look around ask for the old, godly way and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls…. You see we can decide which path we are going to walk on this coming year. The one we just left, … or the brand-new one that lays before us? Join us this Sunday, January 6th, as we discuss the ‘Perplexity, Uncertainty and Security’ of where we’ve been, where we are and where we are going.

I came to a simple truth a few years ago. In this fast-paced world we live in, I really didn’t have time for anything. That was no revelation in and of itself, but what was revealed was this... the only time I would ever have time for anything was the time I would make. We have to make time for things in our life if we ever expect to accomplish anything... whether it is our job, our family, our marriage, or literally anything else. Yet, coming into this New Year, I believe the greatest time that we have to make if we are ever going to have the promise of hope, peace, contentment, victory, or even security, we have to decide that we must make for Jesus. Join us this Sunday as we begin our new series, ‘A Brand-New Beginning’. In this each of us can determine this year not to be a repeat of last year, but the beginning of a Victorious Life in Christ.

As in all things, there are so many politics that surround the Christmas Season that at times there seems to be more opportunity for debate than delight. The same is so when it comes to the birth of Jesus. Where, When, Why, How? Where did the Date of and Name for ‘Christmas’ originate? It is said the celebration of Christmas took form at a special mass said at midnight on the eve of what was recognized as Christ’s birth. Since this was the only time the Catholic church allowed a midnight mass it soon became known in Old English ‘Christes Masse’ (Christ’s Mass), this is how ‘Christmas’ was derived. How did December 25th gain Christian emphasis? This is a little more complex, but still rather easy to explain to help all understand that the date was not just ‘randomly’ chosen. There are many who believe Christmas, December 25, was chosen in an effort to ‘Christianize’ a pagan holiday. Though some legitimacy, yet historically it seemed the other way around. Join us as we look at ‘Christmas; How Did It All Begin?’

The most precious gift ever known to mankind was given that first Christmas. Not because it was deserved, but because it was required. You see, from the beginning, God knew mankind would fall short of His glory. God made a decision from the very beginning that Christ would come to this earth to live and die and rise again from the dead. God’s gift proves His purpose to redeem us. The gift of Jesus is what Christmas is all about. Jesus died for us that we could live for Him! It’s never been about lights, shopping or gifts under a tree. Christmas is about the gift God gave on the tree. The gift of eternal life. The gift of His plan, His purpose and His Love; that is what He has accomplished and extends to any and all who receive, they’ll experience the merriest Christmas of all.

There is Star, the ‘Star of Christmas’ that is guiding all who are looking. For millennia, stars have long been used to help travelers on their way. Constellations, even lighthouses, runway lights and traffic lights all with the sole purpose to guide, direct, and keep from danger. Sadly, many are in danger today because, though they see the light, they still abide in darkness! Matthew 7:13-14 scripture records; “Wide is the gate and broad the road leading to destruction and many enter through it. But narrow is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Mankind needs a guide to help them along the way, a star to follow. And that Star has a name, His Name is Jesus! Scriptures also records in Galatians 4, ‘in the fullness of time’ God sent His Son Jesus, to set on earth, peace, and set relationship right with God and Man. Do you see that Star in your heart, in your life; or do you still abide in darkness. Everyone has the possibility and the ability to see and be guided by that star, but will they? Join us this Sunday as we look at ‘The Star of Christmas’ and learn how you too can follow that star to find the gift of life that was promised on the first Christmas Day.

If you ask 20 different people, you’d get 20 different views of Christmas. Christians understand the meaning of Christmas, but I sometimes wonder how much… On Christmas, so many are so immersed in gifts and gift giving that they fail to celebrate the greatest gift of all; the gift of God’s Son. What this gift actually cost the Father and what the Son gave. How do we show appreciation for it? Do we make use of God’s tremendous gift or waste it in the concealed drawers of our life, preserved rather than used? How do we see Christmas? What is Christmas?

Join us this Christmas Season, as we look at the real meaning of Christmas, where the holiday originated and what it has become today.

In the daily bustle of life did you ever think things just weren't right, like you didn't get a fair shake; that sometimes God just didn't think the whole process of creation through. Many go through this, sad but true reality too often in life. This is why scripture gives us direction of how too 'Stir Up Thanksgiving' in our hearts. The Holy Spirit is often compared to a flame or a fire. Paul told Timothy to 'stir up' or 'rekindle' the gift of God.

This literally requires some personal effort. And a sure way to ‘stir up’ the Spirit is to take the poker of your memory and remember what God has already done and the times God has intervened in your life and answered your prayers. Meditate upon each time and blessing. Throw the logs of praise, thankfulness and gratitude on the fire of God and just see if the flame of the Holy Spirit does not burn more brightly than ever before. Join us this Sunday @ 10am as we help and encourage through God's Word the 'stirring up' of Thanksgiving. (Childcare and Children's Ministry Available)

Every Thanksgiving, I’m reminded of all I’ve to be thankful for. All I have to do is look around look back and look up to realize where my thanksgiving comes from. In, I Thessalonians 5:16-18 the scriptures read: Always be joyful, never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (NLT) Yet, I’ve heard some say, I don’t have anything to be thankful for. But let me say, so much gratitude is an issue of perspective. Let me explain, some see the rain as a time to stay secluded. Others see rain as a time to go outside. Some see it as a time to sulk, others see it as a time to dance! How do you see rain? Join us as we consider, ‘For What Does A Man Give Thanks’ and the effect thanksgiving has on each of our lives. (Childcare and Children’s Ministry Available)

God’s Word is very clear, ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’, yet giving is something few do very well, and most struggle with especially in tough times in this, giving becomes more of a necessary chore than a joyous experience. Yet, if this passage is true; and it most definitely is, the Lord wants us to understand He desires us to become joyful in our giving; not sorrowful, regretful, or even remorseful understanding He is the great giver. God wants to help us to learn, it is not happiness that brings us gratitude, it’s gratitude that brings us happiness and that the gratitude that brings us close to God is not about feelings, but rather about obedience and how that through giving, He’ll can help turn possible sorrow into jubilant joy. Join us as we begin our Thanksgiving Series, ‘For What Does A Man Give Thanks’.

As we unveiled some of Satan’s greatest strategies when it comes to temptation, how it works, why we give in and what we need to do not to give in. I’d like to look at the more sinister reason many don’t get truly delivered in order to live a Victorious Christian Life, which is simply another form of ‘Bait’ used by the enemy… but not even initiated by him, what do I speak of, our very own blindness. The simple truth is this; people will see what they want to see, hear what they want to hear and do what they want to do no matter what God’s Word says, if it is what they want, or possibly even all they have ever known. And until a person chooses to believe God’s Word, God’s Way; they’ll always be lost in their own way following what they want to believe or what someone else’s word has to say regardless whether it lines up with God’s Word or not. So, in this Satan will just let the deceived… deceive or be deceived! Join us as we once again look at, understand, and choose to no longer remains ignorant of the enemy’s strategies.