Advent is here. The word "Advent" comes from Adventus and is closely connected to the word Adventurus from which we get our word "adventure", and that is exactly what Christmas is - the arrival of a new adventure where something is about to happen. We now know it was a someone. His name was Jesus.
Our entire campus looks stunning - a huge thanks to all those who worked so hard to prepare even our building for the coming of that baby! All of labor is preparing us for our best Christmas Eve yet. Please register so we can best prepare for you.
As you prepare your heart and mind, I strongly encourage you to check out The Chosen series. Many are being blessed by this unique depiction of Jesus and His disciples.
We are also preparing for our annual Toy Store on December 10-12. The Whitewater Toy Store is our way of resourcing those in a season of shortage in our community. It's a huge Advent tradition for us! Thanks to your generosity, hundreds of children will understand they are loved and valued. You can bring HOPE to these families by:
- Buying, Bringing, Ordering, and Sending Toys. Pick up a toy tag suggestion at the Toy Store walls at any church entrance, or visit the online shopping list. Drop off unwrapped toy donations by December 5 at any Sunday worship service OR at the Life Center, Tuesdays or Thursdays 5-7pm or Saturdays 9am-12pm. You can also drop off children's games and small Lego sets at Kreimer's Bier Haus (6052 OH-128, Cleves, OH 45002) open every day of the week.
- Volunteering - click here for more details.
This year, we also have the opportunity to have another Toy Store outside of the Whitewater Campus, at H.O.P.E.-full Pastures. Click here for more details.
As we approach and prepare for a brand new year of ministry, a special Year-End financial gift would also get us started on a firm foundation and ensure we can continue to bless others in 2022 as we have. If God has been generous to you, let's all learn from the Wise Men and bring our best gifts to Him. Everyone will be blessed - including you! We want something FOR you, not from you.
Oh - Saw this article, so if you get an email or text from me requesting a gift, it's not me - unless the request is to send something to the church! Ha.
Advent is here! I'm so glad. Wondering and waiting with you.
P.S. We had an awesome mission's team representing us a few weeks ago in Piedras Negras, Mexico. They did a TON of great work there and came back tired, but thrilled to be used by God to provide help and hope. Thanks to Bill Wagner for leading this team engaging in Solve7 work globally.