Get Ready for Someone Worthy
Hi sparkling friends!
Staff and Covid Updates
Jon Tisevich is much better and will be ready to teach with me for Christmas Eve services. Thanks for the prayers.
As we have seen an increase in the number of COVID-positive staff members, we want to be the best stewards of our staff, families, and our Whitewater community. Given this, the Executive Team has asked our staff to work from home for the rest of December, when possible. We will continue to utilize technology tools to do this.
Thanks to technology, we will still be available to our Whitewater family, so when you call in, you will still be able to call directly to the line of the staff member you wish to get ahold of, or in an emergency, you can use the option for Minister on Duty (available every day, minus Christmas Day and New Year's Day).
Please join me in praying for protection around our staff and staff families, as we stand with those who are battling this illness.
We are so very thankful for all those serving on the front lines of ministry here to keep the mission of this local church vibrant. I received a heartwarming email today from a member, and I wanted to share part of it with you:
Dear David,
I want to thank you and ALL of Whitewater's staff, elders, and leaders for everything you have done and are doing throughout this very challenging time. I pledge to pray regularly for you all and your families- for physical, emotional, and spiritual health and protection... I think part of what helped me through the social isolation resulting from this past spring's "lockdown" was being able to serve in the Food Pantry's various outreaches... I believe that meeting people's needs on more basic levels leads to building trust for higher level (spiritual) discussions...
Couldn't agree more about what serving Jesus and others does. So when asked to step up, (like Mary and Joseph), say "yes!"
December 21st
Several folks sent me the story of what is scheduled to happen in the sky on December 21st. They are calling it The Great Conjunction of 2020.
Check out these articles about it!
Is the rare 'Christmas Star' visible this December the Star of Bethlehem?
Jupiter, Saturn to put on 'Christmas Star' show at winter solstice
If this indeed materializes, it couldn't have happened in a better year than 2020. Don't you agree!? Jesus was born into a time of chaos, death, political/social unrest, and darkness, just like 2020. The Magi found him by way of a star in the sky, and they followed that star until it rested on where he was, and there they worshipped him. In a time of darkness, Jesus sparkled with light. And that Baby Jesus brought 'peace on earth, goodwill toward all men.'
Winter Solstice is also on December 21 - where day is the shortest and night is the longest. How cool that this 'great conjunction' of stars happens the same day. Just a heavenly reminder that God still shines brightly and has not forgotten us. Look up on December 21 for this Christmas Star, but when you do, also thank God above for giving us the light of Jesus. (John 1)
Christmas Week
'Peace on earth, goodwill toward men' will be the theme of our Christmas week services this year.
We'll be hosting four services during Christmas week. Note this year, too, that childcare will be available for kids ages birth to 3 years old at the Wednesday evening service, and on Christmas Eve at the Noon and 2pm services. Be sure to come early if you want to check-in your child.
We are asking you to register for the Christmas Week service you wish to attend. Services are on:
- Wednesday, December 23 - 6:30pm
- Thursday, December 24 - 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
Registration is now open. Click here.
We will also continue our practice of collecting a Christmas offering at all Christmas week services. 100% of that offering will be deployed outside our walls for the sole purpose of bringing Help and Hope to people. We will be investing in the Life Center Resource Fund and three faithful strategic partners - Wheels, Thrive Point Counseling, and BLOC ministries. Please prepare now to bring your best gift for Jesus.
and lastly...
In lieu of hosting in-person services on Sunday, December 27, I am excited to announce we will be showing a Christmas special that morning online and on Star64 TV. It is titled Someone Worthy and was created by Tyler McKenzie and the Northeast Christian Church in Louisville. Check out the trailer!
Through a modern day reimagining of the story of Christmas, an angel named Gabriel teaches a teenage boy that everybody has a role to play in the greatest story ever told. Follow the journey of Mary and Joseph as they learn of news that will change the world forever. Starring world class musicians and performers, this musical adventure has something for everyone in your family. Can't wait for you to see it.
See you online or on campus this weekend. Keep sparkling!
Dose of Hope
Don't forget about the Dose of Hope on Facebook or YouTube, on Fridays!
Watch Dose of Hope
Contact Info:
Website: http://whitewatercrossing.org
Email: info@whitewatercrossing.org