LHF This Week: Dec 7 - 14, 2025 Edition
- Living Hope Fellowship
- Dec 8, 2025
- 5 min read
We're in the second week of December. This week, snowfall has already started to dust the ground, making it feel like Christmas is truly on its way. As we step into this festive season, our church community is buzzing with excitement. We have launched a new sermon series, and December promises many Christmas gatherings, ministries, and events that bring us closer together. Scroll through this newsletter to stay connected with all the wonderful things happening around us.
Worship Wrapup: Embracing Peace in the Midst of Imperfection
Sunday’s worship service was a heartfelt experience. Our worship team, led by Joel Rieber, continues to inspire us with their dedication and beautiful music, especially during this Christmas season. Special thanks to Kenzie Kregelka and Lucas Gill for their moving performances that added a unique touch to the service.
This week marked the second Sunday of Advent, focusing on the theme of Peace that we find in Christ. Pastor Derek introduced a new Christmas series titled A Not-So Perfect Christmas. This series explores how the circumstances surrounding Christ’s birth and early life were far from peaceful, yet His arrival was meant to bring peace into the chaos of a broken world.
In the first message, we studied the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1. This lineage reveals that our perfect Savior came from an imperfect bloodline, filled with ordinary people and unexpected stories. It reminds us that God’s power of redemption reaches into every corner of our lives, no matter how broken or flawed. Nothing is beyond His reach to restore and fulfill His purpose.
If you missed the service, you can watch the message on Facebook, YouTube, or our church website. It’s a powerful reminder that peace is possible even when life feels messy.
Seniors Christmas Gathering This Tuesday
Our seniors are invited to a special Christmas gathering this Tuesday at 11 a.m. The group will meet at the church before heading to the home of Charles and Pam Parker, who graciously host this annual event. The Parkers create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that everyone looks forward to.
Seniors are encouraged to bring a small gift for the gift exchange game. More importantly, bring your appetite and your joyful spirit for a time filled with good food, laughter, and fellowship. This gathering is a wonderful way for our seniors to connect and celebrate the season together.
Women's Christmas Brunch this Saturday
Our annual Women's Christmas Brunch will take place at 10:30am this Saturday at the home of Don and Tandy Flynn. Tandy always plays a wonderful host for this event that is both a party and an outreach, collecting items to help women in need in our community. Ladies are invited to bring a $10-$15 gift as well. For more information, or to get an idea of items still needed for the outreach, contact Tandy Flynn.
Toy Project Outreach This Weekend
First of all, thanks to everyone for your generous donations of toys, clothes and wrapping paper for this year's Toy Project Outreach. This is our first year participating, and you have all stepped up to the challenge!
There are two opportunities to volunteer this weekend. One is to help on Friday with the Toy Store setup at Grace Baptist Church Downtown. Setup will begin at 2pm on Friday, and should take a couple hours. On Saturday, the Toy Store will open at 10am. Volunteers have been asked to arrive at 9:30am to get assignments and make last minute adjustments. The event will last until 2pm. Volunteers will be acting as "Elves," helping the parents shop for toys for their children & helping them keep track of the funds they are spending. Also some may help wrap the gifts after the parents have picked them out. Wear comfortable shoes and something festive!
Looking Ahead This December
December is packed with opportunities to engage and celebrate. Here are some highlights to keep on your calendar:
Attention Kids and Youth! It's time to PAR-TY! Make sure you don't miss the biggest bestest funnest night of the year as we invade GattiTown for a night of pizza, games and gifts. Parents are also invited to enjoy dinner!
It will be a Not-So Silent Night as our Youth have a Lock-In at the church. Please contact Jamal Rayan with questions and also check the Band App for more details.
These events are designed to bring us closer as a church family and to share the true meaning of Christmas with our community.
This Week's Prayer List
Samantha Holmes is scheduled for labor this Tuesday, December 9th. We are prayerful and excited for the arrival of William Parker!
Please pray for Alan Hinkle as he is in hospice. Remember Amber, his wife, and sons, Jase and Zane as they are spending as much time with Alan as possible.
Pray for Debbie Major as she continues to recover and gain strength after surgery.
Pastors Chris and Derek are scheduled to depart for their mission trip to the Philippines in one month. Pray for their safe journey and the work they will do while there.
Finding Peace in the Chaos
The message of peace during Advent is especially relevant this year. Life often feels chaotic, and the holiday season can add pressure and stress. Yet, the story of Jesus’ birth reminds us that peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God in the midst of it.
Our imperfect world and imperfect lives are the very places where God’s peace shines brightest. As we journey through Advent, let’s hold onto the hope that Christ brings peace that surpasses understanding. This peace is available to each of us, no matter our circumstances.
How To Make This A Christmas to Remember...
Attend Sunday Services: Experience the Advent series and worship together.
Join a Ministry or Event: Whether it’s caroling, volunteering, or attending gatherings, there’s a place for you.
Invite Friends and Family: Share the joy and peace of the season by inviting others to join our church community.
Reflect and Pray: Take time each day to meditate on the themes of Advent and prepare your heart for Christmas.
Embracing the Season Together
December is a time to celebrate, reflect, and connect. Our church is alive with activities that help us experience the joy and peace of Christmas in meaningful ways. From worship services to social gatherings, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
As we continue through this Advent season, remember that the peace we seek is found in Christ, who came to bring light into darkness and hope into despair. Let this truth guide your days and fill your heart with joy.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from our church family. We look forward to sharing this special season with you.
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