It seems several weeks have already passed since the festive Christmas season began – in Taber, and everywhere else. Isn’t it amazing to see how most of the world, in one way or another, has come to embrace this annual celebration! And for those of us who know the Reason for the Season, it can’t begin soon enough – because of the opportunity to celebrate the single most important birth that the world has ever seen!  

It seems to me that the wonder of Jesus’ coming as a baby in Bethlehem some 2020 years ago resounds with a thousand scintillating messages about what life is really all about. As the writer of Hebrews puts it so beautifully (1:1,2), In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in many ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son… At this darker season of the year, how wonderful that we can focus attention on the Great Light that has shone into our world in the coming of Jesus from heaven’s glory, to make His home among us!

The Worship Service at 10:30am in this first Sunday of Advent (which means “coming”), will surround the theme of HOPE – symbolized by the lighting of the first candle of the Advent Wreath, by Ed and Helen Hendricks. Lyndon and Naomi will lead in musical worship and Ron Gartly, who serves as one of the church elders, will present a message from Isaiah 7:1-17, called, Prophecy, Promise, Hope. Once again, children (pre-K to Grade 5) will be dismissed early for their Bible lesson, and for the preparation of their Christmas presentation. The service will conclude with a special time of worship around the Lord’s Table. 

If possible, since prayer is so vital in the ministry of the church, please consider joining with others in prayer at 9:00am this Sunday – for the ongoing needs of the church including the pastoral search. Pray for the team as it meets this Monday evening to pray, and to consider a candidate.  

On Sunday evening at 6:00pm, everyone is invited to join in a Missions and Desert Fellowship at the church to hear about the ministry of Shirley Dyck’s family in India – her father, Raja and brother-in-law, Jacob. 

How are we all doing with the memorization of Luke 2:1-20 that Naomi Klassen challenged us to consider? I think the goal is to have it down to align with the children’s presentation on December 17. So we still have some time… 

As the calendar year comes to a close, what a blessing it is for us to focus attention on what the church is all about! Let’s plan to worship and learn more of Christ this Christmas in order to better be the incarnation of Christ to the world in these days.  Have a blessed Advent weekend!

Pastor Ed

Join us for classic, crazy Youth games!

Join us for skeet shooting at MD Taber Sports Complex followed by pizza for supper.

Meet at the church at 1:30pm, we will car pool there.

Bring a shotgun if you have, or borrow one if not.

There will likely be a small cost to cover ammo and clays, but that will be worked out later.

If you have questions please contact Michael (403-360-9740) 

Sunday December 3, 2023 at 6pm

Raja and Jacob, along with Jacob's wife Sharon, serve with MissionGo and are founders and partners with Trinity Ministries India.

Based out of Sathyamangalam, in the state of Tamil Nadu at the southern tip of India, God has placed them each in a variety of ministry areas including pastoral mentoring, Bible study, humanitarian aid and other gospel outreach ministries to both remote and rural villages of several Indian states.

Come enjoy an evening with Raja and Jacob as they share how God is using their ministries to reach the people of India! 

Praise God for all He is doing through the pastors training workshops we're holding. In November we'll conclude the series for this year with some 15 churches and their leadership having been influenced for better leadership skills. Pray the Lord will guide us to the right location for our church Casa De Mi Padre. The lease on our house that we've been renting has not been renewed so this is a matter of urgency - we need a new home before December 15.

Invite your friends and family and join us for a special service Sunday, December 17th as the Kid's Church ministry will present their Christmas program.

Following the service, there will be a potluck lunch as a way to gather together and celebrate the season with our church family. 

Last names please bring A-M: Main Dish N-Z: Salads, the church will provide desserts.

We encourage everyone to stay connected with life at Taber EFC.  
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