Hi Friends,
Thank you for such a special Advent and Christmas season with your families! It was such a joy to anticipate the birth of Christ with you and to see some of you on Christmas morning as we worshiped together (with instruments, too!). I look forward to seeing you tomorrow for New Year's Day as we begin 2023 together.
Joy Jar
If you haven't met Tyler Brewington-Mathis, then you should definitely get to know her and her husband Galvin! They have been part of our church family for some months now, and we are so glad they have chosen to be part of our community. Tyler shared a fun and meaningful practice she does each year, and I wanted to pass it on in case it is something you want to try. It's a simple practice of taking note of joys in big and small ways. All you need is a jar of some kind and some sticky notes or slips of paper. Anytime you experience a joy or blessing (no matter how big or small), write it down on a piece of paper, fold it up, and drop it in the jar. At the end of the year, take them out and read them as a practice of remembering and giving thanks to God as you look ahead to a new year. Thanks for bringing us so much joy at FBCP!
SUNDAY
KIDS
Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 10:20 AM.
Our kids five to ten years old will join their families in the sanctuary for worship. We love their presence in worship and the chance to be together to share in communion on this first Sunday of the month (and first Sunday of 2023!). This is a great week to have some discussion about how God might be inviting your family into a new practice to grow in faith and connection with each other. Invite your kids to help you brainstorm something that might be meaningful for your family's context. You could consider something like a joy jar, a monthly service opportunity, a practice of giving, or a weekly prayer time as a family where different family members lead it each week. Or, maybe just start by praying about it together! We would love to know if your family decides to try something new this year.
Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:
What are ways we could grow in our faith as a family this year?
Sometimes it helps to add something to our routine, and other times it helps to subtract. What do you think our family needs most in the coming year?
YOUTH
For this Sunday, we will take a break from our youth gathering so our youth can spend time with their families. We will be back on for our regular youth lunch next Sunday January 8th. Parents, stay tuned for more information about a youth winter retreat coming up in 2023!
Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for being such a special community of families.
With much love and gratitude for you,
Pastor Lindsay