Message from the Pastor - Bob Bahr
It’s hard to believe but next Sunday, December 3 is the first Sunday of Advent. We tend to think of Advent only as the season in which we prepare for Christmas, or the First Coming of Christ, but it is important that we also remember it as a celebration in which we look forward to the Second Coming of Christ.
Properly speaking, Advent is a season that brings to mind the Two Comings of Christ. In order to help us celebrate this season we will be hosting a Christmas dinner this Sunday evening to celebrate the joy we experience as a result of God’s amazing love for us.
This coming Sunday we will continue in our series of messages in the Book of Acts 16:1-10. We will take time to reflect on how God led Paul and Silas to take the good news of the gospel from Asia into Europe - a call that changed the whole course of human history.
I would encourage each of us to reflect on God’s call in our own life and to give thanks for how the birth of Jesus in our life has changed us. What are the positive benefits Jesus has made in your life? I would also like us to reflect on our life as a church, and consider the role He is calling us to play as we seek to impact our community with the message of His birth.
Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do, help us to seek out some quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, we who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. Amen.
May the love and peace of Jesus enfold you during this Advent season.
Budget Chat: An informal budget chat will be held after the worship service on Sunday, December 3 in the Sanctuary; everyone is encouraged to attend. Draft copies of the proposed budget will be available at the information table on Sunday. If you have any questions please reach out to Tom Walker.
Notice of Meeting: A general meeting will be held after the morning worship service on Sunday, December 10, 2023, in the Sanctuary, to consider and vote on the proposed 2024 church budget. The following Motion will be considered: “Motion to approve the 2024 WVBC budget. Moved by Tom Walker and seconded by Don Hill that the proposed 2024 budget as presented at this meeting be approved.”
PowerPoint operators needed: We have an opportunity for volunteers to help on Sunday mornings. If you know Microsoft PowerPoint and enjoy music, we are looking for two PPT operators to be available on Sunday mornings from 8:15 am to the end of the service. You will advance the slides songs, announcements, and follow sermons slides. The ability to resolve issues, and figure out a solution is valuable. Training is provided. Please contact Judy Thompson or Tracey Miller for more information.
Year End Donations: Just a reminder that tithes and offerings for 2023 must be in the office by December 31, 2023, or postmarked no later than the same date. Charitable tax receipts will be available once the year-end financials have been closed, but no later than mid-February. We will be sending the tax receipts via email so please be sure the office has your current email. If you want to know what your year-to-date giving is, please call or email Judy Thompson, she is in the office on Tuesdays from 10 am to 3 pm. jthompson@westvanbaptist.com.
Updating the Newsletter: In the next couple of weeks, we will be using new software for our weekly e-mail. We will be transferring your current email information to our website Newsletter format. This notice is to let you know if you don’t get the Newsletter your information may have been missed in the transition.
If you subscribe to the website you will be asked for your first name, last name, and your email address. You will have the choice of receiving the Weekly Email or if you are a Member of West Vancouver Baptist you can sign up for the Members Only email. Once you fill in your information, please click on Save Subscription. You will also receive a confirmation email, so please check your inbox and click the link to complete this step. If you can’t find your confirmation email, check your email spam or junk box.
If you are already on the website Newsletter and you enter your email you may receive an email to update your subscription. Click on Manage Subscriptions. You can make any changes or save your subscription. You are also able to unsubscribe if you wish.