What’s Happening at University Baptist Church 12-24-09
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
Please plan to join us tonight at 7PM for the annual candlelight Christmas Eve Service. Pastor’s meditation will be on the topic of “First Things First” from Matthew 2:1-12.
The Magi traveled a great distance to celebrate the birth of Christ. They came bearing gifts but put first things first. The text shows, in verse 11, that before presenting their gifts, they bowed down to worship. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts.
The order of things in the Magi's visit ought to be the order of things in our lives. We ought to put first things first during the holidays by remembering to worship the Lord. Gifts are a wonderful part of the season, but we ought to remember, and worship, the reason for the season.
Merry Christmas to the entire UBC family!
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THIS SUNDAY
In worship, December 27, Pastor will be speaking on “Finishing Well”. It is based on scripture from Philippians 3:12-14.
At the end of this year, many of us are tempted toward extremes. Looking back, some of us are filled with regret at the things we haven’t done as well as we could have. Others are overjoyed at the successes that seem to be the result of intellect or skill. Whether satisfied or disappointed, we are preparing to enter 2010 with deep emotions.
It is to these deep emotions that Paul speaks this week. He reminds us that all we have experienced is not as important as all we have yet to experience. Whether overjoyed or deflated, we are called to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. As we strain toward a new year, let us take his words to heart by finishing the old year well.
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
This Sunday, December 27 and on Sunday, January 3, there will be no Sunday School because of the holiday weekends. Enjoy the time with your family!
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The Election of Officers for 2010 will take place on Sunday, January 3, 2010 in a congregational meeting immediately after worship.
UBC ANNUAL MEETING
The UBC Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 31, immediately after worship. Please plan to attend as we make decisions that will affect our church for the coming year. Even if you are not a member, your input is valued. Please join us for discussion.
Here’s what’s happening the rest of the week and beyond:
Sunday, December 27
9:15 AM Prayer Time
10:00 AM Worship
11:15 AM Coffee Time
Tuesday, December 29
7:00 PM Small Group: Old Testament Review
7:30 PM Praise Team rehearsal
Sunday, January 3
9:15 AM Prayer Time
10:00 AM Worship
11:15 AM Coffee Time
INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES PRAYER REQUEST from Karen Smith
Karen serves at the New Life Center Foundation (NLCF), an evangelical ministry located in Northern Thailand. NLCF works exclusively with ethnic minority (tribal) women throughout the Mekong sub- region (Thailand and its neighboring countries) who are at risk for, or victims of, labor exploitation which includes forced work in factories, local markets, domestic situations, and prostitution. There are risks involved in this ministry that makes Christ's love known to vulnerable and exploited people. Because of those risks, Karen's photo is not used by us. She writes:
Dear friends -- I continue to feel honored that I am able to work here right now, in this unique time in Thailand's development history. Activities this week included a two-day team unity building workshop for the administrative staff (it was excellent). Additionally, I just completed a short proposal to UNICEF, and on Wednesday submitted an initial "Statement of Interest" (i.e., another proposal!) to the U.S. Department of State Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons. If approved by "G/TIP", these funds would support and expand the New Life Center Foundation's anti-trafficking campaigns throughout the region.
Economic development in Thailand has continued unabated and therefore, so has the flow of migrants across the borders. Wherever there is an increased flow of migrant workers, human trafficking also increases. Thailand is literally inundated with migrant workers, many of whom are escaping the situation in Myanmar...but many of whom are simply seeking a better life. Thailand has some really good employment laws which protect migrant workers who come into the country legally. However, migrants (due to many variables, but particularly language differences) often get (literally) lost in the shuffle and end up in severely exploitative labor situations.
Our NLCF anti-trafficking, safe migration campaigns provide ethnic minorities with the knowledge they need to protect themselves from such exploitation. The staff and I are excited about these additional program initiatives! Will you pray with us, that we'd receive these new funds and be able to launch an expansion of these programs?
I pray that you would know the peace of the Lord Jesus this season in every way, and that His grace, power, strength and love would be made known to you in new and deeper ways.
- Pray for Karen as she serves Christ in this ministry to and in behalf of the “least of these.”
That’s what’s happening – Hope to see you on Sunday!
University Baptist Church
4608 S Hagadorn Road
East Lansing, MI 48223
517-351-4144
