"Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles…But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles.  For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person…(Matthew 15: 10-11, 18-20)."
 
This week's Advent theme is "Peace."  In the Bible, peace is an expansive term, used to indicate a sense of total well-being inside a person as well as in that person's relationships to all things.  Peace within us depends on good relationships around us.  Notice in Jesus' words how the lack of well-being in a person's heart spreads outward to infect and damage others like a deadly virus.  Murder is the destruction of a person's life and body.  Adultery and fornication are the destruction of relationships, as are false witness and slander.
 
The increasingly violent world we live in must be clear about what Jesus is saying.  As long as the human heart is broken, self-centered, and sickened by lust for control, destruction of good life will be the result.  The good news of the gospel of Jesus is this, "Repent (turn around) and believe, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!"  When the human heart is surrendered to the loving forgiveness and Lordship of Jesus Christ, good life pours out like candy from a piñata!  Healing of hearts, minds, bodies, souls, and relationships, all signs of true peace, come through surrendering our hearts to Jesus and his way of life.  His way leads to peace.  His grace leads to peace.
 
The hope of stopping mass shootings and bombings and oppressive governments and terrorist organizations is not in more laws, political interventions, or even military interventions (not that these are completely useless).  It is in human beings surrendering to the loving forgiveness and Lordship of Christ.  And, it begins with you and me.
 
What do we need to surrender to Jesus Christ this Advent so we can find peace and share peace?

Lakeside’s Christmas Mission:

Ms. Rose has been caring for children in the community through her ministry Brethren Reaching Out since 1995.  Beginning as a drug counselor, she saw the need for guidance in the lives of troubled and low income young people; to get them off the streets and out of potential danger. Ms. Rose provides a safe place after school for children to do their homework, study, build relationships and receive the Word of God.  Ms. Rose is a blessing to our community and our mission is to provide gifts to 20 of the children to whom she loves and ministers.  Please see our website on how you can be involved with this outreach project. 

 

Honor a Loved One or Simply Celebrate the Joy of Christmas All While Beautifying The Sanctuary This Christmas!  Order your poinsettia plant(s) in the lobby!  You will be able to take home your plants the Sunday after Christmas!  Thank you!

Lakeside Fellowship is currently hiring for a part time childcare/nursery position. Hours are Sunday mornings 8:15-10:30 am or possibly til 12:15 pm and occasional special events such as the 5:30 Christmas Eve Service. Applicant should have some experience and a heart for working with babies and toddlers up to age two. Prefer someone 18 yrs. or older, but will consider a mature 17 yr. old. Must be dependable and have reliable transportation. If you are interested or know someone who might be contact Wendy Votino at wvotino@lakesidefellowship.org

For your holiday and every day purchases!
 

 

The presentation of the new church plans has been rescheduled to January 24th.  We look forward to sharing the plans with everyone at that time!  If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Antonik.  Thank you!

11.29-12.11 7th Annual Sock Drive to benefit local children. We are collecting new socks in the lobby.
11.29-12.16:  Christmas Outreach Opportunities.  Contact Becky Measures for more information or see the outreach table in the lobby. 
12.16 Church Wide Star Wars Themed Christmas Program:  6:30pm 
12.16 Preschool Christmas Program: 9:15am & 6:30pm
12.20  Youth Christmas Party: 6:00pm.  More details to follow.