This past Sunday felt pretty blah. I preached a pretty mediocre sermon. (Really, you don’t have to tell me that it was good. I can be honest with myself about these things.) A bad cable made my sermon slides go crazy. And Lucas was still gone. Blah…
And right as I was about to have a pity party for myself, I received an email from someone who is new to GVF. This person told me how God used my sermon to bring about a spiritual breakthrough, free them from past shame, & do deep heart work in them.
It was a great (& humbling) reminder. No matter how mediocre my preaching may be, the Gospel is the power of God (Romans 1:16).
This is what it’s all about: lives being transformed by the Good News.
God has entrusted us with the work of proclaiming this Good News to everyone, especially to Phoenixville, to our friends, families, & neighbors.
This December, there are three big ways you can be part of this mission of proclaiming this life-changing message to ourselves, our church, & our community.
#1. CONSIDER GIVING A SPECIAL YEAREND GIFT. It's been a big year at GVF. We need $75,000 (over & above our regular monthly giving) in order to care for & equip those who are already showing up at GVF. The funds would meet needs like: expanding Children’s ministry, covering the transition costs of adding new staff, & creating more space for ministry beyond Sunday morning. (Click here for more details.)
If you would like to make a donation, you can give online at www.gvf.church/give-online, through PayPal, or mail checks to GVF, 220 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460. Thanks in advance. You have always been an amazingly generous church.
#3. INVITE A FRIEND. The Christmas season is by far the easiest time to share the hope of Christ with our community. Below are the highlights of the GVF Christmas calendar. Click the links for more info & share them on Facebook to help spread the word.
Wednesday, Dec. 14th - Christmas at the Colonial. Last year, we packed out the Colonial Theater, had great fun, shared the Good News, & raised thousands for the Good Samaritan Shelter. This year, you can join the fun. Sign up to serve, invite a friend, & help support this good cause!
Sunday, Dec. 18th - Christmas Worship. The Sunday before Christmas is kind of a big deal. We have lots planned: carols, decorations, a special music, a high energy program for the kids, Christmas goodies, a pizza reception following the service… I might even squeeze a sermon in there somewhere.
Saturday, Dec 24th - Two Christmas Eve Services. (5pm & 7pm). These will be fun, family-friendly, 1-hour services. We’ll sing the carols, have goodies for the kids, light some glow sticks (they won’t let us use real candles), and celebrate the mystery & joy of Christ’s birth.
Sunday, Dec. 25th - No Service on Christmas Day. We are making “Christmas Worship @ Home” packets for all the families of GVF so that you can have a time of worship without getting out of your PJs.
Sunday, Jan. 1st - Celebration Service (11am). Join us for a 1-hour service as we kick off the new year with worship, prayer, & laying 2017 at the feet of Christ.
It is an honor to serve such a generous, neighbor-loving, Jesus-following church.
May God do great things in & through you this Christmas season for His Glory & the good of Phoenixville!
Mark your calendars December 11 Guest Speaker: Alister McGrath - "Confessions of a lapsed atheist"
December 14 Christmas @ the Colonial
December 18 Youth Group Holiday Party 6-8pm
December 25 & January 1 No Youth Group
December 24 Christmas Eve services 5pm & 7pm
January 1 Celebration Service 11am-noon
January 6 Youth Group Ice Skating 7:30-9:30pm
January 10 Theology at the Pub
January 22 Starting Point **Any questions email gvf@gvf.church
