MESSAGE NOTES
Mary and Jesus
Luke 2:1-7
Marcus Mackey
Unexpected Peace
Unexpected Authority and Control
Unexpected Heart
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Quick Review: Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you?
Digging Deeper:
1) Tell us of a time when things didn’t go according to plan.
2) How do you handle “the unexpected” or unmet expectations? Why do you think you tend to respond this way?
3) In what ways should the Lord’s incarnation humble us?
4) What are some areas in our culture where you see people placing hope of a better future outside of Jesus?
5) Do you easily lose sight of God’s sovereign control and authority even when life goes in unexpected places? Explain why or why not.
6) Do you think about Jesus’ heart or posture towards you as gentle and lowly? If not, what do you think of His posture toward you?
7) Who in your life can point you towards Jesus when things don’t go as planned? Who/how do you do this for others?
NEWCOMERS RECEPTION
We welcome Marcus Mackey as our speaker this weekend. Marcus is our Church Planter in residence and he and his family are working towards opening Grace Hills Church in Indian Hills. We would love to meet you at our Welcome Center in the lobby and share a gift and available opportunities. Our Pastoral team would also love to meet you and will linger in the front after the services to this end. You may let us know you were here by using a Communication Card found in our worship folder. We receive these in containers on tables in the Celebration Center.
REDISCOVER CHURCH COMMITMENTS
All are invited to participate in this initiative to support a new church in Indian Hills and to eliminate Aspen Ridge Church mortgage debt. Commitment cards are available in a basket on the Welcome Center table. We are asking you to pray over such commitment, and when ready fill out the commitment card. Bringing these completed commitment cards by Sunday, December 11 (Ingathering Weekend) will allow us to celebrate God’s generous provision together at the end of the calendar year. Another option is to send a picture of your commitment card to [email protected] or drop it off in the church office.
CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES COLLECTION
We are partnering with Christ’s Body Ministries through Kathy Taraba to help in the collection of new or gently used blankets and men’s coats. These are given out and especially needed in our cold Colorado winters! Please leave donations in the trunk by the Welcome Center in the Lobby and thank you for your help.
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Aspen Ridge Church will hold Christmas Eve candlelight services on December 24 for the whole family at 3:30 and 5:00 PM. We will then have one combined family service on Christmas Day, December 25 at 10:00 AM.
SONGS FROM THE WEEKEND SERVICES
Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy) – Chris Tomlin
God Is For Us – City Alight
Is He Worthy – Andrew Peterson
O Come, O Come Emmanuel – Classic Carol
What Child is This (Great Are You Lord) – Classic Carol
CHILDREN & STUDENT MINISTRY
Student and Children’s ministry remain strong at Aspen Ridge Church. Attendance of children and students for weekend services is growing. In fact, Student Ministries is facing space limitations at 10:30 AM as they split into two groups but without a room large enough for High School students. Children’s Ministry has increased the number of weekend workers and staffing is in place. Mid-week interest and attendance is robust. Thank you to so many for faithful service in these vital areas.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
Join us on Wednesday, from 5:30-6:30 PM for a delicious meal of baked chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and salad served in our Celebration Center. The cost is $4/person or $12/family. We would love to meet you there!
SACRIFICIAL GIVING
Giving appears to be as strong (or stronger) than ever at Aspen Ridge Church. According to financial reports for the first two months of the ministry year, 2022 fiscal year giving is outpacing generous 2021 giving levels. Further, the ministry campaign Rediscover Church has yielded $50,000 in advanced commitments from 20 leadership families. Praise God for His generous provision.
DID YOU KNOW?
In the transition from September to October and November, Aspen Ridge Church has been experiencing a 12% increase in weekend attendance. Our average weekend attendance in October and November is 362, with another 106 connecting online. Even so, there is still plenty of room for growth and invitations. Which friend or neighbor could you invite to an upcoming series or event?
LIFE OPTIONS
Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy and need support? We are here for you. Receive the no-cost services and resources you need to move forward in your pregnancy journey. Our professional and compassionate team of experts can help educate you about all your pregnancy options. Feel confident in your next step and don’t do it alone! Visit lifesoptionspc.org or call 303-674-5881.
GIVING SUMMARY AS OF DECEMBER 4, 2022
GENERAL FUND LAST WEEK THIS MONTH FISCAL YTD
Actual $ 20,466 $ 73,927 $ 203,758
Budget $ 42,030 $ 42,031 $ 216,772
Difference $ (21,564) $ 31,896 $ (13,014)