MESSAGE NOTES
Mary and Simeon
Luke 2:29-35
Dr. Jeffrey Clark
The Big Idea: Many witnesses point to Jesus as the Lord’s Christ for all people.
Many witnesses point
To Jesus as the Lord’s Christ
For all people
Quick Review: Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you?
My Story: Have you been dedicated to the Lord as a child, or as a parent have you dedicated your children? What do you remember about this?
Digging Deeper:
1) The following witnesses point to Jesus as the Lord’s Christ: Simeon, Anna, God’s Word, the Holy Spirit. Where do you see each of these in Luke 2:25-27? How does God’s Spirit work in concert with God’s Word and through God’s people?
2) Simeon received an assurance that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (Luke 2:26). Then, after seeing the Christ, he declares that God may dismiss him in peace (Luke 2:29). How does Jesus bring comfort needed to face death?
3) This message is for all people (v. 31). In the next verse, Gentiles are mentioned before Israel (v. 32). How does this remind us that God’s people exist, not for themselves, but for the world? Which preferences can you yield for the sake of our mission to Evergreen?
4) This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel (v. 34). In what ways do people’s response to Jesus bring polarization? What is your response?
NEWCOMERS RECEPTION
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.
FAMILY SERVICE
Today’s service at Aspen Ridge Church is a “family service,” meaning children are intentionally included in the adult gatherings in the Celebration Center. The Comfort Room is available for little ones who need a break. There is an activity packet available for children as you enter the Celebration Center.
NEW YEAR’S WEEKEND WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Our services for New Year’s weekend (5:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM on Sunday) will be Family Worship services, children will attend service with their parents and an activity sheet will be available for them. The Infant/Toddler Room will be open for childcare for ages two and under.
END-OF-YEAR-GIVING
As you think about your year-end giving, would you consider a special gift to Aspen Ridge Church for ongoing operational costs? Visit our website to give online. Please make note that all financial contributions must be postmarked no later than Saturday, December 31, 2022, or received in the church office by that same date in order to be credited in 2022 for income tax purposes.
STAFF APPRECIATION
It is customary for us to receive funds as a gift-offering for the Aspen Ridge Staff. We create an opportunity for you to make this tax-deductible gift. If you wish to contribute to the staff-gift, please do so in the normal offering until January 1. Please place “Staff Appreciation” in the memo line of the check or on the outside of an envelope.
SONGS FROM THE WEEKEND SERVICE
Joy To The World
Angels We Have Heard On High
Away in a Manger
Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
The First Noel
Hark the Herald Angel Sing
ASPEN RIDGE OFFICE SCHEDULE
Our church office will be closed for the Holidays beginning Monday, December 26 through Friday, December 30. For Pastoral Care or an emergency situation, please contact Pastor Kreg Kastelz via email at [email protected] – which will be monitored.
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.
REDISCOVER CHURCH COMMITMENTS
We invite you 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 at the Welcome Center. We are asking you to pray over such commitment, and when ready fill out the commitment card. You can send a picture of your commitment card to [email protected] or drop it off in the church office.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES
All Wednesday activities are on Christmas Break. They return on January 11.
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.
DID YOU KNOW?
Evergreen is expected to grow in the next ten years. Our current population is 25,976 and our expected population in 2031 will be 27,400. For which new friend, resident or neighbor can you begin to pray?
GIVING SUMMARY AS OF DECEMBER 18, 2022
GENERAL FUND LAST WEEK THIS MONTH FISCAL YTD
Actual $ 44,153 $ 79,329 $ 262,621
Budget $ 42,030 $ 126,092 $ 300,833
Difference $ 2,123 $ (46,763) $ (38,212)