10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Sermon Video:
Scriptures & Meditations
Our first reading comes from the good news according to Matthew.
Reading #1: Matthew 1:18-25
18Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” 24When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
Meditation #1: Song: “Emmanuel”
Our second reading comes from the good news according to Luke.
Reading #2: Luke 2:8-20
8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Meditation #2: Song: “While Shepherds Watched”
Our third reading comes from the good news according to Matthew.
Reading #3: Matthew 2:1-11
1In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” 7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Meditation #3: Song: “As With Gladness”
Our fourth reading comes from the good news according to John.
Reading #4: John 1:1-5, 9-14, 16-18
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 16From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 18No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
Meditation #4: Invitation to Faith Song “Good Christian Friends Rejoice”
Special Music: “I Heard the Bells”
with David, Lora, Camryn B., Scott (guitar), Missy (piano) Jackson, & Sydney F.
Sermon Video Slides:
Sermon Media Photos:
Thanks so much to our own Dave D. photographer extraordinaire, for capturing these beautiful images. All photos are Copyright Hyper-Performance. Publication, including websites, blogs, printed material, etc. is strictly prohibited. Contact us to secure permission to use and publish any of these photographs. Thank you for your understanding! hyperperform@aol.com
Advent Candle Lighting:
Troy & Abbey Sybrant
L: In the weeks leading up to this day our world has grown brighter!
P: The light of hope shines brightly in Jesus’ birth and his return! (light purple candle)
L: In the weeks leading up to this day our world has grown brighter.
P: The light of peace shines brightly in Jesus’ birth and his return! (light purple candle)
L: In the weeks leading up to this day our world has grown brighter!
P: The light of joy shines brightly in Jesus’ birth and his return! (light pink candle)
L: In the weeks leading up to this day our world has grown brighter.
P: The light of love shines brightly in Jesus’ birth and his return! (light purple candle)
L: For on this day the Word became flesh and lived among us; the people who once lived in darkness have now seen a great light! (light Christ candle)
P: We celebrate his birth and we anticipate his return! Alleluia! Amen!
L: Having lit the Christ candle, let us sing “Light of Light Eternal.”
Merry Christmas to you and your family! Wishing nothing but God’s joy, peace, hope, love and blessings in 2016.
The entire service was recorded. Please enjoy:
Christmas Eve Service Part I:
Christmas Eve Service continued:
Christmas Eve Slides:
Christmas Eve Media Pictures:
We are grateful for Dave D. our photographer extraordinaire for taking these beautiful pictures: Pictures can be purchased online. All photos are Copyright Hyper-Performance. Publication, including websites, blogs, printed material, etc. is strictly prohibited. Contact us to secure permission to use and publish any of these photographs. Thank you for your understanding! hyperperform@aol.com
Please listen and enjoy this 40-minute presentation by Dove-Award-winning arrangers, Dennis & Nan Allen, includes narrations, orchestrations, choirs , solos, and congregational singing.
DECEMBER 1 Cincinnati Civic Orchestra Concert 7pm (see pictures at the bottom of this post) 3 CCC “Voyage to Bethlehem” ~ Live Nativity (1:00-4:00 pm outside) & Ten Thousand Villages (1:00-5:00 pm inside) (see attached pictures at the bottom of this post) 18 Christmas Cantata 24 Christmas Eve Service, 5:00 pm 25 Christmas Day (regular service) 10:30 am
December 18, 2016 10:30 am
CHRISTMAS CANTATA ~ ONE SMALL CHILD
“One Small Child – a musical for all choirs and congregations who ask the questions: “Who is this Child whom God has sent to redeem us?” and “How can I know Him better?”
This 40-minute presentation by Dove-Award-winning arrangers, Dennis & Nan Allen, includes narrations, orchestrations, SATB choir, solos, and congregational singing.… a perfect addition to your Christmas celebration.”
Please join us for a musical Sunday morning!
CHRISTMAS SERVICE
24 Christmas Eve Service, 5:00 pm
The church will hold a Candlelight service at 5 pm, for both adults and children with songs and stories of Christmas.
25 Christmas Day (regular service) 10:30 am
We’ll celebrate Christ birth at the 10:30 service.
Giving Back – Other Shopping Ideas:
ANGEL TREE PROGRAM FOR REACH OUT LAKOTA:
Gifts by Sunday December 4, 2016
If you do not belong to our church you can still use the Reach Out Lakota (ROL) donation link to donate money for a child. ROL will shop on your behalf.
Change the Fund to Christmas and make sure you fill in the child’s name on the card and age in the Comments Field.
TRADES OF HOPE: SUPPORT OUR SPRING YOUTH MISSION TRIP
Order Online by December 12, 2016
You are cordially invited to participate in a fund-raising project for our youth spring mission trip. Trades of Hope is a fair trade company that sells jewelry, home décor, fashion accessories and Christmas gifts & decorations.
By making a purchase you are creating a 3 way blessing:
Order in advance to give enough time to meet your holiday schedules
Bookmark this link : http://smile.amazon.com/ch/31-1352145 and select Tylersville Road Christian Church to be your participating charity. You only have to do this once. Next time just login with smile.amazon.com
Marcar este enlace : http://smile.amazon.com/ch/31-1352145 y seleccione Tylersville Iglesia Cristiana Camino a ser su caridad participantes. Sólo hay que hacerlo una vez. La próxima vez simplemente sesión con smile.amazon.com https://smile.amazon.com/
For eligible purchases at AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the customer’s selected charitable organization.
Past Christmas Events Update:
December 1, 2016 7:00-8:30 pm
CINCINNATI CIVIC ORCHESTRA CONCERT
CINCINNATI CIVIC ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: 2016 Holiday Concert “The Magical Musical Number Five”
Our 2016 Holiday Concert will continue our 88th season theme “The Magical Musical Number Five.” The performance will feature a new arrangement of The Twelve Days of Christmas Carols by our own Edward F. Howard, a delightful and fun-filled medley based on the traditional Five Golden Rings.
A message from CCO:
We had a great time with all our friends at Compass Christian Church Thursday! For those who couldn’t join us or want to join us again, we will be performing our next holiday concert tomorrow afternoon December 4th at 3 PM in Springfield Township, at the Grove Banquet and Event center located at:
9158 Winton Rd. Cincinnati, OH
Grab a friend come on out and enjoy the holidays with your orchestra. As always admission is FREE!
December 3, 2016 1 pm – 5 pm
“VOYAGE TO BETHLEHEM”
LIVE NATIVITY
Compass Christian Church once again hosted a Live Nativity scene outside the church, complete with Mary & Joseph, the Magi, shepherds & angels, as well as some friendly beasts, suitable for petting (including a surprise camel named Samson) We were blessed with 235 visitors.
Please enjoy some of our pictures:
TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES SALE UPDATE
Ten Thousand Villages will bring “a global marketplace of fair trade items. The sales amounted to $1,300 which is part of the fair trade program back to the developing countries and their artisans. Ten Thousand Villages graciously donated (15%) of their event sales or $195.00 towards our missions. Thank you to all that participated or purchased at our event!!!
The following article is an excerpt from Rick Warren’s The Purpose of Christmas ; DECEMBER 19, 2008
“Christmas is a party. Specifically, it’s a birthday party — for Jesus — and birthdays are meant to be celebrated. It’s why we say “Merry Christmas!”
Preparing for Christmas can be a lot of work; With the pressure of buying gifts, sending greeting cards, decorating our homes, putting up lights, cooking, attending parties, and cleaning up afterward, we have little time to actually enjoy the meaning of Christmas.
The first purpose of Christmas is celebration! We learn this from the angel’s opening statement to the shepherds of Bethlehem. God had wonderful news for us that would cause us all to rejoice, celebrate, and throw a party: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10 (NIV)
The good news of Christmas is worth celebrating for three reasons. It is personal: “I bring YOU.” It is positive: “GOOD news of great joy.” And it is universal: “for ALL the people.” It doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve done, where you’ve been, or where you’re headed — this news is for you.”
Opportunities to Serve at CCC
January 28, 2017 ( 9 am & 12 – 1 pm )
Over-the-Rhine Soup Kitchen (located at 1620 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 – go around to the back of the building) TO HELP PREPARE & SERVE A MEAL IN OVER-THE-RHINE, call 513-754-0777 to volunteer. We start cooking at 9 a.m. to serve at noon to 1 p.m. You do not have to be a member of this church, this faith, or any faith to volunteer.
January 31, 2017 5-8 pm
Stepping Forward Dinner~ Serving dinner to 100+ at Faith Community United Methodist Church, 8230 Cox Road, West Chester OH 45069.
Looking for a way your family to give joy to local families this Christmas? The Christmas Shoppe needs your help! The folks who we help with weekly meals at Stepping Forward, offer a Christmas Shoppe at Faith Community UMC for their dinner guests. The goal is to allow
NO ADULT CHOIR PRACTICE DEC. 21 OR 28 NO HANDBELL PRACTICE DEC. 14, 21, OR 28 NO ABLAZE CHILDREN’S CHOIR DEC. 21, 28 OR JAN. 4
December 18, 2016
Christmas Cantata, One Small Child, 10:30 am
One Small Child – a musical for all choirs and congregations who ask the questions: “Who is this Child whom God has sent to redeem us?” and “How can I know Him better?”
This 40-minute presentation by Dove-Award-winning arrangers, Dennis & Nan Allen, includes narrations, orchestrations, SATB choir, solos, and congregational singing.… a perfect addition to your Christmas celebration.”
Caroling for Homebound Friends, Noon
Opportunities to Study at CCC
Sunday Mornings @ 9:30 am
Adult Bible Study (Revelation)
CYF (grades 9-12))
Chi Rho (grades 5-8)
CCF (grades 3-4)
Children Bible Study (ages 4 – 2nd grade)
Toddler (ages 2-3)
Please note:
NO ADULT REVELATION CLASS DEC. 25 OR JAN. 1
Upcoming Events at CCC
December 24, 2016
Christmas Eve Service
The Colors of Christmas, 5:00 pm
Have you ever wondered why the Christmas season is filled with such bright and varied colors? Have you ever considered that the colors that bedeck this time have a deeper meaning?
If so, come explore through dramatic presentations the connections those colors have with secular songs and sacred carols. Our stage will become a living room with different families discovering how colors connect us to Christmas.
In this original script by Troy Sybrant, stage directed by Michelle McKay, you’ll enjoy the acting talents of many other members, sing favorite songs from Christmas TV specials and beloved sacred carols heralding the birth of the Christ child. We’ll also share communion and pass the light of Christ with candles celebrating that the Light of the World has come and colored our world with hope, peace, joy, love, grace, and faith.
December 25, 2016
Christmas Day Service, 10:30 am
Special Music on Christmas Sunday!
David, Lora, & Camryn B. will join Jackson, Sydney, & Scott Fr. (on guitar) and sing Casting Crowns “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”
Some time off to celebrate Christmas:
No ADULT CHOIR PRACTICE Dec. 21 or 28
No HANDBELL PRACTICE Dec. 14, 21, or 28
No Ablaze Children’s choir Dec. 21, 28 or Jan. 4
No Adult Revelation Class Dec. 25 or Jan. 1
Office Closed for the Holidays December 26-30
JANUARY PRAYERS
Local: For New Beginnings for individuals and families dealing with drug addictions, and the resulting situations.
Regional / National: For New Ideas for “reaching across the aisle,” and a cooperative spirit as new governing groups are sworn in.
Global: For New Approaches to caring for the environment, and the acceptance that all creation is precious to God.
Give Thanks!
Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus in a tangible way, demonstrating the very giving Spirit that God shared that very first Christmas.
Sharing Christmas gives us all the chance to see Jesus in action through us, through others, and in the smiles of those who receive.
It’s a wonderful way to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Blessings and thank-you’s to everyone who contributed to these Reach Out Community programs !
Dear Live Nativity & Voyage to Bethlehem volunteers, (Thank You)
Thank you for you contribution to our event. With 235 guests I’d say we were a success!
Thank you to all my outdoor performers and helpers: Sydney Fr, Abbey S, Troy S, Kurt F, Maureen M, Mairi H, Andie A, Navy, Ty, Aniyah J, Debi F, Steve Si, Linda B, Laura D, Jamie B, Scott Fe, Perry M, Kelly N, Devon M, Liam N, Cameron F, Matthew F, Luke B, Camryn B, Reuben R, Steve Se, Drew D, & Lyle D!
A special thank you to Outreach: Sally E for organizing our indoor Voyage to Bethlehem.
Thank you to our indoor helpers: Diane K, Ed V, and Sally E.
Thank you to Ten Thousand Villages for their display that added world nativities and a cause to support & Michelle McKay for securing their presence.
Thank you to all the families who brought their nativity sets in to display for us to enjoy.
God Bless you all this Christmas!
Peace, Sarah Ferguson
Ten Thousand Villages will bring “a global marketplace of fair trade items.
The sales amounted to $1,300 which is part of the fair trade program back to the developing countries and their artisans.
Ten Thousand Villages graciously donated (15%) of their event sales or $195.00 towards our missions. Thank you to all that participated or purchased at our event!!!
A STEPPING FORWARD DINNER “THANK YOU”
On Nov. 29th, 2016 15 volunteers from Compass Christian prepared and served dinner, made and passed out salads, desserts, washed pots, pans, dishes, and cleaned up in the kitchen, serving area, and dining room in order to provide for 164 deserving members of our community.
THANKS to: Kay Y, Pam H, Perry & Maureen M, Alice A, Jeanne Y, Steve Se, Laura D, Debora A, Ruth P, Michael, Jennifer, Caroline, & Katie H, & Ed V.
In 2017, CCC will again participate in this ministry on the following Tuesdays: Jan. 31, May 30, Aug. 29, and Oct. 31.
Angel Tree Reach Out Lakota THANK YOU
THANKS so much for all who contributed to our Angel Tree Reach Out Lakota program this will be a sign that God as well as our community are there for those precious kids and their families.
We originally signed up for 40 children but with the monetary donations we helped 50 children.
Dear Compass Christian Church,
The work you enabled me to do during my time with you built a foundation to move ahead to a new level. I continue to appreciate your willingness to try some new ideas. I miss you and pray for you often. You are good people doing God’s work.
I write this letter to thank you for allowing Michelle McKay (CCC, Vice-Moderator) to help me over the past few months as I continue to build on what we started at my new call. She has been working to bring the Children Worship & Wonder program to the sanctuary each week. She has helped me develop ways to keep our children in worship, and help them participate fully in the life of the little church I currently serve. Already during her time, we have seen our children participate more consistently in worship.
I have been asking a lot of this little church (Independence Christian Church). Without Michelle and her wonderful storytelling ability, I would not have been able to move forward in the healthiest way for my new call. She is truly a gift to the church as a whole, as are MANY of you.
In a few weeks she will come back to you in worship. She has missed you.
Thank you for sharing her gifts with this little church. If this little church actually makes it, you can know that you were a part of supporting their shift. If they do not, you can know that you still gave them a quality person to help them on their faith journey.
Thank you,
Olivia
Sharing Your Gifts Thank You! In the past few weeks, several people have given of their time, talent and expertise to organize & beautify our church. For instance,
Perry & Maureen Mattern & Sarah Ferguson took on the huge task of sorting, culling, selling, and re-establishing the CCC library, moving it from the modular to its new space in the sanctuary. Here are a few more:
Scott & Roberta White, CCC members & owners of River Ranch Carpet Cleaning (513-387-9202) donated their time & expertise to clean the sanctuary carpet.
Gerry White, with help from Don Phillips, painted the west foyer where more people enter & leave the building.
Don Phillips has organized storage, moving loads of miscellaneous stuff from the two Mechanical Rooms to a more organized space in the modular.
Lindsay Buchanan, Bill Aylor & Don Phillips are working to get a new storage building to replace the shed out back.
Please note : All photos are Copyright Hyper-Performance. Publication, including websites, blogs, printed material, etc. is strictly prohibited. Contact us to secure permission to use and publish any of these photographs. Thank you for your understanding! hyperperform@aol.com
It might be warm now, but we know that come January, we will all be looking for some way to help our teens burn off energy after being stuck inside after the holidays. We have the answer…Dodgeball! The Faith Alliance is holding an indoor dodgeball tournament at Lakota East High
To date we have received 44 pledges totaling $144,590 for the General Fund and 33 pledges totaling $46,450 for the Capital Fund. For those who have not yet pledged, it’s not too late ~ pledge cards still available in the office! Your gifts will help us meet God’s mission in 2017.
Year End Gifts & 2016 Taxes
As many of you know, throughout the year the Financial Secretary (Rich Engle) enters individual weekly giving amounts into the computer, using software purchased by the Church. If a person writes a check, the contribution is entered either by Envelope # (more easily tracked by the software) or by their name. (The Financial Secretary does not offer Envelope #s except to new members or unless asked; please let Rich know if you would like to have an Envelope # assigned to you.)
In January, the Financial Secretary provides each contributor with a summary of their giving for the previous year.
If you wish to claim donations to CCC as tax deductions for 2016, the Financial Secretary must receive them by Dec. 31, 2016. Donation checks dated Dec. 31 & given to Rich Engle on Sunday, Jan. 1 will be included in 2016 donations.
Welcome to the CCC Library Corner
It’s All About Christmas
In Christmas in Plains, former President Jimmy Carter shares his Christmas memories that gave him a source of strength, respite, friendship and fun.
Max Lucado brings us a story of a man’s trip to the past that holds the key to his future in the book The Christmas Child.
A Christmas Filled with Miracles is a compilation of 60 miracles contributed by people from around the world which will fill you with the Christmas spirit.
All these books are on display on the library table and are ready to be checked out by you to enhance your Christmas season!
Enjoy browsing in the Library Corner!
Poinsettias for Christmas – Order Now
2017 DISCIPLINES Devotionals from the Upper Room
JANUARY
1 New Year’s Day (regular service) 10:30 am
4 Choir Practice (Adult choir & Handbells)
5 Pastor @ Panera Noon-1:00 pm
28 Over-the-Rhine Soup Kitchen 9:00-1:00
31 Stepping Forward Dinner, 5:00 pm
Waypoints:
Last issue began an exploration of how best to evaluate and hold elected leaders accountable to the timeless principles of good leadership found in Scripture. Based on Paul Schlieker’s Bible study on Proverbs at http://www.bible-study-lesson-plans.com/characteristics-of-a-good-leader.html his “10 Characteristics of a Good Leader” has been adapted.
Characteristic #1: Wisdom Proverbs 28:16 – A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor; but one who hates unjust gain will enjoy a long life. Proverbs 8:15 – By me (wisdom) kings reign and rulers make laws that are just.
All leaders must have God’s wisdom. Wisdom is different than mere knowledge. The wise leader can see farther than others. Their spiritual discernment is what sets them apart as God’s leader. Churches, businesses, and governments are in dire need of wise leaders.
Characteristic #2: Integrity
Proverbs 16:12 – Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness. Proverbs 29:4 – By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down. Personal integrity is demonstrated by who we are and what we do when no one is looking. Righteousness and justice are key aspects of good leaders who not only who seek to be right with God but to do right by others, especially for the powerless.
Characteristic #3: Love
Proverbs 20:28 – Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.
How we love is more important than what we know or achieve. One can be religious, yet unloving. People don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care. Good leaders know it’s better to be loved than feared.
Characteristic #4: Seeks Good Advisers
Proverbs 11:14 – For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure. Proverbs 29:12 – If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.
Every effective leader needs advice and seeks advice. What is the character and capability of those whom the leader chooses as advisers? The ability to listen to and heed the advice of trustworthy advisers is the mark of a great leader.
Characteristic #5: Self Control and Moderation Proverbs 28:15 – Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over helpless people. Proverbs 31:4-5 – It is not for kings to drink wine; not for rulers to crave beer; lest they drink and forget what the law decrees and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
Leaders who cannot control themselves will not be able to command the respect of those they lead. Moderation is not just a virtue with alcohol, but in all things. Moderation is needed in actions, words, thoughts, and feelings.
REGIONAL WEB SITES
You can learn more about each regional ministry by visiting their web site:
