We move north to the tiny village of Nazareth. Although not so tiny anymore, in those days, Nazareth was a place where “everyone knows your name” since it could only support a limited amount of people from one small well of water. Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel with news that she would bear a son. Mary’s joy was not limited by the improbability that such a thing could happen in Nazareth. It is this simple tight-knit community of limited resources where survival required interdependence that Jesus would be raised and grow into the teacher he became. This week we wonder “What joy can we glean from the simplest of moments, the simplest of gifts, allowing ourselves to savor this season, pregnant with possibilities?”
Sunday, December 15, 2024
“Nazareth – A Place of Simplicity (Joy)”
Behind the Curtain (Formerly From the Pastor)
Upcoming Events
- 12/11 Wednesday morning Bible Study at ROL at 10am
- 12/11 Young Adult LGBTQA+ Group 11-1pm at ROL every 2nd Wednesday
- 12/15 T.L.C. ROL Youth Group 6:30-7:30pm
- 12/16 Monday evening Bible Study at Urban Back 40 at 6:30pm
- 12/18 Wednesday morning Bible Study at 10am
- 12/19 New Teen LGBTQ Group 1st and 3rd Thursday 6-8pm
- 12/22 T.L.C. ROL Youth Group 6:30-7:30pm
- 12/24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7pm
- 12/29 Fifth Sunday Children’s Home Collection
- 12/29 Sunday Social – Cookie Bakeoff Contest!
Staff Appreciation
Greetings River of Life Family,
On behalf of the Staff Parish Relations Committee at ROL I would like to ask you to contribute to our Love offering for our Pastor and our Staff members. During the Holiday season we want to make sure to show our affection and appreciation to Pastor Steve Painter, Kayla Hull, our Director of Youth and Children, Amy Bacon, our Administrator, and Bill Melrose, our Worship Leader.
We will be receiving this offering until December 19th. If you donate in Church, please mark your donation “Staff Gifts”. If you give online, please put “Staff Gift” in the comments.
This is just one way we can appreciate those in leadership for us. Please feel free to express your personal appreciation with a special gift, card, note or message also.
Thank you,
Mandy Yates
SPRC Chairperson
5th Sunday Social
Cookie Bakeoff! December 29th will be our Fifth Sunday Sunday Social. We are having a Cookie Bakeoff. There will be prizes for “Best Looking/Decorated Cookie” and “Best Tasting Cookie”. The Children and Kayla will be the judges. Join us after worship for a great time of fellowship.
Advent Online Bible Study
As we enter the season of Advent, we will embark on a 27 day devotional called “Postures of Advent”. If you are already connected to our online program, you will get an invitation to start the Advent devotional on December 1st. If you aren’t connected, and would like to join, please reach out to Stella via stellakaypainter@gmail.com and we will get you connected!
Starting in January, we will be spending some time in the Psalms. More to come on that one!
Gingerbread Kids
It’s so exciting to see the giving spirit this holiday season! The St Johns County Family Integrity Program was very grateful for our Congregation!!
Children and Youth
Isaiah House
Isaiah House is in need of gender neutral clothing sizes 7-10 (underwear, socks, shorts, shirts, pajamas, etc). Items can be dropped off here and Becky will deliver.
Opportunities to Serve
Seeking volunteers for Nursery, Preschool, Children’s Sunday School age, and Youth! Talk to Kayla and let’s get you set up!
HUGS Food Assistance for St. Johns County Youth Contact Margaret Campbell
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Fonda Mosal – December 5
Marianne Stephens – December 10
Miles Yates – December 14
Adam Welborn – December 21
Mike Aderhold – December 24
Jackson Kane – December 25
Pam Bell – December 26
Buddy O’Toole – December 28
Mandy and Brian Yates – December 7
Rajeania and Derrik Snider – December 20