Church Family,

Here are several items I want to draw to your attention this week:

ADVENT OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY

The four Sundays before Christmas are traditionally referred to as Advent, a season of expectation of the coming of Christ. As we gather each of these Lord's Days, elements of our worship will focus upon this theme. This season is an ideal time to bring guests to experience God's Spirit in gathered worship and hear the gospel proclaimed. Who will you invite? Keep an eye out for a new social media Avent campaign that will begin later this week. You can help spread the invitation by sharing these posts widely. Advent invitation cards are available to help you invite others. Take advantage of this season to reach friends, family, and neighbors with the gospel.

NEW WINTER QUARTER EQUIPPING COURSES BEGIN THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, we have new courses from which to select. The courses are listed below. Attend the one that stirs your interest the most.

DEACON ORDINATION

In gathered worship this Sunday, we will formally ordain two new deacons, Lee Ramseur and Rocky Stubbs, and reaffirm Mike McGhin to this office. Would you please pray for these brothers and their wives?

IMPORTANT ABORTION CASE

This Wednesday, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear arguments in a case out of Mississippi, which can challenge Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling legalizing abortion nationwide. Would you please join me in praying this week that the justices will have the wisdom and courage to make a decision that protects the lives of unborn children?

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

What is Advent?

Though not something we have routinely highlighted with Crestview, it is a rich idea that we will be emphasizing this year. Advent is a season of waiting, designed to cultivate our awareness of God's actions in the past, present, and future. We remember Israel's waiting for the Messiah, giving thanks for Christ's incarnation, and anticipating his second coming. Across church history, churches have marked the four Sundays preceding Christmas with this focus. Starting on November 28, we will be highlighting Advent each Sunday in gathered worship with special readings, prayers, songs, and (yes!) candles. This will culminate with special Christmas services on Christmas Eve (5:00 PM) and Sunday, December 26. Pray for the Lord to strengthen his church. Pray for the gospel to be clearly proclaimed from Hebrews over these weeks.

The Advent season is ideal for inviting friends, family, neighbors, and your "ones" to Crestview on Sundays. Unique invite cards will be available to use. Also, keep an eye out for a social media blitz and share posts widely with your friends.

Members Meeting Updates

This past Sunday, the church received Josh and Hayley Roberts into membership. They are the proud parents of Jude and Asher. Let's continue to warmly welcome the Roberts into the Crestview family.

The church affirmed Lee Ramseur, Rocky Stubbs, and Mike McGhin deacons. What a blessing these brothers and their wives are to us all! We will set these brothers apart to this service in our worship gathering in the next several weeks.

The 2022 Church Ministry Budget was approved. I am grateful for the work your staff, finance team, and elders put into its development, as well as your affirmation to support this ministry plan. Let's continue to honor the Lord not only in our giving but also in our entire lives.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas