Weekly Virtual Worship Service – December 25, 2022
Season’s Greetings!
NOTE: Today’s worship service has been cancelled, in person AND virtually. You can view previous livestream services; visit the virtual service of another church; or spend this time with your loved ones.
2022 Theme: A Year of Restoration: He Restoreth my Soul…Psalm 23:3
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST!
A Message From our Pastor, Rev. Cynthia Thomas:
Happy Holidays!
Luke 2:11 says, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Today, we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus!
We have come to the end of a very challenging year, BUT the light of Christ still shines amidst the darkness of this world. We find joy as we celebrate a most unusual Christmas. It is unusual only in that we cannot celebrate with all the people that we are used to sharing Christmas with, but we will celebrate because no matter what may be happening in the world, we will join the angels in song today as we celebrate the birth of our Messiah. God himself comes to intervene in our history in order to definitively set things right, according to his plan.
May we be a people of faith and joy that rejoices in the light and hope that Christmas brings. This light truly does shine in a world full of darkness, and this light must penetrate our hearts. We are called to be the light of Jesus to the world, so that one person at a time, one soul at a time, we can start bringing that light to a world that so desperately needs it. I pray that you and your family have a Blessed Christmas and a grace filled, safe New Year.
Pastor -Rev. Cynthia Thomas, Associate Pastor -Rev. Mario Jenkins, and the members of Langley Ave Church of God, pray that you, and your family, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year!
A Christmas Prayer: “Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts….”*
Join Langley’s Prayer Line
The Langley Prayer Line is staffed by Langley Avenue COG ministers and prayer team members. Note the available day and time for prayer:
Monday prayer 6:15 am – 6:45 am and 12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
Wednesday prayer 6:15 am – 6:45 am and 11:15 am -12 noon
Friday prayer 6:15 am – 6:45 am
Call in with prayer requests, to connect, to pray together and for any other needs.
Let us shelter under the mighty wings of God.
Langley’s Prayer Line:
1-267-807-9495
Access code: 471-150-100#
Tithes & Offerings: At this time, we are asking that you give your tithes and offerings through Bill Pay, only. Please do not mail or drop off your tithes and/or offering. Bill Pay can be set up through your bank (please call, go online, or visit your bank to establish this payment system). Thank you!
Click here for Guidelines for Langley’s In-Person Worship Services. You are welcome to visit and worship with us in-person or virtually. Invite your friends and family.
Announcements:
New Year Prayer Service: All are invited to call the prayer line on December 31 and join the prayer as we move into the new year of 2023. The prayer service will take place from 11:00 PM until 12:05 midnight, led by Rev. Evelyn Tolliver.
Langley Avenue Church of God 2022 Year In Review, click here.
Join Us For Our Weekly Bible Study. Join in the lively discussion (we are currently studying the book of 2nd Kings) and rich lessons that apply to our daily lives. Conference call: Fellowship 7:00 -7:15 p.m. Bible Study 7:15 p.m. 1-712-832-7000, Access code: 7041808#.
The National Inspirational Youth Convention (NIYC) will convene this Tuesday in Atlanta, GA. The theme is: Who Are You? Identity (John 1:12). For registration information please visit niyc.org to register. REGISTRATION ENDS TOMORROW. You can, however, register onsite 12/27/22. Note: If you registered in 2019 you won’t need to register again. You will receive an email about how to book your hotel. Get ahead of the crowd and preorder your 2022 NIYC Identity T-shirts. First come first served, don’t miss out!
Are you a business owner? Sign up to be a vendor and/or advertise in the 2022 NIYC program booklet. The NIYC is a great opportunity to interact face-to-face with potential new consumers and to obtain fresh leads while you bring visibility and extended exposure to your brand. Advertising in the program book is also a great way to demonstrate your support for the NIYC and reach a large audience with your message in return. Purchase an ad at niyc.org/ad, sign up to be a vendor at niyc.org/vendor.
Seniors – We Need Your Help!! As of January 1, 2023, we MUST have a new slate of officers in place if this ministry is to continue. All but 2 of our officers have passed on or are unable to participate and we need to fulfill the following positions: President, 1st and 2nd Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. We need your help ASAP to do this. Please send your name and email/contact information to NACOG Secretary, Rev. Cynthia Thomas, who will ensure the Nominations Committee gets your submission. Email Rev. Thomas at cthomas27@att.net. Thank you for your support.
Grocery tax relief. The Illinois 1% sales tax on groceries is suspended through June 30, 2023. When grocery shopping, make sure that you are not charged taxes.
Free at-home COVID-19 tests. Due to the increased COVID-19 positive cases, President Biden has reinstated the free COVID-19 tests through the mail program, effective, December 14, 2022. You may now order at home testing supplies. Click here for more information.
Are you suffering from suicidal thoughts or feelings of worthlessness? Illinois residents can now dial 988 to be connected with a trained mental health professional. Spread the word, save a life! You do not have to deal with this alone. Call today.
Save The Date:
2023 National Ushers Convention. Join the National Association of the Church of God Ushers on May 18-20, 2023 in Ypsilanti, MI for an abbreviated three days in-person convention as we plan to “Revive and Rebuild.”
Credits:
Photo from Unsplash
*https://parade.com/1101787/kelseypelzer/christmas-prayer/