O Come Y'all Faithful

I started pastoring in Montgomery, Alabama, in August 1993, overseeing two churches. It was in December of that year that there was no mistaking I was definitely in the South when the head elder of the church announced the hymn for the opening song. Instead of saying, "Our opening song today is 'O Come, All Ye Faithful,'" he said, "'O Come Y'all Faithful.'" Not one person in the church seemed to notice the mistake. They just stood up and began to sing. It is a Christmas memory I will not forget.

What are some of your favorite Christmas memories? There are sights, sounds, smells, and experiences that stay with us as we move down the path of life. Every year, we have the opportunity to relive and remember things that have happened before. There are familiar Christmas tree bulbs and decorations. There is the joy of familiar seasonal treats and traditions. There are the family stories told and retold of Christmases in the past. Christmas is a time of memories!

The church has sought to help you make memories with a tradition we have: our annual Christmas Offering. All the funds collected go directly to the church budget. This money is used to support all the ministries and programs of the church. We hope you will sit together with your family and review how God has blessed you through the church. Did you grow with God this past year? If so, how? Was the church a blessing to your family?

We are providing a special Christmas Offering envelope this year. You can pick up your envelope at the church office or at the information desk in the lobby. Please decide as a family to give to the Lord by supporting the church. Then, as a family, place the envelope in the basket provided at the back of the church. I hope it will make for a wonderful family Christmas memory.

O Come Y'all Faithful!

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Jerry