[LSF-Announce] This Week at Refuge

[Nicole Kooistra]

Hey All,

Something I heard in a sermon last week struck me.

 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let
us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,
and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our
eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set
before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right
hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

What exactly is a "cloud of witnesses"? Consider that this verse follows
Hebrews 11, the "faith hall of fame," which contains account after account
of God doing great things through the faith of ordinary men and women. In
Hebrews 12:1-2, the Apostle Paul calls us to look to these men and women for
encouragement in our own struggles with sin.  We are not alone.  Instead of
trying to feel our way blindly through this confusing life, we should look
to Christians wiser than us--whether through accounts in God's word or
talking to pastors or Christian friends--for guidance.  Christianity is
meant to draw us together as we draw closer to God, not to make us loners.


So, on to business. Here's what's up at Refuge:

Tuesday, Dec. 5: Pastor-led Bible study on Luke at 9:00 in the lounge

Wednesday, Dec. 6: Advent services start tonight at 7:00. Instead of
discussion group tonight, we'll be starting "It's a Wonderful Life" in the
lounge directly after the service. Come on over for a good tear-jerker.

Thursday, Dec. 7: Women's Bible study social event. (yay!) We'll be
gathering at the church at 7:00 and heading to an undisclosed location to
watch "She's the Man" and eat lots and lots of food.

Dec. 10: worship at 8:00 and 10:30, with pancakes in the lounge directly
following the 10:30 service.


All right, I think that's it.  Good luck with finals, everyone. We are SO
CLOSE to being done.

God Bless,
Nikki
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