Greetings friend,
The morning drizzle and cold has me drinking my morning coffee near our fireplace. It causes me to be a bit more reflective, as well. These past few weeks, before Thanksgiving, have caused me to reflect on God’s goodness this year. Not only has my Heavenly Father been good to me personally and to my family, but he’s been so very faithful to our church, too. In my reading today, I came across a passage that filled my heart. It’s found in Psalm 13:5-6 NLT
5 But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
6 I will sing to the Lord
because he is good to me.
King David knew where his blessings and protection came from, and he directed his worship to God regularly. Time and time again, he faced attacks from various storms inside and outside of his kingdom, and every time, he witnessed God’s hand on him. In short, David knew where his hope came from, it came from God. And just like David, we can rest in the hope that God goes before us, beside us, and He lifts us up in times of difficulties and trials. Thank You, Lord, for your countless blessings in our lives, and in the life of Your church!
This Sunday, we begin a Christmas series called The Heart of Christmas where we’ll look at the promises God gave us through His Son – born as a baby in a manger – for all people. The first promise we’ll see is Hope through the eyes of the prophet Isaiah. God allowed him to see that, one day in the future, a Child would be born to redeem the world from its sins. What a promise, and we get to live on the other side of it being fulfilled! We’re experiencing the hope of the cross, and the hope realized through Jesus’ payment of our sin! There’s no better hope than that! I hope to see you in one of our services this Sunday.
Upcoming Events:
Christmas Calendar –
Sunday, December 8 at 9 and 11am: The RCC Kids Choir performs in both services. Come be blessed by this wonderful worship presentation.
Sunday, December 15 at 9 and 11am: The RCC Adult Choir will be worshipping and leading us in Christmas worship. Come hear the best choir in Idaho!
Sunday, December 22 in both services: Christmas Worship with Uriel Vega and the RCC worship team. Uriel is an amazing saxophone soloist who really jazzes things up. You won’t want to miss this special Sunday service!
Tuesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve Service @ 4pm. Come help us celebrate the birth of Jesus at Restored. We’ll be joined by Uriel Vega and the RCC Worship Team. Pastor Ben will read the Christmas story and take us through the candle lighting ceremony. It’s an evening you’ll remember for a long time to come! Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to come with you!
Sunday, December 29 we have a very special guest artist joining us! Leanna Crawford who sings so many familiar songs on Christian radio, will be at RCC to worship with us Sunday morning and Sunday night. In the morning, Leanna will perform her new top 10 song “Still Waters – Psalm 23”, and then Pastor Ben will teach this amazing chapter to us. At 7pm, come back to church for a free concert featuring the RCC Worship Team, followed by Leanna Crawford and her band. This will be an amazing concert, our first, at Restored Community Church. Seating is on a first-come basis so arrive early. Doors open at 6:15 pm. This event will be packed out. Here’s a link to Leanna’s new song.
Lastly, Debbie and I want to wish you and yours’ a Happy Thanksgiving! May you realize the many blessings that God has poured out on in your lives, and may your heart respond in gratefulness!
Thanks for staying In-Touch,
Pastor Ben