News from Isabel Acheson for issue of Dec. 19, 2024
Somerset Bible Chapel
Sunday Dec. 15 was a full day: Christmas concert practice in the Sunday School Hour, Worship Service with Harold Giesbrecht of One Hope Canada as the guest speaker, and the annual Christmas concert in the evening with refreshments after.
The Worship Service began with Rachel Picard reviewing the announcements. The music team was Kevin Friesen and Jamie Small. The Advent reading was done by Isabel A. The usher was Abe Klassen and the Prayer Focus was led by Clayton Kimber.
The third Sunday of Advent is linked to Joy. Three candles stand alit on the Advent Wreath. The Scripture reading was Isaiah 61:1-2,10-11.
The music for the worship service included many well known Christmas carols: “Joy to The World”, “Unspeakable Joy”, “Go Tell It on the Mountain”, “Angels We Have Heard on High”, “Silent Night” (Offertory) “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, “O Holy Night” and, in closing, “You are My King (Amazing Love)”.
The sermon title “Christmas-The Season of Giving” used Romans 8:31-39 and 1John 4:7-21 as the main texts. Harold’s intro detailed current news of the 40 some ministries under One Hope Canada. Over 35,000 persons heard the gospel through camps and other means during this past season, an increase of 26% over the previous year. The camping programs are recovering from the 2 Covid years when overnight camping programs were not allowed.
In Acts 20:35, the Apostle Paul quotes Jesus as saying it is more blessed to give than to receive. Harold addressed God’s Love for us, Our Love for others and Our Love for God. This latter involves Giving ourselves to Him (Salvation), Giving up things that hold us back (Surrender), Service and Sacrifice.
There are many opportunities to give ones life to Christian service, and many ways to do so. Several Bible references relate to giving of the first fruits. Harold related stories of how God provides when a share of one’s resources is given to Him first. Prayer can be a powerful means of service.
Rachel Picard was M.C. for the evening program. Carol Picard was pianist. Lots of grandparents visited for the concert. Each Sunday School Class had their own segment. The youth class of 6 students presented “Deep Thoughts”. Each had selected their own item to read or tell. A few others did a skit of the Christmas Story. The age 3 to Kindergarten group had 4 students on stage for their 4 line poem!
Picard’s Puppet Theatre featured Lester the Lamb with his Christmas wish list, a long one. The Grade 1-3 class of 6 students had a poem “Long, Long Ago”. followed by a Dramatization of Luke 2 by the Grade 4-6 class. They did a great job of passing around the microphone so every part could be heard.
The final item was a mediation by Abe Klassen. Daughter Adeline, just turned 3, joined him on stage. With her on one arm and his device in the other hand Abe reviewed some of the Messianic prophecies and the sort of world in which they would have originally been given. Messages of Hope, Strength (Jesus is Stronger) and Wonder as the Prophecies began to be fulfilled.
Rachel concluded the program with an invitation to refreshments downstairs and the blessing for them.
Monthly bulletins and previous reports are available on the website www.somersetbiblechapel.com.
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