Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Greetings to you and yours and thank you for taking a few minutes to acquaint yourself with some HVPA family news.
1. Praise the Lord
1.) Men's Fellowship/Pizza Evening - It was fantastic to gather as men from our church and with invited guests to share in good conversation and delicious food. Take note fellows, we will be meeting together in the New Year every two weeks for a Bible study and building friendships. It's also a wonderful way to invite other men from one's family, friendship or work/school to connect into our church.
2.) Ladies Christmas Luncheon and Fellowship - Last Saturday morning, ladies from our church, along with individuals from elsewhere invited by our ladies, joined together for a lovely lunch and time of building community. Thank you to our ladies for also extending invitations to others in the community at large. Thank you to Marlene Rohr for sharing so effectively. Our sincerest gratitude to all the volunteers who worked so hard to ensure this ministry was blessed by the Lord.
3.) All Church Christmas Luncheon - This past Sunday, a delicious dinner with all the trimmings was served to an excellent group of church family and visitors. A fantastic time was had by all. We want to thank all the volunteers who faithfully served the Lord behind the scenes to ensure the many details were carried out so flawlessly. Thank you all for your attendance and service to the Lord and His church.
4.) Chartwell Seniors' Residence Christmas Concert - Thank you to Brian Bigam (3L Ministries) and Bob & Donna Cornish, Peter & Margaret Shepherd, Dave and Leone Rae for sharing together at the Chartwell Seniors' Residence, in song to the various residents. These folks are representing the Lord and our church to the precious seniors within our community.
5.) Young People and Young Married Gatherings - Thank you to Pastor Matthew, Rebekah and their wonderful team for facilitating two separate Christmas gatherings. Thank you to all that participated and those who volunteered to make the two festive times, a blessing to all.
6.) Pastoral Care Efforts -There are other events and individuals who have been blessing others this Christmas season and even long before, via ways of reaching out to numerous people through care and prayer. Thank you to all who have been serving and caring for others quietly behind the scenes.
2. Christmas Care 2024
We thank you for your giving to this year's Christmas Care 2024 initiative. As of this past week, we have raised $2860.00. The total amount raised will be evenly distributed amongst the wonderful mission ministries we officially support, both globally and locally. This coming Sunday, December 22, wil be the last Sunday to give to this special Christmas project. You may also transfer your donation to the church using e transfer.
3. Financial Update for November 2024
1.) We like to keep our congregation informed and up to date on the overall financial picture of our beloved church. As of Tuesday, December 17, 2024, here are the numbers for the month of November 2024.
- General Fund - $23,234.00
- Designated Missions - $221.00
- General Missions - $630.00
- Alms/Benevolence - $574.00
TOTAL - $24,749.00
2.) Reminder: Any donations for 2024 must be sent/received before December 31, 2024. Anything received on January 1, 2025 must go into the 2025 records for charitable giving.
4. Christmas Eve Service
On Tuesday, December 24 from 5:00 - 6:00 PM, we will be honoured to come together onsite for a beautiful Candlelight Service. Please bring your family and friends with you to attend this short but meaningful time of remembrance and celebration of our blessed Saviour's birth. This service will not be broadcast online, but will take place only onsite at our church building.
5. Christmas Day On-Line Presentation
On Wednesday, December 25th, Christmas Day, our church will be broadcasting an online Christmas Day message commencing at 10:00 AM. This enables all our church families and individuals to be at home with their loved ones on Christmas Day, yet still be blessed with this unique Christmas Day online presentation. Join us by tuning in when you can!
6. ENRICH Sign Up for January
If you haven't already, please sign up for the Seniors ENRICH fellowship and luncheon get together held on the first Tuesday of each month. In January it will be on the 7th. This is held at Calvary Community Church and only $12 (pay the day of).
You have two more Sundays in which to sign up - Sunday, December 22 and Sunday, December 29.
7. Coffee Fellowship Volunteers Needed
We are in need of Coffee Fellowship Volunteers to help set up and facilitate the after morning service coffee fellowship time. If you are interested, we are more than happy to "train" you. Please sign up on Sundays or email Janice at heritageva@gmail.com.
Thank you. We are not able to run this ministry without you.
8. Sunday, December 22
The Advent theme of LOVE is celebrated during the fourth and final week of Advent, highlighting God's deep and boundless love for all of humanity. LOVE is at the heart of the Christmas story: God sent his only begotten Son, Jesus, as an act of selfless love to redeem the world. And as we light the fourth Advent candle this Sunday, symbolizing love, we will reflect on how Jesus calls us to love one another as he has loved us. This glorious season encourages us to embody God's love through acts of kindness, compassion and forgiveness, extending that love to family. friends, and those in need. Advent love invites us to open our hearts to receive God's love anew and share it generously, preparing to welcome Christ with a heart full of gratitude and grace.
Join us this fourth Sunday of Advent as we demonstrate our love for God and others in song, prayer and fellowship. Brian Bigam will be sharing, "No Greater Love" . Invite a friend or family member to join us in church. If you are not able to, join us online.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Pastor Larry & Colleen, Pastor Matthew & Rebekah, Pastor Philip & Jill, Pastor Intern Joshua