Be thankful. That is easier said than done sometimes. Most of us have a lot to be thankful for here in America. But it seems the more we have, the less time we take to be thankful for it.
When we take time to give thanks to God, we are reminded of the kindness and mercy He has displayed in our lives. It is easy to forget all the ways that God has provided for me and for my family, and I am overwhelmed when I really stop and think about all the undeserved blessings God has given us.
I don't know where you are this holiday season. Maybe this year doesn't leave you with a lot to be thankful for. Maybe its been a difficult year and you have experienced great pain or loss. Wherever you are, I pray that you are reminded this week of God's goodness. He is a God who loves us and who has come to make a way for us.
1 Chronicles 16:34 says: "Give thanks to God - He is good and His love never quits." (The Message)
Take some time this week to reflect and remember what God has done in your life. I pray you will enjoy time with your family and friends on Thanksgiving, and then join us Sunday as we begin our new Christmas sermon series, "Casting Call."
God Bless,
Gary
Thanksgiving Schedule - November 24 & 25
The building and all church offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25, for the
Thanksgiving holiday. It is our prayer that you have a safe and blessed holiday.
Next Step-Membership 101 - December 4
If you are ready to join The Heights, we invite you to attend Next Step–Membership 101, Sunday,
December 4, from 9 – 10:45 a.m., in the West Wing. We will discuss becoming a member and help you understand your commitment to the fellowship of believers at The Heights, as well as our commitment to you. Sign up at the information desk in the Atrium on Sunday or for more information, contact Elaine at eesparza@theheights.org.
Children's Choir Program - December 4
You are invited to the Worship Quest Christmas program on December 4, at 6 p.m. in the Worship Center. Children will display a sample of different skills they have learned this semester, such as Boom Whackers, Blacklight Puppets, dance and much more. Contact Kathryn at kprince@theheights.org, for more information.
iBLAST - December 7
iBLAST, for children in 5th and 6th Grades, will meet Wednesday, December 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the Gym and West Wing. A snack will be served. Bring a friend!
Preschool Christmas Celebration - December 11
All preschool volunteers are invited to the Joyland Christmas Celebration on December 11. Cookies and punch will be served from 9:15 a.m. - 12 noon in Room 127. Please come by and allow us to thank you for expanding the circle of God’s love to the precious children at The Heights.
Birthday Party for Jesus - December 25
Preschool children will have a Birthday Party for Jesus in their classrooms during the service on December 25. They will have fun refreshments as we celebrate Jesus' birth! This Christmas, Joyland will also be taking an offering to purchase a goat for our World Vision village. Donations will be accepted at the Joyland desk during the entire month of December.
Three Trees - December 11
December 11 is our annual Three Trees event at The Heights when we reach out to our community by blessing 300 families and 1,000 children with gifts and food for Christmas. Each child that comes will receive a new toy and a gift card to Payless Shoes. Also, each family will receive a Wal-Mart or Target gift card to help with food for Christmas dinner.
Your Part:
* We need many volunteers to bring purchased toys and gift cards. Select an angel on the stage at the front of the Worship Center or at the ENGAGE Center on Sunday to find out what to buy. All instructions are listed on each individual angel (Pink Angel - toy for girl, Blue Angel - toy for boy, Gold Stocking - gift card for Target or Wal-Mart, Silver Boot - gift card for Payless shoe stores.)
* If you speak Spanish, we have a great need for translators.
* Several opportunities are available to help with hosting a family, wrapping gifts, and more.
* Opportunities are also available to help with the children's parties. It will be a blast singing Christmas carols, hearing the Christmas story shared through drama teams, and helping these sweet children create a gift for their families while their parents shop for Christmas. If you would like to serve in this area, please contact Joy at jpickering@theheights.org.
You may sign up to volunteer at the ENGAGE Center or in your ABF on Sunday.
Childcare:
Childcare for Three Trees is by reservation only.
Please reserve your space at www.joylandonline.org/#/just-for-parents/childcare-reservations.
T-shirts:
All Three Trees volunteers will be given an ENGAGE t-shirt to wear at Three Trees. To get yours, simply fill out a card indicating your size and where you will be serving and turn it in to the ENGAGE Center any Sunday before Three Trees on December 11th.
For more information contact pplummer@theheights.org or go to www.theheights.org.
The Heights Baptist Church - 201 West Renner Road - Richardson, Texas 75080 - 972.238.7243
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