Light in the Darkness of Injustice
This Sunday, we will begin our Advent Series: Light in the Darkness. It is true that darkness is all around us. And it is easy to feel like God has left us here alone in the dark. The Minor Prophets have a message for us about the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Today’s message by Pastor Jim Renke will focus on the hope we have when surrounded by injustice, from Amos 9:11-12. We will also join around the Table, as we celebrate the Savior who came for us.
General Announcements
First Hour: We have two options for First Hour. Jim Stamoolis is leading a class on PRAYER. And Pastor Jim Renke is leading a class on EXPLORING GOD by Henry Blackaby.
Women’s Connections: Our Thursday Bible Study has begun. We’re excited to learn and grow together as well as share fellowship and prayer. Please join us from 9:30-11:00 a.m. We will be providing child care here for anyone needing it so please spread the word. The book for our Psalms study is Open and Unafraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life by David O. Taylor. If you have questions contact Carol Marshall, carolsings3@comcast.net or 847-274-9900.
Ladies: You are invited to our Saturday Gathering on December 9, 9-11 a.m. We will take a closer look at the relationship between Elizabeth and Mary as they had been called to live PURPOSEFULLY, MISSIONALLY and WORTHY. We will see what it means for us today to live courageously and worthy of the calling we have received right where we are. We will have take-home gifts! AND we have the opportunity to be generous and to encourage Informed Choices by donating baby wipes and baby wash items. Contact Karen Kissinger for more information.
Virtual Prayer Gathering: This Tuesday night (12/5) at 7:00 pm, we’ll be gathering on Zoom for our prayer meeting. Come join us for a meaningful time of prayer—all from the comfort of your own living room. Zoom details to follow via email. If you have a prayer request or an update, please send it to office@evcl.org.
Ministry Opportunity: On Saturday, December 9, we will again have an opportunity to help those in need with furniture deliveries and pickups. We meet at the Love INC warehouse at 8am-noon to load the trucks. Those who are able to, please contact Ernie Brandt at coachb1925@aol.com or at 224-217-1966. The warehouse is located at 339 Lakewood Ave. in Waukegan.
Missionary of the week: Please pray for Informed Choices, this week.
VCL Youth- Join us tonight 12.3 at 6:00 pm as we anticipate the 2nd Coming of Christ this Advent season, with a lesson from Sam on understanding the imagery of Revelation. There will be snacks and games to follow. Hosted by Kim and Scott Cordes; reach out to zmvanvli@tiu.edu for more info.
VCL Youth Christmas Party! Join on Sunday, 12/17 at 6:00 pm for a holiday celebration at the Cordes home. There will be a short devotional, cookie decorating and a gift exchange game. Please, bring a family tradition (dish) to share and a wrapped gift for the exchange (max $5).
Blue Christmas Service. Wednesday, December 20th at 7:00 p.m. A candlelit service for those who mourn. A time to reflect and seek God’s comfort together.
What is the VCL Christmas Café?
Hors d’oeuvres & desserts; music by The Lakeland Madrigal Singers; a perfect evening to bring a friend!
Friday, December 15, 2023, 7-830 p.m. $15 per person.
Tickets go on sale in the foyer today!
Babysitting will be provided: contact the church office by 12/1 for a reservation.
Village Voices! Our Christmas Choir will be performing December 17 and all who are interested are welcome! If you have any questions, please email Kacie at kswierk@evcl.org. Looking forward to “sweet singing in the choir”!
Save the date! All ladies are invited to a “berry” special baby shower for Shannon Renke & daughter on Saturday, January 27 at 10 a.m. Details to follow in the new year.
Giving & Financial Update
It’s important that we continue to embody our trust in the Lord’s provision through faithful, sacrificial giving. Please visit http://evcl.org/give/ and make your offering as an intentional act of faith.
Although online giving is available, you may also write and mail your checks to Village Church of Lincolnshire, 201 Riverwoods Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
General Fund Giving for November 2023
Last Week Year to Date
Actual Giving November 26, 2023……………… $6,462………………………… $ 489,822
General Fund Budget 2023 ………………………… $11,707 ………………………… $ 561,920
Variation to Budget …………………………………… ($5,245) ………………………… ($72,098)
WORSHIP (LIVE-STREAMED)
Please download today’s Order of Worship. Sermon notes included with Order of Worship.
This Sunday’s stream will be available on 12/3 at 10:30 AM. You can access it any time by clicking here.