Dear Church family and friends,
Does anticipation lead to preparation or preparation lead to anticipation? Well, this weekend at IBC Giessen we’ve certainly had arguments for either side! Without Kathy’s loving, yet thorough planning and work, the ladies certainly wouldn’t anticipate the Women’s Christmas Brunch as highly as they do. As you can see in the photos, there was plenty of food and the decorations were just gorgeous! Thank you to Kathy for organising and executing this event so well year-on-year, and thank you to the women who brought such tasty dishes, as well as those who stayed on to help with the tidy up.
Buddy’s sermon on Sunday, however, looked at the anticipation of what is to come at the end of Advent – the longing and the hoping that we have for the Christ child to come. It’s waiting in action: what can we do to prepare and embrace Him, rather than be surprised by Him? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgfZgJ7lnIU
This Week in Church…
For the last time this year, Young Adults’ Bible Study will be having a ‘Big YABS’ meeting in the Student Kitchen at the FTH. Starting at 6:30pm – although you are welcome to arrive at 6pm to help David cook – the group will share a meal together before worship, Bible Study and prayer. As this is also a Christmas special, there might be one or two festive treats too! Bringing snacks, desserts and drinks is highly encouraged! For more information, please write to yabs@ibc-giessen.org
On Wednesday, the Mid-Week Bible Study will meet both online and in-person and look at the next portion of Galatians. Whether you attend via Zoom (a link to the meeting can be given on writing to office@ibc-giessen.org) or can make it to the Israel Room at the FTH, the session begins at 7pm.
During our service on Sunday, the children will have their own Christmas celebration: by attending a Birthday Party for Jesus! The service, which starts at 11am, will start with everyone in the Chapel Room before the children are sent out to the party. Meanwhile, the rest of the congregation will worship, pray and reflect on the message of Advent. To watch the service online, please write to office@ibc-giessen.org for a link.
Other Christmas Events…
The week after the Birthday Party for Jesus is our Christmas Carol Service! We look forward to singing and celebrating the birth of our Lord during our service at 11am, and while we do have a good number of items on the programme already, it’s not too late to get involved – but please write to office@ibc-giessen.org as soon as possible. After the service we will have a time for food and fellowship. We ask all those who do not feel their talents are found in music to prepare a snack, sweet or savoury, to share with everyone. It could be a cake, dessert, finger food – the possibilities are endless! Your contribution, however, should not require re-heating for it to be enjoyed.
On Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24th December) at 5pm, we will be having our traditional service to mark the conclusion of Advent and the meaning of Christmas. There will not be a Christmas Day service. As part of this evening service we will be singing songs and reflecting upon this life-changing event. Afterward we invite you to stay with us and enjoy a bring-and-share style buffet. Again, all dishes should be able to be eaten as they are without re-heating, and can be either sweet or savoury.
May God bless you richly this week!