Weekly Newsletter – December 15, 2025
đź“–Sunday Recap
Matthew 1:18–25 shows us a moment when Joseph’s life changed in ways he never expected. What seemed like a stable, faithful plan suddenly fell apart when Mary was found to be pregnant. In that moment of confusion and pain, God was not absent, He was at work.
Joseph teaches us why God can be trusted when life shifts.
First, God is at work even when it’s unexpected. Joseph couldn’t see what God was doing, but God was already fulfilling His promises. A sudden change in our lives is not proof that God has stepped away; it may be evidence that He is moving.
Second, God’s plans are better than ours. Joseph had a good and lawful plan to quietly divorce Mary, but God interrupted it with something greater. God saw what Joseph could not see, and trusting God meant surrendering his plan for God’s purpose. We to must surrender our plans to God.
Third, God’s promises anchor us when the future is unclear. Joseph did not receive all the answers, but he received God’s Word. That promise gave him the courage to move forward in faith. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and his word is a solid foundation for us.
Knowing God can be trusted leads to one response: obedience. Joseph obeyed immediately. He took Mary as his wife, named the child Jesus, and stepped fully into God’s plan, even at great personal cost.
Joseph didn’t know the whole story, but he knew God, and that was enough.
When life shifts, trust that God is at work.
Surrender your plans to God.
When the path is unclear, anchor yourself in His Word.
And when God calls, obey without delay.
God can be trusted when life shifts. Our role is to trust Him enough to follow.
Happening This Week
Saturday
- 7am- Mens Breakfast
Sunday
- 9:00am – Worship
- 5:30pm – NO Thrive
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – 12/24 @ 6pm
Notes:
Thrive Christmas Program
The Thrive Youth Christmas program last night was a great evening, and all of the kids did an excellent job! It was an awesome program! The students hard work and effort were evident throughout the program. A sincere thank you to the volunteers who pour into these students week after week
Congregational Meeting
A congregational meeting was held Sunday following the worship service. All Elders and Deacons on the ballot were affirmed, along with the proposed 2026 budget.
🙏 Prayer Requests
Please be praying for:
Family of Charles Perry
Dan Johnson – health issue
Kevin Schilt –Â upcoming procedure
Harper Newport – Surgery recovery
Jeff Cralle – Recovery
Gavin McDowell – Cancer
Angie Hayes – Health issues
Merel Finn Jr. – Cancer treatments
Cherry Anderson – Praise! She is home!
Dale Weber – cancer
Ginger Boewe – strength
Jeff Scott – broken hand
Joey Parisher -deployment
If you have a prayer request, contact church office at 618-456-8563 or fill out a card on Sunday.
See you Sunday!