DECEMBER 2017 640 Grosvenor St. London Ont N5Y 3T4 519-858-4123 churchalcc1@gmail.com #abundantlife_london Twitter: @LifeALCC www.alccnet.com
discovery| simplicity | empowerment
Christmas is…. Christmas means different things to different people. It’s interesting to hear the diverse traditions people practice over the season. Some people put up the tree on Christmas Eve and still others after thanksgiving. Presents are opened in some homes on Christmas Eve, still others wait to purchase their gifts on Boxing Day. Personally I love turkey and all the trimmings and others love honey ham and scallops. With all the traditions that surround us, there is one thing which is still in common. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 This is our constant. Over the month of December, we encourage you to reflect upon the “The Christmas Story” It has been great to be a part of “the Story” and share our lives together. Christmas is certainly no different. I encourage you to reach out to your church family and spend some time together over this season. DON’T wait but reach out. I hope this season upon us will be a blessing to you. One Christmas, which feels like a lifetime ago, Bet and I were guests in someone else’s home; we didn’t have a place to call our own. We couldn’t afford our own place. We felt like we were intruding and a burden. It wasn’t ideal for anyone. Christmas Day came and we sat in the room we were staying in around our $1.25 tree. We exchanged cards, opened a gift each and we read the Christmas story together. Then it hit us: Hope is here. Mary and Joseph go place after place and there was no room for them and their baby. They didn’t want to intrude. They weren’t wanting to be burdens. They wanted a place because Jesus was coming (Luke 2:6-7). Mary was carrying this little Hope of the world in her and they had no place to go. The struggle was real then He came. She swaddles her Hope and lays Him in a manger. It wasn’t their ideal situation but it was theirs. Shepherds are told of this little Hope and they come to greet Him with cheer and excitement (2:8-20). It it says, “19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” What if, Mary was feeling it? Feeling the chaos, the journey, the dedication of Joseph, the pressures, the not-even-close to picturesque moment. Then she hears these strangers reciting, “10 . . . “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. “ What if, she hears their words and then sees her baby boy, who is: the good news, the great joy, the Saviour for all, born out of a dump and He is the one that they have all awaited. He, the little Hope is here. Just like God promised (Luke 1:26-38). We, all, have a little Hope in us and His name, Jesus. Your Christmas might be or may not be ideal but no matter what, you don’t have to mope because you have Hope. You have Jesus. Wrap Jesus up and put Him in your manger, in your not-so ideal situation and may He be your great joy. May you be reminded that He is here! We still have the $1.25 Christmas tree to remind us of that. Mopers to Hopers, The Mejias.
We are glad you are here, and we trust that feel at HOME. It is our hope and prayer that you will join in as we share our lives, struggles and celebrations of faith together. We believe life is about discovering our faith and purpose, and using this discovery to live out His plan for us with passion. We call ALCC our HOME. We are intentional about relationships with God and each other to bring this message of HOPE to our community.
Good Morning Café When we wake up in the morning, we all have our rituals, traditions and “must do’s” before we head out the door. That’s why we offer our to you at 10 am.
Good Morning Café
You will be greeted by a warm and friendly smile from one of our weekly hostesses and you can choose a beverage of coffee (hazelnut or regular), tea (regular or seasonal favourite), juice and not to mention a homemade snack from our dedicated Café Team. So come a little early to enjoy this time of relaxing and the opportunity to get to know your fellow Lifers!
Good Morning Café@ 10 am
People matter to God
Sundays 10:30- noon
Ages 0-3 years Welcome Care Givers! Feel free to sign your child in at any time during the service. Some care givers would like their child to stay with them for the music or until they (the child that is) gets restless. Once you have signed them in, you can pick them up at the end of the service by signing them out again.
discovery| simplicity | empowerment
CHRISTMAS The PlayRoom and Paradise Kids are joining together to bring you a THE CHRISTMAS STORY narrative. Please watch for practice times and any area’s Cathy and Bethany may need some extra helping hands!
People matter to God
discovery| simplicity | empowerment
People matter to God
December 2017 Dec. 4 ALCC Leaders Christmas Party 6:30 pm Dec. 9 CR Leaders Meeting 9:30 am Dec. 10 SMALL GROUP BOWLING 4 pm Dec. 17 THE CHRISTMAS STORY Party 10:30 am Dec. 20 Ladies Christmas High Tea 1 pm Dec. 21 CR CHRISTMAS POT LUCK 6 pm Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Service 6:30 pm Dec. 31 NEW YEARS PARTY 10:30 am
Since 2005
12 Step Recovery Program Based on Matthew 5:2-12 (The Beatitudes) Thursday’s 7 pm Find healing for HURTS, HABITS and HANG UPS Closed Women’s Group Mondays 7-9 pm
Thursday Dec. 28 Christmas Pot Luck 6pm discovery| simplicity | empowerment
Doors open 5:30 pm Come early & join in the PRE-YOUTH activities
Student ministry 11– 18 years
finding connecting belonging
IGNITE equips teens with personal faith to take on our changing world. We are taking a journey from Sept-May to read the Bible from cover to cover with THE STORY. We will explore God through history and the world around us. IGNITE is a space where we can be ourselves without fear of judgment. Group activities, music and talks geared to inspire us to live a God filled life. People matter to God
This easy-to-use and fun mobile app will help keep you on track with a video and a reading plan THEBIBLEPROJECT
Abundant Life Community Church Abundant Life Church @LifeALCC
@abundantlife_london Abundant Life Community Church – London