Message from Anthony
Our Hope in Christ
This month we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the hope that He brought into this world for all mankind. Usually, we focus on giving to others, proclaiming His birth, and spending time with our family and loved ones. This year is a bit different for the folks up in Oxford, though, as they cope with the loss of four bright young lives and the significant impact on their families and the families of so many more affected by the shooting. For them, and for us, a tragedy like this during this season can get us thinking that this is more the season of taking than the season of giving.
Like with the 2015 shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg Oregon, I know this will be a time of mourning for Oxford and the surrounding communities. But this is also the time when we as a church need to show the love that God has for them more than ever. Through prayer, support, encouragement, and more, we can truly embrace the season of giving with all that we give to those who are hurting most right now.
We celebrate this season as the season of giving because we know the hope that Christ gave us in entering this world so many years ago, and we put that hope, that faith, into practice by how we love one another. So, as Romans 12:15 says: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” and remember what Christ told us so many years ago:
John 16:33 ESV
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Merry Christmas and God bless you and your families this year.
MCC Youth Group Spread Some Holiday Blessings! Happy Thanksgiving!
The MCC Youth Group kids prepared and delivered food baskets they put together for people in need on Thursday, November 18th. Many families were blessed by their giving hearts and thoughtfulness.
Winter Jam 22 is scheduled for January 30, 2022 in Ypsilanti, MI featuring many Christian worship singers/bands. There will be a group leaving the Church @ 2pm that day, if you are interested in going. Also, a Zack Williams concert is coming up on April 22nd in Clarkston, Michigan at Mt. Zion Church. Available tickets are limited, so be sure to see Anthony for tickets & more info. Some financial assistance may be available.
There will be a Youth Group Christmas party on December 16th from 7-8:30pm. There will be a White Elephant gift exchange and lots of fun for everyone.
The youth group normally meets weekly on Thursday evenings at 7pm in the Youth Room Downstairs. All kids from 3rd through 12th grade are welcome. Be sure to come check out all the fun and fellowship!
December Sisters-in-Service (SIS) Meeting
We won’t hold a SIS meeting in December. Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 10am in the MCC Fellowship Hall. During this meeting we’ll make lunch and spend time with the kids from House of Providence.
Missions Update – December 2021 – Karamoja Bible Study Center
Meadowbrook received an email from Duncan at the Karamoja Bible Study Center. He reported that some COVID restrictions have been lifted in Uganda and they are able to operate their Bible Training Centers again. They are starting a building project on recently purchased property and are requesting financial assistance. Duncan reports 10
decisions/baptisms occurred in the last month. They are very grateful for the church’s prayers and
financial support. Here is a portion of Duncan’s recent email:
“Please let the entire church family know we love you all and always pray for you all. We appreciate your financial support towards the Lord’s work in Karamoja. Villages Churches are gathering, and we planted another congregation last month. This church is also gathering under a tree shade. We give God the glory that when it comes to worshipping Him, people don’t care about where to gather. Church happens anywhere.
The Missions team prayerfully considered their request of support and decided to send $1350 to them in support of their building project. Additionally, we decided to give each of our missions a Christmas gift of $150 each. The
exception being Karamoja, who will receive $1500 (combination Christmas gift and extra gift toward
building project). The total of these gifts is $3000.
Thank you to our Meadowbrook family for the generosity that allows support of these valuable missions. We really appreciate your love, prayers, and resources! Praise the Lord that we are able to give assistance to the missions we feel God is calling us to support. We also thank you for supporting the Thanksgiving Lighthouse Food Drive, Samaritan Purse Operation Christmas Child, as well as the Red Cross Blood Drive! It is such a blessing to help others!
Birthdays
Karen Parrett – December 4
Mary Jane Cavins – December 5
Brad Koster – December 16
Karen Robinson – December 21
Elaine Klaus – December 24
Jerri Gilbert – December 29
Jean Cox – December 30Anniversaries
Elaine & Eric Klaus (Anniv.) – December 1
Darrell & Jean Cox (Anniv.) – December 22
Matt & Brenda Cox (Anniv.) – December 27
