News from Isabel Acheson for issue of Dec. 4, 2025
Somerset Bible Chapel
Last day of November and the last Sunday and the ground is white. The first Sunday of Advent. The decorations appeared the week before. The readings for the candles of the Advent wreath began and the songs took on an Advent slant as well.
Announcements were presented by Rejean Picard and Katie DeRoo. Katie was the music leader for the day as well. Jonathan Timmerman was usher, Clayton Kimber led Prayer Focus, Rachel Picard did the Advent reading with Reese Grenier as the candlelighter.
“Come Now Is The Time to Worship”and “How Can I Keep From Singing” (Chris Tomlin version) were the first songs. A new song “God is For Us” was shown as a video with words during the collection. Then with the congregation singing to the piano. The Advent hymns were “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”.
The Advent reading was focused on Hope with Psalm 130 concluding it. Advent is both a preparation for Christmas Day observance, but also looking forward to the Second Coming of Christ.
“A Living Hope” was the sermon presented by Kevin Friesen as speaker for the day. His Bible text was Romans 8:23-25, but many points he made included other Scripture references. Hope is essential for survival. An initial story of a scientific experiment set the stage. Kevin gave details about the 400 years of silence (no new prophets in Israel) just before the birth of Christ.
The sermon highlighted 5 great truths about Hope. 1) Hope is found in a person not in things. 2) Hope is based on Christ’s resurrection. 3) Hope gives a new perspective on suffering and life in general. 4) Hope is characterized by waiting and patience. A training ground. 5) Hope leads towards Future Glory. The best is yet to come.
The sermon closed with Prayer. The final song was “Your Will Be Done” and the benediction was Romans 15:13.
Sunday, Dec. 7th is set for Christmas Caroling at the Somerset Manor at 1 p.m. and at the Swan Lake Seniors Home at 2 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 14th is the Christmas Variety Program at the church at 6:30 p.m. Practices are underway with Rebekah Peacock co-ordinating.
Monthly bulletins and previous reports are available on the website www.somersetbiblechapel.com