December 21, 2023

News from Isabel Acheson for issue of Dec. 21, 2023

Somerset Bible Chapel 

For this, the last issue of 2023, thank you for reading the weekly submissions (well, almost weekly). May you each have a blessed Christmas season with happy gatherings with friends and family, quiet times for meditation and refreshment, and safe travels. 

For Sunday, Dec. 17, the third Sunday of Advent, the Sunday School classes had their last session until the New Year. Dec. 24th and 31st will be the 10:39 Worship service only. 

The Annual Christmas concert program was held Sunday evening at the church. Rachel Picard MC’d the evening. Each class presented a poem, singing, or a skit. Adult  class participants included a puppet theatre visit with Walter the Camel. Refreshments followed in the lower halls with many tables of attendees visiting with one another. 

In the morning worship service Erik Picard introduced the announcements. Kevin Friesen led the worship team with Jamie Small, drums and Kevin Larson on AV. Many Christmas carols were included in the song selections. “Joy to the World/Unspeakable Joy”, “Go Tell it On The Mountain”, “Angels We Have Heard on High” were the first set. 

During the collection Kevin F. sang “Home For Christmas”. Matt Penner served as usher. Pastor Jeff and son Caleb did the lighting of the 4th Advent Candle and readings. 

The Christmas version of the song “Offering” by Paul Baloche led off a set that included “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”, “Away in a Manger” and “Jesus Messiah”. 

Pastor Jeff led the Prayer Focus. He read the Lessons from Isaiah 9:1-7, Matthew 4:13-16 and John 1:1-14 all of which speak of God’s light coming to a darkened world. 

From Is. 9:6, Pastor Jeff spoke briefly on each of the titles “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” as they apply to the Messiah to come and how Jesus fulfilled every prophecy. 

The Peace that Almighty God promises is full and complete. The garments of war will be unnecessary when the Prince of Peace takes control of the earth with the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The sermon closed with prayer. 

The closing song was “What Child Is This” a carol which reviews the whole life of Christ.  

Monthly bulletins and previous reports are available on the website www.somersetbiblechapel.com .