A MOMENT WITH PASTOR LUKE
Merry Christmas, Church!
It is almost unbelievable that Christmas has finally arrived. What a year we as a church have had! The Lord has blessed us and allowed us to welcome 11 new members into our church through baptism, profession of faith, and transfer. And we have another baptism tomorrow! In a year where growth seemed unlikely with church not meeting in person for several months, and not being able to have some usual holiday church events – God has consistently reminded us that it is HIS church, and He will not let anything prevail against it because of the foundation that is Jesus! He is going to be the one who grows His church, and what He asks of us is to plant and water, but He causes the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6).
It is such a joy to be part of a church where God is working and raising up disciples who want to actively grow the body of Christ. Our church was able to partner with the county school social workers and provide Christmas presents for 17 children. And what is so awesome about this is that we didn’t just provide 1 present for each kid – some whose Christmas might have been looking really bad – but we provided 3+ presents for these kids! I want to publicly thank all of you – from those who organized and coordinated getting these gifts to the schools, to those who helped sort and organize them, and to those who spent time grabbing an angel from the tree and shopping for gifts. Without each of you, a ministry like this doesn’t happen.
Not only were we able to help kids within our community through the Angel Tree, but we also were able to help the Hogan family have a Christmas in a year that took their home from them. Chasity is incredibly thankful for our church, and each time she and I have interacted, she just continues to share the disbelief that a church community would go this far to help her and her family – especially when they aren’t members. Each time, I have just told her the same simple response, “Jesus loves you and we just want you to know that.”
I met up with Chasity at the church on Monday, and we filled her entire backseat and trunk with presents. She was overwhelmed by the love we have shown her, and I was able to give her that same simple response “Jesus loves you and we just want you to know that.” She shared with me before driving away that they will be attending church! In fact, her son Mikey hasn’t stopped talking about how much he enjoyed our Christmas Concert, and he’s even convinced his younger sister that she needs to come visit the Alpharetta church.
What an amazing thing we get to be a part of through the Alpharetta Church! God is continuing to help others embrace a better story – the story of the Gospel – and He is using you and me. As you celebrate Christmas and spend time with your family, remember the reason for this season – Jesus and His grace towards us!
Happy Sabbath, Church!
Pastor Luke
