Our Worship Team
Pastor’s Leading the Services at both Churches in December. Make plans to attend the services each week.
Pastor Exeter Greeters Geneva Greeters Acolytes
Dec. 7: Galen Rasmussen Barb Jansen Charlie & Deb Barbur Leo Conway & Emily Turner
Dec, 14: Mike Row JoDeen & Phil Tom & Deb Novak Vanessa Behmerwohld & Molly Peters
Dec. 21: Galen Rasmussen Dianne Hanson Dennis & Linda Schmidt Emily Turner & Carson Williams
Dec. 24: Galen Rasmussen Al & Cris Elznic
Dec. 28: Galen Rasmussen Judith & Paul Pat Hayse & Gail Chapman Aaron Andrews & Remi Behmerwohld
**If you would like to be added to the list, please contact Cris in the Church office . Thank you.
Volunteer Liturgists are needed during the month of December. If you would like to read the scriptures during the Worship Service one or more Sundays during the month, please sign your name beside the date (s) on the sign-up sheet on the table in the Fellowship Hall, or call Cris at the church office (402-759- 3239) and let her know what week you would like to volunteer.
The Light Shines in the Darkness: a Christmas Message of Hope
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). This powerful scripture reminds us of the core message of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who entered a world grappling with darkness to bring light, hope, and peace. As we approach this special season, our hearts turn toward the manger, reflecting on the profound mystery of the Incarnation -- God choosing to become one of us.
In our busy lives, filled with the rush of errands, gift-buying, and holiday preparations, it can be easy to lose sight
of the true destination of our Advent journey. The commercialism of the season often distracts us from the quiet wonder of the Christ child. Yet, Christmas invites us to pause, breathe deeply and realign our focus on the greatest gift humanity has ever received. It’s a time to reflect on the past year, integrate our experiences of joy and struggle, and look forward with renewed faith to the hope of Christ’s second coming. This year, let us commit to a different approach. Let’s follow the star, not the crowd, Instead of adding stress to our days, let’s approach the birth of our Lord with “joyful abandon”. We can do this by embracing the simple, local experiences that reflect God’s grace: building relationships, sharing smiles, and offering brief “good mornings” that can lead to deeper connections. These small acts of kindness allow the light of Jesus to shine through us, one person and one soul at a time, in a world that desperately needs it.
Our church community has been a beacon of that light throughout the year. I am just learning about all of the different ministries and outreaches that are offered by our church. Your commitment and generous support to all of these is impressive. As we celebrate this Christmas, we give thanks for the countless ways you have given of yourselves. This is the essence of keeping Christ in Christmas: celebrating, giving, loving, and gathering as a community of faith.
As your pastor, my prayer is that your hearts and homes will be filled with the blessings of peace, joy, and love. May you experience the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the eagerness of the shepherds, and the determination of the magi.
There are two special services that we want to invite you to attend.
On Sunday, December 21, at 7:00 p.m. we will be having our Blue Christmas service. This service is for those who are struggling during this time of the year. If that applies to you we encourage you to come to the contemplative service to remember that God is good, God is strong, and God is near.
On Christmas Eve we invite you to join us for our Christmas Eve service. We will be offering a Candlelight service at Exeter at 4:00 p.m. and at Geneva at 5:30 p.m. During this service we will celebrate the birth of our Savior together. A detailed schedule of all our worship services and holiday group activities can be found in the accompanying newsletter sections. We encourage you to invite your loved ones, friends, and neighbors to share in this good news.
May Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever.
Merry Christmas and a grace-filled New Year!
In His love
Pastor Galen