***NOTE: Due to the Christmas holidays, there will be no Navigator E-News next week. Next E-News will be published on January 2nd. For your convenience, a reminder of “which class meets where on combined Sundays” is at the bottom of this E-News. nw
A PERSONAL WORD FROM ME & MICHELLE: Only in heaven will you know how much we love you. Your tireless work to pour yourselves into others inspires us on a weekly basis. Never, ever forget: what you’re doing matters; you are making a difference, even when you can’t tell that you are. We wish you the merriest of Christmases. Much love, St. Nick & Michelle
THIS SUNDAY, 12/22
Preacher: Jason
Primary Text: Isaiah 61:1-3 – Joy to the World
TSO – THIS SUNDAY, 12/22
This Sunday! 12/22 – we will close the worship service with Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Christmas Eve Sarajevo.”
The Lord has blessed BHBC with extraordinary musicians. We’ve added a gifted violinist this year. My (and everyone else’s) hands rarely move faster than when we play this song.
Happy Christmas! St. Nick
O COME, O COME EMMANUEL
This is a hauntingly beautiful arrangement of the beloved carol. I hope to have it ready to perform live next year.
NASA MAKES ENTIRE MEDIA LIBRARY AVAILABLE & COPYRIGHT FREE
I’ve mentioned before I have a great love for astronomy and cosmogony. For those who may also have some interest in, as well as fascination with, the cosmos, you will find this news delightful. “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.”
Read the NASA article here.
QUOTE of the WEEK
“Often a work of God comes with two edges: great joy and great pain. And, in that matter-of-fact response, Mary (the mother of Jesus) embraced both. She was the very first person to accept Jesus on His own terms, regardless of the personal cost.” – Philip Yancey
And a bonus,…
“The gospel is complex enough to keep theologians and philosophers busy writing learned tomes for years, and yet simple enough for a child to grasp the essentials.” – Francis Schaeffer
LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE
My favorite “Far Side” Christmas cartoon.
And a bonus,…
Actual Answers from Contestants on the Game Show, “Family Feud”:
Name something a blind person might use: a sword
Name a bird with a long neck: a penguin
Name an occupation where you need a torch: a burglar
Name a famous brother and sister: Bonnie & Clyde
Name an item of clothing worn by the Three Musketeers: a horse
Name a number you have to memorize: 7
Name something you might be allergic to: skiing
Name a continent: Italy
Name something slippery: a con man
Name a domestic animal: leopard
Name a part of the body beginning with “N”: knee
Name something that flies that doesn’t have an engine: dishes
GRACE NOTES: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
The lyrics of most beloved hymns and carols boil down to this: those lyrics are someone’s story to put music. The story behind this song will bring you great encouragement and hope. Read the blog here.
BHBC OFFICE & WORSHIP HOLIDAY SCHEDULE:
12/22 – One Summit Group hour at 9:15; combined worship service at 10:45
12/24 – Christmas Eve Service; 6:30
12/24-25 – Offices closed for Christmas
12/23-31 – Offices open 8:30-noon (closed 12/24-25)
12/29 – One Summit Group hour at 9:15; combined worship service at 10:45
1/1 – Offices closed for New Years Day
Soli Deo Gloria, Nick
Dec. 15th – One Bible Study Hour – One Combined Worship Service
Below is the information I sent you via e-mail earlier in the week.
Class assignments for the next three Sundays, 12/15, 12/22, and 12/29.
As in the past, it is up to Glenna Applewhite and the 8am class as to whether to combine with the later Duncan class, or go ahead and meet at 8am. Please contact me should you see a problem and I will address it immediately.
108 – Agape
109 – Open Door
110 – Ladies’ Class
208 – Duncan
209 – Travelers
210 – Wellspring
211 – Singles
212 – The Village
215 – Base Camp
216 – Generations
217 – Young Adults
218 – University
219 – Transitions
FLC – Special Friends