$59.1 Billion

Thanksgiving and Black Friday are over and the results are in- Americans spent 59.1 billion dollars in four days.  I'm told that is up 13% from last year. It's amazing to me how our psyche switches from a family day of thanksgiving for what we have to buying the next amount of things that we want!


I could mention "Cyber-Monday" and "Giving Tuesday"- both of which reminds me of the continued faithfulness of our stewardship.  No matter what we bought, need or want; there is still to be a priority of giving that is commanded according to our earnings and always to progress as God blesses us.

So as you faithfully give to Old North Church in December, please consider a special gift to our "Give Love" projects in Cincinnati and Belize.  Use the envelopes that were sent you this month, mark your gift here accordingly, or use our online giving now available on our web site.

I pray that as the Advent begins this Sunday, December 2nd- so will a new excitement about serving and giving to further the Kingdom of Christ.

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign; The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel."   -Isaiah 7:14


Brent


Stay Connected!

There are so many ways to stay connected to what's happening at Old North.  Please visit us on the web, blog, Facebook, Twitter, iTunes, or YouTube for all the latest ministry news and highlights!

The Cause and Cure of a Guilty Conscience

I just checked out a very strange You-Tube video. Its premise was that the only true sin that exists is guilt and everything else is fine.  It was done in such a way that played right into the selfishness and self centeredness of anyone who wants to deny the reality of what the Bible says is sin. Frankly, it was sad and gross.

I watched it because that's what we're going to be talking about on Sunday- the reality of sin and guilt and the need for complete trust in Jesus as our only Savior.  We'll study Hebrews 9 and 10 and speak directly about the claims of the gospel. It would be a great Sunday for you to invite someone who is asking questions about the Faith.  It would be a wonderful chance for you to reach out to someone who does not know the Lord.  Please pray that God will bring some people to Himself this week.

Also this Sunday, church planters Aron and Erica Kirk, will be with us and share briefly about their desire to start a new church and the needs they have to do it.
We'll be talking more about our "Give Love" Project that begins in December and we'll continue to thank you for your Generosity. A good offering was received Sunday night for the Rescue Mission, hundreds of Operation Christmas Child Shoe boxes have been packed, and food is being transported to Operation Blessing today as I write this message.

Thank you for all you do for Christ and His Kingdom.  Let's continue with Thanksgiving and Joy- and Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday.

Brent

Prayer and Giving

What a week this has been!  The Children of the World blessed us on Sunday morning and Sunday Evening.  Stan and Lori Wallace challenged us toward a global perspective to share the gospel.  Hundreds of shoeboxes were taken for Operation Christmas Child and on Wednesday; Trunk or Treat hosted close to 1,000 people- many from the community here that had good questions about the church.

In the midst of those acts of service and blessing, Hurricane Sandy devastated homes and lives throughout the East Coast.  Our hearts ache for those who have lost so much and as we pray in these days for our country and the upcoming elections; please pray for the people whose lives have been devastated.
In order to help, Converge Worldwide has set up a fund that will be administered through our Northeast District.  This Sunday, during our benevolent fund offering, any money that is not designated to Old North will go to the Superstorm Sandy Relief Efforts.  You can also donate online at Converge World Relief:: Superstorm Sandy Relief.

AND- as we prepare to study Hebrews 7 on Sunday, don't forget to turn your clocks BACK on Saturday night.

Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday,

Brent


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