$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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Let's Look Closely at Ourselves

As I've been praying for our country I've been reflecting on a couple sins.  Not glamorous glitzy ones, but two that are probably the root of many of our problems: pride and selfishness.  These twins are responsible for so much of what is wrong in our country, our community, our church and our lives.  It is because of these that battles are fought and people are killed.  They probably keep the Republicans and Democrats from making good decisions together.  They are often responsible for marriages that fail, children who leave, and relationships that are ruined.  They cause conflict within and outside of us- and unfortunately the most mature of us can become prey to their evil.

So, I'm wondering what would happen if we looked within ourselves this week to think how guilty we are of pride or selfishness.  If we find ourselves angry, or hurt, or withdrawn or unconcerned; it could really be because we won't admit our own desire to be right or at least appear more righteous than someone else.

That confession is good preparation for Hebrews 5 and 6 this Sunday- so please take a look at yourself, honestly, introspectively, and ask if you might be more concerned about yourself and your needs than Jesus and His will.

Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday.

Brent


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Back to School

While the kids around us have literally just returned to school- it feels like I just started back too. After being on sabbatical for the last few months I've been excited to see my friends, and not as excited about my schedule.

I want to thank you for the blessing of the past three months. Your encouragement and work to allow this sabbatical has given me the opportunity to study, travel, do some ministry, and best of all- organize and dream about several aspects of life. The combination of the sabbatical with the personal things that have happened in the last couple of years have made this the most unique summer of my life.

On a purely practical level: I was able to go through files, sort through sermons, and revisit some of the times of teaching I've done as well as getting them organized for the future. Lori and I spend more time together and apart than we ever have and as I mentioned Sunday we covered a lot of territory both in and outside of the United States.

On Sunday we also began a new study in the book of Hebrews called "Choosing God's Best." We decided to not only evaluate our faith, but examine our lives as we learn about Jesus together this Fall- so you'll want to be here Sunday as we continue.

Also on Sunday beginning at 4:00 we'll have our Fall Kick-Off picnic followed by "Praise-Apella" in the Worship Center at 6:00. Lori and I'll be here at 4:00 and would love to catch up with you about our summers- so bring a dessert or salad- come to enjoy some burgers and dogs...and Lord willing...

I'll see you Sunday!

Brent    

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