NLICC Women's Update 12.16.22
NLICC WOMEN’S UPDATE 12.16.22
Focus for December: The Joy of Emmanuel-God with Us
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.’
And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.’
And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Luke 2:25-38
QUESTION OF THE MONTH
Do you look for Christ’s return as faithfully as Simeon and Anna looked for his first coming?
Submitted by Nancy Haenlein
I want to have the singularity of focus that Simeon and Anna had for the promised
Christ child. It was not just easy chair belief. Both were devout believers who put action
to their beliefs. Did they have questions about why the King of the Universe of all
creation was coming as a baby who would humble himself to circumcision after eight
days and the redemption of the firstborn in the Temple? If they did, the Scriptures do
not tell us. They may have had questions, but it did not prevent them from actively
awaiting His coming. I have questions, but I also have an unwavering faith in God’s
Word, God’s Promises, and God’s Provision in Jesus Christ. What this scripture
passage shows me is that God reveals His Will to us as we need to know it. "Thy word
is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105. This verse does not
promise a spotlight that shows the path into tomorrow but for my very next step. It was
new news to Mary and Joseph that their tiny infant would be a light of revelation to the
Gentiles and the glory of Thy people, Israel. They must have wondered how this tiny
child could be appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be
opposed (scandalon-a stumbling stone and rock of offense). They must have wondered
about their child being a sword who would pierce even our own soul, revealing the
thoughts of many hearts. They must have been equally amazed when Anna gave
thanks to God for this long-awaited Promise but continued to bring hope to those who
were coming to Jerusalem looking for redemption. She could now explain that it had
come! She did not stop what she was doing because the Promise had arrived.
One could not think about the coming of the long-awaited Christ Child without
thinking ahead to his second coming. The more I learn about that, the more I do not
understand. I have recently attended two sessions of Sunday School studying
Revelation. It has been mind blowing because I have been learning the difference
between the Reformed understanding and the Dispensational view. It is really
stunningly different. In looking for its long-term impact on my life, I realize that the study
of Revelation is not meant to cripple me with fear but encourage me to look for the
mission field between my own feet and share Christ with others because the end is
pretty terrible for those who are not in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I have thought since
being saved as a young adult that Christ would return in my lifetime. It is a sobering
thought that should impact the way every believer lives his life. I do not have to have all
the answers to know what He is calling me to do on a daily basis. Yes, I am only one,
but I am one in whose heart the Holy Spirit lives. That is a power beyond
understanding. In contemplating how the Christmas story should impact your world and
challenge you to live life more purposefully, contemplate with me this beautiful lullaby
written for the season:
Welcome to Our World by Chris Rice arranged by Lloyd Larson “Tears are falling, hearts
are breaking. How we need to hear from God. You’ve been promised, we’ve been waiting.
Welcome, Holy Child. Hope that you don’t mind our manger. How I wish we could have known.
But long awaited holy Stranger, make yourself at home, Please make yourself at home. Bring
your peace into our violence, Bid our hungry souls be filled. Word now breaking heavens
silence, welcome to our world, welcome to our world, Fragile fingers sent to heal us, tender
brow prepared for thorn, tiny heart whose blood will save us, unto us is born, unto us is born So
wrap our injured flesh around you, breathe our air and walk our sod. Rob our sin and make us
holy, perfect Son of God. Welcome to our world.”
If you feel so led, please send your response to nlicc.wm@gmail.com.
Please respond under 700 words. We look forward to hearing from you!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meals for the Michael Family
Praise God for the safe and joyous arrival of the Michael’s precious baby girl, Lealta Grace, born December 4th! Would you please consider blessing the Michael family with a meal in the coming days and weeks ahead? Contact Kristin Garcia to sign up - thank you in advance!
Contact | Kristen Garcia
Meals for the Lewis Family
Baby Clive was born to Sue and Nathan Lewis on November 25th, weighing 6 lbs, 14 oz. Both mom and baby are doing well. Praise God for the birth of this precious little one! If you would like to help them welcome their new son by bringing them a meal, you may contact Krisee Yee. Thank you for caring for this sweet family!
Contact | Krisee Yee
Service/Job Opportunity
Are you interested in selling items on ebay or Marketplace for the Coppells as they downsize for a cut of the proceeds? Contact Ellen by text.
Contact | Ellen Coppell
MOTs (Mothers of Toddlers) | NLICC | Mondays (every other) 9:30-11am, Wednesdays 4:30-6pm
MOTs is a group organized for mothers with young children (between newborn and 4 years old) who are seeking a community of growth and gathering with sisters in Christ. Each group will be assigned a leader as well as an older mentor mom to share devotionals. Invite a mom friend to come along! The MOTs Monday group will meet every other week from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. in the NLICC nursery, facilitated by Rachel Martin with monthly devotionals provided by Nancy Haenlein. No meeting on December 26. The Wednesday MOTs "Skipper's" group will meet weekly from 4:30-6 p.m. in the NLICC nursery during Pioneer Girls, facilitated by Yaasha Hepperle with mentor, Vicky Hepperle. If you are interested in being a part of Mothers of Toddlers you may contact Rachel Martin.
Contact | Rachel Martin
Nursery Helpers for the MOTS Monday Group Needed!
The Mothers of Toddlers group that meets every other Monday is in need of nursery help. The last Monday they will be meeting is Dec 19. Nursery hours would be 9:15-11am. If you are able to help care for these little ones, please let Rachel Martin know. Thank you!
Contact | Rachel Martin
ONGOING EVENTS
Spiritual Depression Bible Study Restarting For the Winter
There is a winter Bible Study starting January 9 (6-7:30pm) and January 10 (10:30-noon) . They will be meeting every two weeks after that through the month of May. The study continues with the book Spiritual Depression: It’s Causes and Cure by Martyn Lloyd-Jones. The group will meet at the home of Lisa Capitano with a daytime session (10:30am-noon) and an evening session (6:00-7:30pm). Please contact Lisa Capitano for more information.
Contact | Lisa Capitano
Genesis Study Part 2 to Begin January 14
Beginning January 14th part 2 of the Genesis Study, God of Covenant, will meet on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 9-10:30am (except days that there is a women’s event in the morning when we would meet after the event). It is not necessary to have completed Part 1 to participate and anyone who wants to jump in is welcome. This is an 11 session study so it should continue through June. They are using Jen Wilkin’s book, God of Covenant. Please reach out to Joy O’Toole for any questions.
Contact | Joy O’Toole
CONTACT US
Have a ministry need, idea for an activity, or prayer request? You can reach us at nlicc.wm@gmail.com or find us on Facebook. Please don't hesitate to contact us!
All for His glory,
Julie Root
For the Women's Ministry Committee
We are always happy to post news and announcements for NLICC ministries and events. Please note, however, that the deadline for the Friday email is 9:00 a.m. on the previous day (Thursday). Submissions are subject to approval and may be edited for clarity and length.