Greetings LAC Families,
I want to take a moment to introduce myself and offer a warm welcome as we find ourselves approaching the center of this Advent season. My name is Christy Cooper, and I’ve recently stepped into service as a member of the Ministry Council and as the chair of the Family Ministries Division. I have rich roots here at Lake, and deep hopes for the care and investment in the future of our children and families in this space.
As we approach the third week of Advent, I’m challenged to consider the dichotomous nature of joy — from the unadulterated delight found in watching my preschooler sing* “Go Tell it on the Mountain” in her debut Christmas performance, to letting the Holy Spirit bring comfort into the shadowy grief-filled places surrounding the recent loss of a family member. In this hour, I am reminded that true joy far surpasses seasonal feelings of “happiness,” and is found in the deep, dark and sacred waters where our heart-needs are met through the gift of Emmanuel — “God With Us” (Isaiah 7:14).
In this season, it is my prayer that you, LAC families, would experience the gift of God with you — whether in spaces of delight, through places of change and transition, or through those dim, unknown spaces where uncertainty spills in.
It is also my prayer that you would receive the gift of God with you through this church community. Here are a few ways you might consider connecting in the upcoming weeks:
*Maple Street Coffee Connection: grab a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate as you check in and check out your students on Sunday morning (12/11 and 12/18).
*Goodbye Reception for Perry & Andi Hawkins: please offer your gratitude for the many years of service the Hawkins family has given our church family. Reception immediately follow the service in the Warehouse. (12/11)
*Christmas Eve Service: (12/24) - 4 pm - Family Service / 7:30 pm - Candlelight Service
*Christmas Day Service: (12/25) @9:30am
Join us in praying for these forthcoming ministry pieces:
*Stay tuned for upcoming information on the church wide Rooted study beginning in mid-January, with opportunities for the whole family to participate.
*Stay tuned for information regarding the NextGen Director search. Currently, a few candidates have been highlighted and interviews are underway. Please join the team in prayer as they discern who God might have to fill this critical space of pastoral care for our teens.
Finally, it would be my joy and pleasure to know you. Please feel free to send me a message of connection. I’d love to meet you, or know how I can cover your family in prayer during this season. You can contact me at .
In His Joy,
Christy Cooper
