Throughout the Christmas season we have taken a journey to Bethlehem and studied the characters of the nativity.  We have studied Gabriel, the shepherds, Mary, Joseph, Herod, and the Wise Men.  This Sunday we will focus on the central character of the nativity, the baby Jesus.  
        Christmas Eve will be a special day to be in church with your family.  We will celebrate the birth of Jesus with Christmas music, worship, and communion.   I hope to see you Sunday at 10:00 AM.  If you have a family gathering and it is impossible to be present in person, I hope you will join us online.  
      It has been a great Christmas season here at First Assembly!  I express a very special “thank you” to everyone who helped make the season so special! 
      Merry Christmas!
-Pastor Jeff Carico     

     Each Sunday during the month of December I am focusing my sermon on one of the different characters of the Christmas nativity.  So far we have looked at Gabriel and Mary.   This Sunday’s focus will be Joseph, and the title of my sermon will be “Joseph, The Forgotten Character Of Christmas”.   
      It sometimes seems that the other characters of the nativity have greater roles to play than Joseph, and less attention is given to him.  During Christmas plays the spotlight always seems to shine on Gabriel, Mary, Herod, wise men, shepherds or the inn keeper.   Have you ever seen a Christmas play where Joseph had a speaking part?   See what I mean 🙂
      As I have prepared this sermon my appreciation for Joseph has grown.  Joseph was presented with a tremendous challenge.  It took a very unique and Godly man to play the role of Jesus’ “father”.  Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit, not Joseph, but who would believe his story?
     I invite you and your family to be a part of the worship experience of First Assembly this Sunday.   I look forward to sharing this worship time with you!
​-Pastor Jeff Carico
      

      Sunday we continue our countdown to Christmas.   Each Sunday my sermon will highlight a member of the nativity.  This Sunday my theme will be “Mary, The Mother Of Jesus”.
       I hope you and your family will be a part of our worship celebration this Sunday, December 3, 10:00 AM.  I look forward to seeing you!
-Pastor Jeff Carico
*all services are available live in the sanctuary as well as online.  Children’s Church and Infant Nursery     provided each Sunday.