Dec 08 2024
Advent
The Light in the Darkness
Genesis 1
Message Slides
For the bulletin in PDF form, click here.
The Light in the Beginning
The Light that was Coming
The Light that is Here
Next Steps
• Set apart time each week with your family to reflect and pray about the first Advent.
• Ask God to prepare your heart for the celebration of Christ's birth.
• Live a life that is set apart for the Lord as you anticipate His coming Kingdom.
This Week's Growth Guide
God’s Word is both central and critical to your spiritual growth. We invite you to utilize the Growth Guide during the week to further your application of the Truth from the message.
•. Monday - Genesis 1
•. Tuesday - Isaiah 9
•. Wednesday - Isaiah 53
•. Thursday - Psalm 27
•. Friday - John 1
Home Church Questions
• Talk about your Christmas traditions and which ones you’ve continued as a family that are meaningful to you.
• In the creation narrative, God begins by speaking light into existence and separating it from darkness to bring order from chaos. What in your life feels to be out of control or in chaos? Why?
• What aspect of the light do you need the most in your life right now? Exposure? Guidance? Safety? Etc.
• In Isaiah 9, Christ is prophesied as being the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.” Which one of these strikes a chord with you and why?
• God set you apart for His glory and has redeemed you through the light of life, how will you respond to this truth during this season?
• What one thing are you going to do differently this Advent season? Why?
Mission Highlight - Pray for the Unreached: The Shaikh in Bangladesh
The Shaikh in Bangladesh, a sociocultural group originally tied to Arab settlers, now primarily identify as Muslim traders with flexible roles in society. They are thought to be descendants of Hindu warriors who converted to Islam and adopted the name Shaikh to signify their faith. Despite their large population of over 134 million, less than 0.1% are Christians, and an estimated 2,685 workers are needed to reach them with the Gospel. Pray for Shaikh families to experience God's blessings through dreams, miracles, and the power of Scripture in their homes. Pray for Shaikh leaders to boldly share their testimonies, for healing and restoration within their families, and for entire communities to seek and find God's Kingdom.
Finances
Weekly Budget 35,297
Giving For 11/24 25,843
Giving For 12/01 52,804
YTD Budget 776,537
Giving 704,199
OVER/(UNDER) (72,338)
Fellowship 101
We invite you to join us on Sunday, January 12, at 9:00 a.m. to learn more about Fellowship. This is a great opportunity to hear about our mission, values, and our ministries. If you’re new to Fellowship, join us in the conference room (first floor) to hear what God is doing and where He is taking us. During this time, you will meet some of our ministry leaders and get to ask questions. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register.
New to Fellowship?
We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift.
Fellowship Men’s Breakfast
Men, join us for a great breakfast and fellowship on Wednesday, December 11, at 6:00 a.m. here in the Fellowship atrium. No sign-up is needed. Come with your Bible, ready to eat, fellowship with other men, and start your day off right through prayer and Biblical insight. Questions? Contact Michael at [email protected].
Christmas Offering
This December, Fellowship’s Christmas Offering is for The Operation Christmas Child Special Pack (held in October 2025). The gifts received will determine the number of boxes we can send. To send each gospel opportunity (box) costs $20 for items, transportation, and the tools needed to share the hope found in Christ with a child. Please consider giving above and beyond your regular giving to the worthy cause of getting the gospel to sensitive areas that are difficult to reach. You can use an envelope by offering baskets or give online by selecting “Christmas Offering” from the options. For an idea of what we are trying to raise, we packed 2,800 boxes this year, which is equal to $56,000.
Christmas at Fellowship
Join us for a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service on Tuesday, December 24, at 4 pm and 6 pm. The service is a Fellowship favorite of tradition, family, and a few surprises this year.
Perspectives Classes begin on January 14
Perspectives is a fifteen-lesson discipleship course exploring different aspects of God’s global purpose in a multi-faceted learning experience. Tuesday evenings beginning January 14 from 6:00-9:00 PM at the Summit Church. The first week is free to check it out. For more information, go to
perspectives.org/courses/conway-ar-s25/, or drop by the Perspectives table today for more information.
Operation Christmas Child
On Sunday, December 15 we will put a bow on National Collection Week as we share and celebrate the total number of boxes packed at Fellowship, as well as our River Valley area. You won’t want to miss it!