North Platte Berean Church
Unexpected Encounter
Have you heard the Christmas story so many times it almost feels…ho-hum? One more bit of white noise amid the rush-rush holiday season? But we’re talking about God coming *in the flesh*! Let’s step aside from the hubbub and look at some of the first people to encounter the Christ child – how did they react? And what about us? What’s our reaction as we encounter Him this Christmas? Casual or indifferent, maybe even hostile? Or joyful, amazed, delighted?
Locations & Times
North Platte Berean Church
202 W 8th St, North Platte, NE 69101, USA
Sunday 8:00 AM
Sunday 9:15 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM
Sunday 6:00 PM
ConnectCard
We’d love to connect and be a spiritual resource for you – please fill out a ConnectCard (in seat pocket or npberean.org/cc). If you’re new, bring your ConnectCard to the information center for a welcome gift.
https://npberean.org/ccMore Details
NEW HERE?
• Digital bulletin: Prefer a PDF version of the bulletin? Visit npberean.org/sundayprint.
• Sunday large gatherings: 8, 9:15, & 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; livestream at facebook.com/npberean at 9:15 a.m. or npberean.org/live anytime.
• Need a Bible? Available free at information center.
• Sound levels: Assisted listening devices and earplugs available at sound booth in back of auditorium.
• Office hours: Mon.-Thu. 9-4 (closed Tue. 1:30-2:30 for staff meeting).
• Find out more: Visit npberean.org, email npberean@npberean.org, or call 308-532-7448.
FOR FAMILIES
• Mother's Room: A private place to care for your baby and still connect to the gathering via livestream – follow signs north of auditorium.
• Kids Connect (infant-grade 5): Available at 9:15 and 11 a.m. – check-in east of Commons or upstairs from foyer. (No 252 today, but First Look will meet.) Kids also welcome in large gatherings. At-home resources: npberean.org/kids-connect-at-home.
• Sola (grades 6-12): Main gatherings Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. – meet in 252 Room/The Commons. • Middle school also meets Sundays at 11 a.m. in the Upper Rooms.
• Digital bulletin: Prefer a PDF version of the bulletin? Visit npberean.org/sundayprint.
• Sunday large gatherings: 8, 9:15, & 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; livestream at facebook.com/npberean at 9:15 a.m. or npberean.org/live anytime.
• Need a Bible? Available free at information center.
• Sound levels: Assisted listening devices and earplugs available at sound booth in back of auditorium.
• Office hours: Mon.-Thu. 9-4 (closed Tue. 1:30-2:30 for staff meeting).
• Find out more: Visit npberean.org, email npberean@npberean.org, or call 308-532-7448.
FOR FAMILIES
• Mother's Room: A private place to care for your baby and still connect to the gathering via livestream – follow signs north of auditorium.
• Kids Connect (infant-grade 5): Available at 9:15 and 11 a.m. – check-in east of Commons or upstairs from foyer. (No 252 today, but First Look will meet.) Kids also welcome in large gatherings. At-home resources: npberean.org/kids-connect-at-home.
• Sola (grades 6-12): Main gatherings Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. – meet in 252 Room/The Commons. • Middle school also meets Sundays at 11 a.m. in the Upper Rooms.
Giving
• On Sunday: use wooden boxes at back of auditorium
• Online: npberean.org/give
• Text: text any amount to 84321
• Mail: 202 W. 8th St., North Platte, NE 69101
• Online: npberean.org/give
• Text: text any amount to 84321
• Mail: 202 W. 8th St., North Platte, NE 69101
This Week's Sermon: Unexpected Encounter
What is Advent?
What is Advent? Here is a link to a summary explanation of Advent that may be useful:
https://www.christianity.com/christian-life/christmas/what-is-advent.htmlThis was an unexpected encounter
They witnessed
They worshiped
Talk It Over
Visit npberean.org/grow-groups for more resources or to connect.
• Treasuring God: How is your heart toward God today? Do you feel joyful? angry? bitter? What could be a step to take in reorienting your heart back to worship?
• Being Transformed: Read Luke 2:19. What does Mary do with everything that is happening? Why is it good to remind ourselves of these encounters?
• Loving Others: After the shepherds encounter Jesus, they feel compelled to go share their hope with others. Do you feel that way today? How do we reignite that excitement?
• Pursuing Unity: Do you think the shepherds were grateful to have each other to share in the encounter? Why is it better to have other believers around us?
Visit npberean.org/grow-groups for more resources or to connect.
• Treasuring God: How is your heart toward God today? Do you feel joyful? angry? bitter? What could be a step to take in reorienting your heart back to worship?
• Being Transformed: Read Luke 2:19. What does Mary do with everything that is happening? Why is it good to remind ourselves of these encounters?
• Loving Others: After the shepherds encounter Jesus, they feel compelled to go share their hope with others. Do you feel that way today? How do we reignite that excitement?
• Pursuing Unity: Do you think the shepherds were grateful to have each other to share in the encounter? Why is it better to have other believers around us?
Next Week's Sermon
Have you heard the Christmas story so many times it almost feels…ho-hum? One more bit of white noise amid the rush-rush holiday season? But we’re talking about God coming *in the flesh*! Let’s step aside from the hubbub and look at some of the first people to encounter the Christ child – how did they react?And what about us? What’s our reaction as we encounter Him this Christmas? Casual or indifferent, maybe even hostile? Or joyful, amazed, delighted?Some encounters, like the shepherds, are completely unexpected. Others however, like the account we'll read next week, were highly anticipated. Let's prayerfully anticipate our own encounter with the child together next week.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A25-35&version=ESV