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Hillside Missionary Church

12/18/22 Worship Gathering

Whether you’re a guest or a long-time attendee we’re glad you’re here with us. We’re a friendly and caring group of Christians who are here to help people be CONNECTED with Jesus, CHANGED by Jesus, and COMMITTED to the mission of Jesus. If you're new with us today, thank for joining us! We truly believe that you’re not here by accident and that God has some amazing plans for your life.

Locations & Times

21567 Ireland Rd, South Bend, IN 46614, USA

Thursday 10:45 AM

Guest Information Card

If you’d like some information about who we are and how to get plugged in here at Hillside, please fill out the “I’m New” page on our website

https://hmcworship.com/im-new/

Luke 2:8-20

Throughout this sermon series we are looking at characters that are typically overlooked in the Christmas story, and what their stories can teach us. This week, we’re looking at the Shepherds’ story. Lowey and despised by society, an Angel came to these Shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. By taking a look at their story, we learn some essential truths about who God is, how we can know Him, and what our reaction to Him should be.

1. God uses all sorts of people and events to bring forth His will
Luke 2:8-10, 2 Pet. 3:9, Col. 1:16, Matt. 28:18, 2 Pet. 3:13,

2. It is through Jesus, and only through Jesus, that we can have peace
Luke 2:13-14, John 14:27, 16:33, 2 Thess. 3:16, Rom. 8:28

3. Our reaction to experiencing God should be to experience Him more, and spread the good news
Luke 2:15-20, 1 John 4:16, John 17:3, Ps. 34:8, Mark 16:15

Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever studied this part of God’s Word before? Did anything stand out? Did anything from the shepherds’ story surprise you?

2. In the story of Christ’s birth, God uses the actions of godly people, as well as the actions of ungodly people, to bring forth His will on earth. Through realizing this, we can have peace when our world seems like it is falling apart. How can you better remember this truth and hold onto God’s peace?

3. Read Matthew 2:14. It is through Jesus, and only through Jesus, that we can have peace. In what ways do people try to obtain peace, but ultimately fail because it lacks Jesus?

4. Looking at your answers from question #3, which one of the ways of obtaining peace without Jesus are you guilty of trying?

5. Looking at your answers from question #4, how can you replace those failed attempts at peace, with trusting in Jesus for your peace?

6. The shepherds’ reaction to experiencing God is to experience Him more, as well as to spread the good news of Jesus. How can you do the same?

7. What is your biggest take away from this message? What did God teach you? Do you feel led to put anything into action? If so, what, and what practical step(s) do you need to take to be obedient to what God has led you to do? Who can keep you accountable to accomplishing this?

Current Prayer Requests

CHURCH FAMILY NEEDS:Pray for Jerry Jamrozy, who has bone cancer. MISSIONARIES: This month pray for the Yargers. FAMILY OF THE WEEK: Each week we’ll pray for a different family in our church. This week pray for the Fishers. HILLSIDE HAPPENINGS: Pray that the church would continue to stay unified under Christ. Pray for our livestream and for the people joining us there. Pray that God would use us to bring His Kingdom here. Pray for our children’s ministry as it is getting built back up. Pray for Casa Del Alfarero, the Spanish-speaking Missionary Church 5 minutes from our building. CURRENT HAPPENINGS: Pray for students, teachers, and other school staff members.Pray for the war in Ukraine. Pray for the south and the destruction from the recent storms.

Numbers

Attendance In-person on 12/11/22: 52 Online views: 11 Giving Give Online Online (12/5/22-12/11/22): $355 for general In-Person on 12/11/22: $3050 for general, $100 for foster closet Total general needed weekly to meet budget: $1480

Groups

We encourage everyone to be involved in a small group, as we think they’re a great way to grow in your faith. Please contact Pastor Josh if you are interested.

Email List

If you do not receive our weekly emails, announcements, and prayer requests, please join our email list! You can do so by going to hmcworship.com/im-new

Opportunities to Help

TECH: Our worship team is looking for someone who would like to run sound and/or slides. Please see Pastor Josh. OFFICE HELP: Pastor Josh is looking for someone who can make and print bulletins and keep our website updated. If you are interested, please see Pastor Josh. WORSHIP TEAM: Would you like to help out on the worship team? Please see Carolyn Dodd for details. MAINTANANCE TEAM: Would you like to help out on the maintenance team? Please see Jeff Soule for details.

Christmas Candlelight Service

We will be having a Christmas candlelight service on Dec. 23rd, at 6:30pm. The service will last about 45 minutes. This is a great opportunity to invite people who normally do not attend church.

Pray for the Ukraine

Our denomination, the Missionary Church, has set a prayer guide to pray for the Ukraine.

https://www.mcusa.org/pray-for-ukraine/

Ukraine Relief Project

Our denomination, the Missionary Church, has set a relief project fund for the Ukraine. The funds for this project will be used to provide crisis relief for those caught up in the turmoil in and near Ukraine.

https://wpartners.org/ministries/projects/world-partners-ukraine-relief-project

Click Here to Give

https://hmcworship.com/give-online/