It’s hard to believe we are in the last month of 2022. The year has flown by so fast.

There has been so much going on in our church for the month of November and continuing into December.

In November we held our annual Operation Christmas Child. This consists of filling up shoe boxes for a certain age group of children. Then, once they are all collected, we deliver them to a sister church who is the collection site for our area. Then, all the boxes are delivered to the main warehouse for Samaritan’s Purse. These boxes go all over the world. For some children this may be the only Christmas gift they will receive. This year we collected over 100 boxes. (up from 64 boxes last year)

We are now worshiping back in the church again. As some of you know, our furnace died and we’ve been meeting in Grange Hall. After numerous successful fundraisers and donations (rummage sales, bake sales, food sales, and designated gifts) we were able to purchase a new furnace. We would like to thank Gary at Christian Repair and Huckleberry’s – and all who donated – for making this happen. We appreciate all your work!

Our Outreach to the surrounding communities continues to happen. Each Wednesday evening a group gathers at the downtown Franklin laundromat and provides food, prayers, clothing, and friendship. We just finished our second 10-week GriefShare program at the Andover Hub, an Advent Wreath building morning and, of course, the Third Friday of the month Andover Community Coffeehouse where church members sell food, hot/cold meals and baked goods. Between our continued support of Twin Rivers and other local non-profits, we continue to make an impact in the local community.

We’re gearing up for the church’s “New Year” season: Advent. Advent is an ancient tradition in the church calendar marked by a change of colors, music, and liturgy – all in preparation to welcome the birth of Christ on Christmas Eve. Traditionally it has been a time when Christians reflect on the coming of Christ and seek to prepare their hearts through prayer, good works, fasting, and meditation in this “penitential season.” The Season of Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas with weekly  lighting of the Advent Wreath and special music around themes of Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy. Each Sunday a family lights a candle and reads a Bible passage. By Christmas Eve the entire wreath is lit and reflects the joy of the season.

We welcome you to join us for Advent and Christmas Eve services. Advent services are at 9:30 AM Sundays, Christmas Eve (with a special Godly Play program for kids) will be at 5:30 PM, and Christmas Festival of Lessons and Music happens Christmas Morning at 9:30 AM. If you are interested in more information please contact Pastor Bill at 603 735-5160 or scroll over to: andovercommunitynh.com.

So we end another year wishing everyone a safe and healthy holiday, and a very safe New Years Eve. We look forward to seeing all of you next year.