Community Church

By Johan Dodge

Reverend

We are now well into the Advent Season. In a normal year, this would be the second week in Advent. But this year, Community Church chose to celebrate extended Advent, which is seven weeks of hope instead of four weeks of peace, hope, joy and love. That isn’t to say that peace, joy and love are not important, but in the midst of the pandemic, we chose to focus on hope.

Advent can seem strange for those who have not been raised in the church. Advent comes from the Latin word “Adventus,” which means “coming.” Advent is a season of expectation and anticipation. It is the practice of hope in the midst of darkness.

The message this week will be “Hope is the Light in the Darkness.” These past months have been difficult and dark, but now there is the promise of at least three vaccines to help move us into a new light. Times of darkness have existed throughout the millennia and through it all God’s people have found reasons to hope. This week, Community Church will also look at the story of John the Baptist coming from the dark, the wilderness, to preach the hope of the one who would come after him and would be the light of the world — Jesus.

To hear this teaching along with some worship music, tune in on Sunday morning at 9:50 on Facebook live, @ communitychurchleisureworld.

Those who want to join the virtual fellowship will need to call the church office or email leisurewccsue@ yahoo. com. If you don’t have a computer or Facebook, you can call the phone system at (562) 431-2503 and listen to the weekly message beginning Sunday evening.

Community Church plans to hold Christmas Eve worship services that are socially distanced and outdoors with heaters at 2 and 4 p.m. The church is now accepting reservations to both services. Contact the church office to reserve your spot.

If you are in need without another way to address it, call the church office at (562) 431-2503.