This Week at Ross

12-26-2001-01-2025
This Sunday is the Second Sunday after Christmas. I will be looking closer at John 1:1-20 which introduces Jesus as “the Word,” a pre-existent being who was with God in the beginning and is God himself, explaining that this “Word” became flesh and dwelt among humanity, signifying Jesus’ divine nature and incarnation; the passage also highlights John the Baptist’s role as a witness to this light, testifying that Jesus is the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sins of the world, emphasizing Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. We also have references to the Epiphany, which happens every January 6, celebrating when the Magi visited the Holy family and how the true light has come. My message title is “The Light has Come”. Come join us, it will be a wonderful way to start 2025 complete with communion.
Happy New Year everyone. It seems like last week we were preparing for our Advent adventure and here we are on New Years day. Today we welcome the new year and are preparing for the next season of our journey. It looks like Sunday we will be seeing accumulative snow in the afternoon. Right now, it looks like our morning will be fine and allow us to gather. This is another reminder that winter has come, and the weather is a big factor for many things. I spent some time this morning in reflection, not only thinking of our advent experiences but looking back at 2024 in general. It is exciting to see where we were able to accomplish many goals and opportunities in the midst of some uncertainty regarding our denomination. Nothing in 2024 has kept us from fulfilling the calling on this church to be agents of hope and change in our world. That is one thing that will lead us well into 2025. Our determination to continue answering the call to the very things we have been capable of doing is a driving force, powered by the Holy Spirit, to accomplish these very things. This is who WE are. This year you will hear a little more about preparations to celebrate the Ross Community UMC 200th anniversary. It is scheduled for 2026, but I believe it will begin at the later part of this new year. More details to follow.
Once again, I thank you for all the cards, gifts, and love that Pastor Maggie and I received from Ross Community UMC. I am very grateful to be appointed here and part of your lives.  
 
The Living Forward group for widows/widowers will be meeting on Wednesday, January 15th at 1:00 at the Asian Lantern. It is located at 965 Main Street on the west side of Hamilton. Please let Carla Baker know by Monday the 13th if you plan to attend. Carla’s contact information is in the directory.

Thank you to all who stayed and brought in wonderful treats last Sunday for our 5th Sunday potluck. Our next one will be March 30th.

Sunday School continues at RCUMC. Class begins at 9:45. You are invited to join Paul and Kym Smith in a wonderful class leading up to our weekly worship. Contact Paul if you have any questions. All are welcome.

Thought for the week: “True faith means holding nothing back. It means putting every hope in God’s fidelity to His Promises.”—Francis Chan, Crazy Love
 
May God’s light surround you; God’s love enfold you, God’s power protect you, and God’s presence watch over you, now and always.
Blessings, Pastor Chris
 
Next update 01-09-2025