How Does a Weary World Rejoice? Advent 2023 at FCC

Christ was born into a weary world. King Herod ruled the land with a legacy of ruthlessness. The Romans treated the people of Israel with contempt, imposing harsh taxes and land seizures that forced many into subsistence farming. Poverty and destitution were pervasive. And yet, Christ was born, bringing good news of great joy for all people.

As Advent comes again to a weary world, we ask, “How does a weary world rejoice?” From the opening chapters of Luke’s Gospel, we have found a few answers: we acknowledge our weariness, we find joy in connection, we allow ourselves to be amazed, we sing stories of hope, we make room, we root ourselves in ritual, and most importantly, we trust our belovedness. In the parallel birth stories of Jesus and John, joy arrives—despite trepidation, fear, or grief. In these stories, we find rhythms for rejoicing. As we move through our series, we hope to create space for acknowledging the weariness of our world while celebrating God’s closeness with great joy.

And so, this Advent, we will hold space for our weariness and our joy. We will seek a “thrill of hope” in our hurting world. We will welcome joy—even if, like the prophet Isaiah, we cry out for comfort (Isaiah 40:1). In this weary world, may we find many ways to rejoice.”

(From sanctifiedart.org)

WELCOME

The congregation of First Christian Church intentionally welcomes all. We embrace diversity which includes differences in age, ethnicity, national origin, race, sex, range of abilities, gender identity, financial means, education, sexual orientation, political perspective, and a variety of life experiences. We welcome all to share in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, responsibilities, blessings, and joys of our congregation’s life.

Stay connected and check us out on Facebook Live! Sermons and worship can be found on our YouTube page.

WHO WE ARE

We believe that to be Christian is to follow Jesus in all that we say and do. Everyone is welcome at our Church and at the Lord’s Table as we move to answer God’s call. Being actively involved in our community is core to our values as Church.

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HOW WE SERVE BEYOND OUR WALLS

Community Table

In 2005, First Christian Church began serving a free dinner on Monday evenings to anyone wishing to partake. Each week, we welcome community guests into our spacious fellowship hall for a prayer of thanksgiving, hot meal, and dessert. Companionship and conversation are abundant during this time of sharing.

Haven Youth Center

In 1998, The Haven Youth Center was founded as a community-based not-for-profit organization serving middle school students. It is located in our building at 39 East Jackson Street, behind Disciple House. The Haven Youth Center is to provide students in grades 5 through 8 a safe place to come after school to hang out with friends, to visit, to play games, eat, study, learn new life skills and do community service projects.

Kairos Prison Ministry

Kairos Prison Ministry mission is to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to impact the hearts and lives of incarcerated men, women, and youth, as well as their families, to become loving and productive citizens of their communities. Kairos takes teams into prisons for weekend “retreats” and follow-up meetings. FCC also provides hundreds of chocolate chip cookies, financial and prayer support.

COMMUNION

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)

You have an invitation to the table, Come Join Us Today!

Discover How You Can Get Involved In Our Church

Christian Education

We offer a variety of study opportunities for adults throughout the year. Adult Sunday School is offered at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings.

Children & Youth

Our goal is for our children and youth to find joy in being together as they praise God, and come to understand their faith. We offer a variety of programs for all ages, including Sunday School classes, Children Worship and Wonder service, Vacation Bible School, and Youth Group.

Music Worship

If you love worshiping God through music, there are several opportunities to be involved in the music ministry at First Christian Church in Martinsville.

Find Out What’s Happening at FCC!

Leadership & Staff

Rev. Roxie McNelly, MDIVSenior Pastor

Jenny BlakleyAdministrative Assistant

Linda PresleyDirector - Children, Youth, and Family Ministry

Come Join Us Today!

If you are seeking Christ, or are looking for a Church to call home we have an open seat waiting for you. Become part of our Church family and discover how God can help you find answers to your life questions.

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FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF MARTINSVILLE

Service Times: In-person Sunday worship/FB 9:30 a.m.

MISSION

First Christian Church Martinsville is a caring congregation, joined together in love and faith, serving God by serving the community.

VISION

By acknowledging the spiritual worthiness of all, we will encourage deepening relationships with Christ, one another, and our diverse world, revealing the joy of God’s love.