"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people".  Luke 2:8-10

It's crazy to think that God did not deliver the good news of the Messiah's birth to priests or prophets or kings.  Rather than issue a formal proclamation from the steps of the temple, God sent an angel to a group of nomadic shepherds.  He chose the least influential individuals to receive the first invitation to meet the savior of the world, (the messiah), Jesus. 

Join us on Sunday at 9:30am, as we continue our series, Portraits of Christmas and light the second candle of Advent: Joy.  This week, we will take a deep dive into this all-to-familiar story found in Luke 2:8-20.  Through the eyes of a group of shepherds, we will gain clarity about the true message of Christmas, who Jesus is, why he came, and what our response should be to such an incredible event.

Welcome the Everett Family:  Plan to stay after the service as we welcome James, Ali, and their kids to Calvary Parkside!  There will be treats and a chance to get to know them better.

Note:  Our Adult Discipleship Class will not meet this Sunday

Christmas Eve at Calvary Parkside:  Make plans now to join us for this year's Christmas Eve service.  Since December 24th falls on a Sunday, we will be joining with the other churches that share our campus for very special Christmas Eve celebration.  This multi-cultural Christmas service will include Christmas music presented in Mandarin, Korean, Spanish and English; scripture reading and prayers in multiple languages; and a time to reflect on the birth of our Savior, Jesus.  Doors will open at 10:00am and the service will begin at 10:30am.  There will be light snacks and drinks available after the service.

See you Sunday!

Doug

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."  Luke 2:14

With these words, the multitude of the heavenly hosts were proclaiming, finally, humanity would be reconciled--have peace and fellowship-with the Lord God when Jesus removed our sin.  Take time this Christmas and join the heavenly hosts in proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest!"  Certainly He is worthy of your praise and is working all things out in a way that will bring you His peace and great joy.

Join us on Sunday at 9:30am, as we continue our series, Portraits of Christmas and light the second candle of Advent: Peace.  This week, we are going to look at Mary, the mother of Jesus.  We are going to look at her story and we are going to look at her song.  Her life is an example to us of what service to God looks like.  First, Mary acknowledges that she was in need of a Savior and she looked to God for that salvation.  Mary's song is a beautiful expression of both praise and worship of God.  Her song is about God and an exaltation of who God is.  Mary's song is from her heart and exalts the loving God by giving Him His rightful position as Lord and Savior.  Let's fill our minds and hearts with Mary's song of praise to God and glimpse the wonder and promise of Christmas!

Adult Discipleship Class Study:  11:00am.  Join us for a special Christmas study.

James Everett Update:  Currently, James and Ali, along with their 3 kids plan to arrive in Beaverton on December 13th.  Continue to pray for them as they pack-up, say goodby to family, and travel from Colorado to Beaverton.

This Sunday, we will be collecting food items (perishable and non-perishable), as we want to welcome them with a stocked fridge and pantry.  Below is a list of what they would like:

• Lean Ground Beef.....Chicken breasts.....Goldfish crackers.....Fruit snacks.....Almond milk (unsweetened).....Creamy Peanut Butter    
• Cookies and Cream ice cream (Fred Meyer brand).....Canned unsalted green beans.....Frozen steamable broccoli.....Brussel sprouts.....Onions
• Garlic.....Potatoes.....Grapes.....Cuties(clementines).....Turkey sausage links (frozen, pre-cooked).....Whole wheat flour.....Sugar.....Salt
• Butter.....Mustard.....Non-fat Greek yogurt.....Nonfat Cottage cheese.....Quick-cooking oats.....Carb balance tortillas    
• Uncured turkey lunch meat slices

​Christmas Eve at Calvary Parkside:  Make plans now to join us for this year's Christmas Eve service.  Since December 24th falls on a Sunday, we will be joining with the other churches that share our campus for very special Christmas Eve celebration.  This multi-cultural Christmas service will include Christmas music presented in Mandarin, Korean, Spanish and English; scripture reading and prayers in multiple languages; and a time to reflect on the birth of our Savior, Jesus.  Doors will open at 10:00am and the service will begin at 10:30am.  There will be light snacks and drinks available after the service.

See you Sunday!

Doug