Week of December 3, 2023 - Advent begins

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
    Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,  and proclaim to her
    that her hard service has been completed,
    that her sin has been paid for,
    that she has received from the Lord’s hand
    double for all her sins.
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare
    the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert
    a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
    and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”  - Isaiah 40:1-5 (NIV)
The Church Season of Advent begins this Sunday, December 3rd.  Please join us as we prepare for a celebration of the fulfillment of the Old Testament in the City of David and the coming of the Messiah, robed in flesh.

COMING Sunday, December 10 at 1:30 pm to the First Baptist Church, Etna, NH:  Joyful Bells, a two-octave English handbell ensemble, will be performing a concert of Christmas carols and seasonal music.  Free-will donations support camping programs at Camp Sentinel (celebrating its 75^th anniversary this year).
All are welcome!

Missions Update:   The Etna Missions Commitee has shared the latest update from Carrie Pollock at Cru Military.  She has included Jenica's most recent letter to HQ.  Note how active the small Cru Military Ukraine team is, even in exile in Hungary, and the evidence of damage sustained at Roma's unit's headquarters.  It is a timely reminder that Russian brutality still exists in their attempt at conquest.  Overall, though, the family is doing well and deeply appreciates the prayers and tangible support from all who act to sustain them.
You may read Carrie's cover letter by clicking here.
You may read Jenica's letter by clicking here.
Please join us in our prayers of thanksgiving for the faith and tenacity of these people, even in exile.  We also pray for courage, strength, and deliverance for their family members and all those in harm's way in Ukraine.

Refreshment Hosts: One of the highlights of Sunday mornings (besides our uplifting church service, of course!) is our fellowship hour in Trumbull Hall following the service.  If you’d like to participate in providing snacks, please sign up on the sheet in the entrance to Trumbull Hall. Thank you!