Pea Ridge News | December 2024
Christmas at Pea Ridge is a special time. Stay connected to what's happening through the December edition of our email newsletter!
A Season of Waiting
by Dan Londeree, pastor
Have you ever looked forward to something, and then found it very difficult to wait for it to take place? When I was a child, Christmas was my favorite time of year. I loved the story of the birth of Jesus. But if I’m honest, I also loved getting presents that I could open on Christmas morning. As Christmas Day grew closer, I experienced the feeling of excitement as I anticipated what I would receive. It was not easy for me to wait.
Now that I am much older, I look back on those early years and realize I had a lot to learn. Christmas, of course, is about the greatest gift that God has ever given mankind: the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Any present that I have received in my lifetime pales in comparison to that amazing gift. And as it turns out, waiting is a part of life. Without waiting, we cannot experience the concept of hope.
The nation of Israel waited hundreds of years for their Messiah to come. Those who trusted in him understood the joy of seeing their hope become reality. And through the far-reaching love of God the Father, Jesus came not just to Israel, but to the entire world. Everyone who trusts in Jesus sees their hope for tomorrow become reality.
Each year when we observe Advent, we are reminded of how the world waited for a savior. With the themes of hope, joy love and peace, each Sunday we count down to the day that we will celebrate the birth of Jesus … the day that hope became reality for all who believe. This Christmas season, take time to reflect on the miracle of Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart. A great starting point is our Advent reading plan, which can be accessed below:
Now that I am much older, I look back on those early years and realize I had a lot to learn. Christmas, of course, is about the greatest gift that God has ever given mankind: the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Any present that I have received in my lifetime pales in comparison to that amazing gift. And as it turns out, waiting is a part of life. Without waiting, we cannot experience the concept of hope.
The nation of Israel waited hundreds of years for their Messiah to come. Those who trusted in him understood the joy of seeing their hope become reality. And through the far-reaching love of God the Father, Jesus came not just to Israel, but to the entire world. Everyone who trusts in Jesus sees their hope for tomorrow become reality.
Each year when we observe Advent, we are reminded of how the world waited for a savior. With the themes of hope, joy love and peace, each Sunday we count down to the day that we will celebrate the birth of Jesus … the day that hope became reality for all who believe. This Christmas season, take time to reflect on the miracle of Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart. A great starting point is our Advent reading plan, which can be accessed below:
Worship Ministry Update
With the Christmas season now in full swing, our worship ministry is focusing on leading us in music that focuses on the Advent themes of hope, joy, love and peace. Our church would like to thank Allie Atkins and Jennifer Londeree for leading the team each week and choosing songs! We also would like to thank our faithful and talented volunteers who use their gifts for vocals, instruments, audio, video and screens. Your hard work and dedication to Christ are a blessing to our congregation.
Youth Ministry Update
The youth group has continued the series “Who He Is,” which is focused on the life of Jesus from the prophecies declaring His birth all the way through his life and ministry and wrapping up with His eventual return. Our teens also have been serving faithfully at the local Ronald McDonald house.
And, they are making time to have some fun together! On Saturday, Dec. 7, the group will depart from the church at 11 a.m. to go to Sky Zone, a trampoline park in Charleston. They will stop for lunch on the way and plan to return to the church by 3:30 p.m.
And, they are making time to have some fun together! On Saturday, Dec. 7, the group will depart from the church at 11 a.m. to go to Sky Zone, a trampoline park in Charleston. They will stop for lunch on the way and plan to return to the church by 3:30 p.m.
Children's Ministry Update
Our church council has interviewed a very strong candidate for the children's director position and we hope to share more very soon!
Our church is very grateful to Cari Reed for overseeing the volunteer schedule and making sure each team has the material needed to share God's truth with our kids of all ages. We are also very grateful to each of our amazing ministry volunteers!
Our church is very grateful to Cari Reed for overseeing the volunteer schedule and making sure each team has the material needed to share God's truth with our kids of all ages. We are also very grateful to each of our amazing ministry volunteers!
Pea Ridge Faith Stories: Emerson Davis
I was raised in the Methodist Church and saved as a teenager. My baptism by immersion was in Huff Creek on a cold Fall evening. While attending Marshall University I fell from my faith. I still believed in God, I just didn't act like it. I worked at the Boy's Club and as a daredevil while in college, was married to my wife, Jean, for nearly 56 years until she died in 2022. We had two boys, Tre and Brad. In 1966 I was drafted into the U5. S. Army, went to Officers Training School and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. While in the Army, I struggled with my spiritual condition and I realized I needed to return to the Lord. But nothing changed!
After returning to Huntington, starting a new career and returning to a Methodist church, I felt better but knew I had not made the commitment to God that I needed. When my dad died in 1976, I recommitted my life and joined Beverly Hills Baptist in 1978 where I taught some special studies in Sunday School. In 1984 I came to Pea Ridge Baptist and began teaching Sunday School classes a few years later.
My best friends are those I know through church. They help me with accountability and challenge me to live my faith. I look forward to meeting with my Life Group every Sunday morning and to participating in most church activities. I have made a lot of mistakes throughout my life but none worse than drifting away from church and my faith for those years. God has provided for me in ways I could never imagine. I cannot think of anything I have needed that He did not provide. "I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)
After returning to Huntington, starting a new career and returning to a Methodist church, I felt better but knew I had not made the commitment to God that I needed. When my dad died in 1976, I recommitted my life and joined Beverly Hills Baptist in 1978 where I taught some special studies in Sunday School. In 1984 I came to Pea Ridge Baptist and began teaching Sunday School classes a few years later.
My best friends are those I know through church. They help me with accountability and challenge me to live my faith. I look forward to meeting with my Life Group every Sunday morning and to participating in most church activities. I have made a lot of mistakes throughout my life but none worse than drifting away from church and my faith for those years. God has provided for me in ways I could never imagine. I cannot think of anything I have needed that He did not provide. "I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)
December Calendar
Saturday, December 7, 11 a.m.
Youth Group trip to Sky Zone Charleston
Sunday, December 8, 12 p.m.
Annual Business Meeting
Tuesday, December 10, 1-3 p.m.
Fellowship hall painting party
Thursday, December 12, 6-8 p.m.
Fellowship hall painting party
Sunday, December 15, 10:45 a.m.
Tree of Hope gifts due
Sunday, December 15, 5 p.m.
Church Christmas Party
Bring a side and dessert and enjoy dinner and games together! Honeybaked ham, rolls and drinks will be provided. We also ask that you bring the following food items to donate to Martha Elementary School students who are in need: mac & cheese cups, pop tarts, juice boxes, ramen noodles.
Fun and games: ugly Christmas sweater contest with prizes awarded for top three sweaters, draw a snowman challenge and favorite Christmas memory open mic!
Monday, December 16, 6 p.m.
Church council (downstairs meeting room)
Wednesday, December 18, 12 p.m.
Golden Group Luncheon (Logan's near the mall)
Wednesday, December 18, 6:30 p.m.
Christmas caroling
All ages will meet in the church fellowship hall and then carpool to several locations to sing Christmas carols and share Christ's love with others!
Tuesday, December 24, 6 p.m.
Christmas Eve candlelight service
Wednesday, December 25
Christmas Day, no Wednesday evening ministries
Youth Group trip to Sky Zone Charleston
Sunday, December 8, 12 p.m.
Annual Business Meeting
Tuesday, December 10, 1-3 p.m.
Fellowship hall painting party
Thursday, December 12, 6-8 p.m.
Fellowship hall painting party
Sunday, December 15, 10:45 a.m.
Tree of Hope gifts due
Sunday, December 15, 5 p.m.
Church Christmas Party
Bring a side and dessert and enjoy dinner and games together! Honeybaked ham, rolls and drinks will be provided. We also ask that you bring the following food items to donate to Martha Elementary School students who are in need: mac & cheese cups, pop tarts, juice boxes, ramen noodles.
Fun and games: ugly Christmas sweater contest with prizes awarded for top three sweaters, draw a snowman challenge and favorite Christmas memory open mic!
Monday, December 16, 6 p.m.
Church council (downstairs meeting room)
Wednesday, December 18, 12 p.m.
Golden Group Luncheon (Logan's near the mall)
Wednesday, December 18, 6:30 p.m.
Christmas caroling
All ages will meet in the church fellowship hall and then carpool to several locations to sing Christmas carols and share Christ's love with others!
Tuesday, December 24, 6 p.m.
Christmas Eve candlelight service
Wednesday, December 25
Christmas Day, no Wednesday evening ministries