An update from our sister ViaCordis church in Germany

As we've been praying for ministry opportunities to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus, we’re encouraged by how the Lord has been opening doors. Ines, a former nurse who is part of our VC group, she has taken on a part-time job at the local hospital where she does night watch for patients in the ICU. Usually all she has to do is sit and observe the patients. She uses those times to pray for them and their families. When they are awake and can talk, she encourages them and shares Jesus' love with them.

Some months ago, Ines came in contact with one of her neighbors in Burglengenfeld where she lives, a lady in her 30s who is confined to a wheel chair. The neighbor's difficult circumstances have made her very cynical. None of the social workers sent to assist her (within the German system) were able to gain her confidence, and she sent them away, refusing help. For some reason, however, Ines was able to connect and gain her trust and slowly build a relationship.

Ines visits her disabled neighbor regularly, spending time with her, mostly listening. Recently, the neighbor was offered some time for therapy at a state-run medical health spa. The government pays her way and also pays for another person to accompany her for several days. Again, the neighbor lady refused the social workers and, instead, insisted that Ines go along! Ines has experienced Christ's healing herself as Christians ministered to her during a very difficult phase of her life. Now she is anxious-and well prepared-to share the transforming power of Christ with her neighbor as they work through her difficult issues, this time with a Christian perspective.

Another woman, Ute, has been praying for an opportunity to share God's love in a practical way with someone in need. As she was praying for guidance, she noticed a report in the local news paper about a program for assisting families in need (mainly recent immigrants). She applied to volunteer - and was accepted last week. She will now receive training for the job. After screening and training (which will take several weeks, as Germans are very thorough!) Ute will be assigned a family to work with.

We have prayed, and God has been faithfully opening doors for us to serve. We're excited about the prospects he is bringing our way.

ministry to parolees

The leader of the church ministering to parolees reports the usual share of life's ups and downs. One parolee who attends the church lapsed back into drugs. One of the other members decided to help restore him by praying with him daily and managing his money for him. He has joined a "Celebrate Recovery" group at a local church.

Another parolee who has been estranged from his wife is focusing on rebuilding trust between them. He invited his wife to our Christmas dinner and has been meeting with his grown children to try to restore his relationship with them. His communication with his wife has since increased dramatically and has centered around their common relationship to Christ.

One of the greatest needs of parolees is transportation. If they have a car or truck their opportunities for work open up tremendously. Please pray for wisdom on how to help these brothers gain reliable transportation.

One of the leaders was recently incarcerated for a parole violation. Apparently there is a rule against parolees doing charity work without permission. As part of outreach to the homeless, this leader has been involved in charity work, distributing backpacks and food, but was doing so without obtaining clearance from his parole officer. Now he is in prison, although at this point the church is not aware that he has been charged with anything. Please pray for protection for this brother, that God would free him to minister in any circumstance, and that He would be released soon.

Second Anniversary!

ViaCordis celebrates its 2nd anniversary this month. At the first gathering, two women and two men met at a house in Pasadena, CA to share life, study the Bible, pray for others and discuss ways to love the communities in which they live. Before the first service they were cautioned by more experienced house church members to keep looking outward beyond themselves. They heeded this advice. Almost all who attend ViaCordis make community service a priority. Tonight eight will gather for Facilitator Orientation so that they can offer practical support to those wishing to improve life skills including parenting and anger management.

Advent, week 4

Here's Fourth Sunday of Advent

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT – MAGI

3 PURPLE AND ONE PINK CANDLE

Scripture: Mt 2:1-12

1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
6" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

LIGHT 3 PURPLE CANDLES AND ONE PINK

The wise men had been seeking the One born King of the Jews. No one knows from what country they came or what studies led them to leave home seeking. It is clear that God wanted them to find the Baby because He put signs in the heavens and in ancient prophecies that lead them, enabling them to find. God’s Word tells us to seek Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We are to seek God in the morning, and continually. He calls us to seek His face while humbly turning from our wicked ways. If we seek God and His Kingdom above all else, the promise is repeated often: God will be found and He will hear, heal and provide. Christmas is God’s answer to the longing and searching of every man, woman and child.

PRAYER: Jesus, like the wise men we come seeking You, sometimes from far places. You are behind us, before us, underneath us, above us and in us. In You we live and move and have our fullest being. Thank you for your perfect plan which reveals Your love more and more as we search for You. Amen.

Our Advent Wreath

Advent, week 3

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT – SHEPHERDS

ONE PINK CANDLE AND TWO PURPLE CANDLES

Scripture: Luke 2:8-12

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

LIGHT THE PINK CANDLE AND TWO PURPLE CANDLES

These shepherds were doing what they always did, watched sheep. Through the days lambs were led to the best pasture. This day the shepherds were given the night watch with the sheep. They lived with the sheep. God stepped into the shepherds’ daily routine and turned their world upside down. While going about their ordinary tasks an angel startled these humble people with the best news in the world: The Messiah is born! As if the heavens could no longer contain their excitement over this amazing news, thousands of angels broke through the skies with a joyful song. After going to see for themselves, the shepherds returned to their work but with what a difference! Now their hearts were alive with the miracle of what they had seen and heard. Praise filled them.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help us to remember that with you there are no ordinary days. Each day that we live in your grace is a day that is beyond the ordinary. We feel the joy of this. Joy yesterday, that you came into our world and forever changed it. Joy tomorrow, that you will come again and usher in the fullness of the kingdom. And joy today, that you give us opportunities to be Your hands and feet, so that our lives share the message of Christmas during this Advent season. Amen.