Thru sending baby John, God said: for the coming King is a high priority. knowing God hears and has power to fulfill his promises. are God’s highest priority. Applying God’s Word to Life What have been some of your most desperate, passionate prayers in the past? Why? How has God answered your prayers (including saying, “Yes,” “No,” “Wait,” or “have this good gift from your Father (Mt. 7:11)”? What are the elements of Zachariah and Gabriel’s interactions that communicate God’s priority for preparing the people for the coming King? What is significant about each of these elements? What are examples of desperate desires we may have that line up with the greater needs of our family, community, and world? What emotions would you feel if, like John, you received a messenger who answered your prayers later than you hoped? How does your confidence in God’s message and his messenger compare to Zachariah? Would walk away “speechless” like him? How well prepared are you for the coming King in view of his passionate priority for a restoring people’s relationships? How will you plan to prepare for the coming King this week? ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Starbuck Children’s Church will have a short program on December 10 at the end of the service. On December 10, children should go directly to children’s church at the start of the service. Advent Options: Monthly advent devotionals start this Friday. We encourage families and individuals to prepare for Christmas by spending time in God’s word. You can check out the weekly email for two printed advent options. You can pick up the adult/youth version of “The Jesse Tree” on the welcome table. Glenwood Chamber Monopoly: As a member of the Lakes Area Chamber, Hope Community is participating in the Chamber Monopoly to promote the Minnewaska Area during the holiday season. As a chamber board member, Kelly really encourages our people to use this as an opportunity to connect with our local business leaders. To play the game, people need to visit 10 “businesses” and receive a “mark” and then turn in their cards for a chance to win chamber bucks. If you would like to play, pick up a game board on the welcome table, put a sticker on Hope’s space and then take a candy cane. Everyone is welcome to take a candy cane and read and share the story. Women’s Prayer Brunch: Saturday, December 9 at 10:00 a.m. at Patti Wente’s home (17893 US Highway 59, Morris (320) 288-6077. RSVP by contacting Patti. All women are invited (invite friends) for a time of food, fellowship and prayer. Sermon Based Small Group: Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. at the Starbuck site. Attend when you are able. Contact Mike at 406-547-4089 for more information. Preschool Open Gym: Next open gym is Friday, December 15 from 10:00-11:30am at Central Square Gym.