Like Mary, Christians are: by God’s divine favor. 2. to bring God’s son into the world. 3. because of God’s power. 4. to believe God’s word. Applying God's Word to Life When has God’s call upon your life interrupted your regularly scheduled program? In your opinion, what makes you a likely or unlikely candidate for God to choose to accomplish something he cares about? Describe a time when you were surprised by God’s Word? How did you respond? Why? What are some of the “impossibilities” in life that could tempt you to doubt God’s promises and plans? Describe the blessings we are promised as those who respond to God’s invitation to carry his Son into the world? What are some of the burdens we are to bear in receiving God’s gift and His calling upon our lives? What are some good reasons to follow Mary’s example of belief and humble submission to God’s call on our lives? How is the Lord calling you to adjust your life in view of his plan to use you to bring His son to the world? How will you respond? Announcements Congratulations to Nathan and Christina Vander Beek: on the birth of their son. Harrison Tobias was born December 2 and he weighed 8lbs 4oz and was 20 inches long. A meal train has been set up at www.takethemameal.com. Username: VanderBeek, password: 4 boys. Year End Giving: As of November 30, 2023 Hope Community has received $196,460 in general donations. The budget for 2023 is $211, 200. Thank you for your faithful support throughout this year! Because of your financial support, some of the things we have been able to do is support local missions and community outreach, provide opportunities for fellowship and discipleship within the body, make much needed improvements to the Starbuck building and worship/livestream equipment, and provide resources for our church ministries such as youth group, MOMs, VBS and children’s church. In addition, we gave scholarships to 20 children/youth to attend Camp Shamineau and we support five missionary couples. We ask that you consider Hope Community in your year-end giving donations. Thank you! Christmas Eve Morning Services: We will hold our regular Sunday services on Christmas Eve morning. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Sunday, December 24 at 4:30 p.m. at Central Square Auditorium and on livestream. There will not be a nursery, but the community room will be open for parents and nursery age children. Refreshments will be provided. No Children’s Church: December 24 and December 31. 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.