Last month, as we prepared our house for Thanksgiving guests, we cleaned, decorated, and filled our home with warmth. I joked with Amira, “You’re preparing as if Jesus himself is coming for Thanksgiving!” Don’t we all do the same when we host loved ones for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas? We put our best effort into getting ready for something special.

Advent is a season of preparation, both for celebrating Jesus’s birth and for anticipating his promised return. During this four-week journey, we focus on the hope, peace, joy, and love we have in Christ (Luke 1, 2, and 21). We are reminded that Jesus will come again, freeing us completely from sin and uniting us fully with him in heaven. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we also acknowledge the incredible gift of his first coming.

Come join your church family at Erwin Presbyterian as we celebrate the blessings of 2024, share the hope of redemption, and proclaim God’s eternal kingdom. Together, let’s embrace this season of joy and preparation.

We are thrilled to welcome our new youth and children’s leaders: Robin Engle and Sterling Simpson. They are finishing their degrees at East Tennessee State University and bring remarkable skills in psychology, sociology, music, leadership, and Christian education. Their passion for serving the Lord and nurturing our children is inspiring. Please take a moment to welcome them to Erwin Presbyterian Church.

Your generous gifts of time, prayers, and financial support made 2024 a year of remarkable ministry. Together, we accomplished so much, including:

· Conducting a youth mission trip, retreat, and Easter egg hunt

· Offering numerous scholarships

· Hosting fellowship lunches, sending cards, and making visits

· Replacing the roof of Scout Hall and upgrading our technology

· Writing a new Welcome Brochure and directory

· Helping over 250 families through the Helene Disaster Relief Program

· Increasing worship opportunities and Bible studies

· Purchasing new Bibles for our church

Thank you for making this year so fruitful and impactful! Your dedication and generosity have allowed us to serve others in ways we couldn’t have imagined. I’m excited to see all that God will accomplish through us in 2025.

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas to you all. May this season bring you joy, peace, and hope as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming.

Pastor Ramy