Happy Thanksgiving! We hope that no matter who you are spending the holiday with or how you are celebrating, you can take some time to think about the abundant blessings the Lord has given you over the past year. We have so much to be thankful for!

NEW SERMON SERIES

For Mary, it was a fear of the unknown. For Joseph, it was fear of trusting her. For the shepherds, it was fear of danger. And for Zechariah? A fear of the future. We face those same fears today. But in each case, God gave the same assurance: Fear Not! Join us in December, as we unpack Biblical truths that apply not only 2,000 years ago, but to our lives today. Pick up a stack of invitations at the Info Table to invite your friends to this powerful sermon series, “Fear Not”.

EVE OF EVE SERVICE

Come celebrate Christmas at our “Eve of Christmas Eve” service, 6:30 and 8 p.m. Dec. 23. Invite your friends for a relevant Biblical message and Christmas music. Childcare will be available for birth to preschool. Please bring a plate of cookies if you are able.

THE THRILL OF HOPE

This Christmas, share joy by donating Christmas gifts to the Bolingbrook Christian Health Center. Items are needed for ages 1 to 18 and will be collected at the Info Table. Gifts will be distributed on Dec. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. as we join Gente Unida and New Song Church in hosting a bilingual service, dinner and a gift mart for those in need in our community, as well as a craft and game time for kids. If you, your family or growth group would like to volunteer for this memorable service opportunity, contact Cathy Unger at .

SURGE

Surge is a monthly gathering of our entire church body the second Wednesday of the month. Bring your whole family for a time of worship and spiritual growth. The evening also will include break-out sessions on living in the spiritual disciplines, living in reconciliation and living in financial freedom. Childcare is provided. The next Surge is 7 p.m. Dec. 9.

WHITE CHRISTMAS LADIES’ TEA

Women of The Sanctuary, come and be refreshed and inspired at the “White Christmas” ladies’ tea on Dec. 11. The evening will include lots of laughter as ladies compete in a Christmas version of the “Scene It” game, catered food, and a message from guest speaker and author, Wendy Holtz. Feel free to dress up if you’d like to give that special holiday outfit another night out. Invite your friends for a fun evening out from 7 to 9 p.m. RSVP at [email protected]

MEN’S MINISTRY

Men of The Sanctuary are invited to a video series and discussion called, “FIGHT”, which looks at the life of Samson, every other Saturday at 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. The next Fight Club date is Dec. 5. For more info, contact Bryan Buckley: .

KREW EVENT

Krew kids (4th and 5 grade) and their families are invited to spread some Christmas cheer by volunteering at Feed My Starving Children at 7:45 p.m. Dec. 18. Anyone who is 5 years old and above may participate.  Meet at FMSC, 555 Exchange Ct, Aurora. RSVP on our member website to participate.

PLAYGROUP

Hey, moms! Would you like to connect with other moms of young children? Would your children like to make some new friends? Join us for play group from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every other Thursday. The next playgroup date is Dec. 3 in the Preschool Place room at The Sanctuary.

YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS

Thrive and Crossfire, our junior high and high school ministries, meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays for student-led worship, large group teaching, small group discussion and tons of FUN! Feel free to arrive at 6:30 for hangout time.

Don’t forget to cheer for our youth flag football team on Saturday! Come watch a game from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. as the Sanctuary Storm plays three other teams tournament-style! Games will take place at Central Park, 201 Recreation Drive, Bolingbrook.

Ignite, our college and young adult group,meets Sunday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. at the home of Danielle Sault, 941 Canyon Run Road, Naperville. For more info, contact Steven Cruz at 630.687.4045 or check out The Sanctuary Ignite page on Facebook.

Add Dec. 19 to your holiday calendar as Ignite celebrates “Ignite the Halls” at the home of Danielle Sault. High school seniors are invited to join the festivities! Bring a batch of cookies to exchange, a white elephant gift, and make sure you wear your ugliest Christmas sweater! Bring your friends for this exciting evening from 6 to 9 p.m.