What are you wishing for this Christmas? The holiday can be an amazing time of joy and excitement. But behind the bright shiny bows, decorated trees and sparkling lights, how often do we also find disappointment and unmet expectations?
The same was true 2,000 years ago. People had been waiting a lifetime with hope and anticipation for the coming Messiah. They heard prophesies with details of His birth. And yet, when He actually arrived, they didn’t recognize Him. He wasn’t the glorious king they had expected.
Jesus fulfilled His promise to bring hope, peace, joy and love, but it wasn’t packaged as people thought it would be. How did they miss it? How can we make sure we don’t? Join us this Christmas season for our sermon series, “Expectant”.
Nov. 27 to Dec. 25: Expectant, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays
Dec. 23: Eve of Christmas Eve, 6:30 and 8 p.m.
TURKEY BOWL
Make plans to cheer on The Sanctuary’s junior high and high school students at this year’s Turkey Bowl, Nov. 26!
All students are welcome to participate in the co-ed tournament. Games begin at 10:15 a.m. at 201 Recreation Dr., Bolingbrook. Students should meet at 9:30 a.m. at The Compass Church in Bolingbrook (formerly New Song Church), 151 E. Briarcliff Road, before the games begin.
WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS EVENT
What does an old Charles Dickens tale have to do with the meaning of Christmas? Come and find out at this women’s event complete with carolers, wassail and stories of Christmas past, present and future. Enjoy a catered dinner, holiday games, guest speakers and a relaxing evening with friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2. Bring a friend! Cost is $15. Register in the lobby.
SURGE
Are you longing to connect with God through a time of deep worship and prayer? Join us the first Wednesday of each month at Surge, which is an extended worship service designed to help us step out of the busy pace of life and Revive, Regroup and Recharge. The next Surge is Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. We will have childcare for birth to fifth grade.
CHRISTMAS AT THE CLINIC
Share the joy of Christmas by donating 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. 11 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. as we join Gente Unida and The Compass Church in hosting “Jesus, Light of the World,” 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. Sign up at the Info Table to volunteer.
FIGHT CLUB
Men of The Sanctuary meet Saturday mornings for breakfast, Bible study, discussion and accountability. They also meet one Friday a month for Friday Night Fights, an evening gathering, with guy food and guy talk on relevant topics. The next Fight Club is 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. Dec. 10 in the Community Room. Friday Night Fights is at 7 p.m. Dec. 16.
LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS COFFEE
“Every once in awhile God gives us something big to do, but every day he gives us something small to do. Those small things make a difference.” – Jonathan D. Golden
Through our partnership with Land of a Thousand Hills, we are not only serving fair trade coffee on Sunday mornings, but also giving you an opportunity to share it with others! Stop by the coffee bar on Sundays and pick up freshly roasted coffee, espresso chocolate, t-shirts and more to give as gifts this Christmas season. If you would like to know more about Land of a Thousand Hills, visit http://landofathousandhills.com/ourstory.
JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL
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 miss Winter X-Treme at Camp Timber-Lee in East Troy, Wisconsin. Junior High students will be going Jan. 13-15. High School students will be going Jan. 27-29. A non-refundable deposit of $50 will be required to reserve a spot for each student. Go to cometothesanctuary.org/timberlee. We have limited financial assistance available.
YOUNG ADULTS
Our college and young adult group meets Sunday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. (with the exception of the last Sunday of the month) Please contact Steven Cruz at 630.687.4045 for more info. You can also email us at [email protected].