This Week at Evergreen
The desert is a place that struggles to support life. In the Bible, the desert becomes a metaphor for human life. When something vital to life is broken, we are in the desert. This Advent, we are tracking the lives of four individuals who have been driven to the desert. What we see in every case is that God is already there.
This weeks message by Pastor Stephanie: Mary: Servant of the Lord
Save the Date
Here are some things coming up at Evergreen. Watch here for more info...
- Dec 24: Christmas Eve Service @ 4pm
- Dec 29: Communion
- Jan 5: 6th-12th Youth Groups resume
- Jan 8: Community Night resumes
- Jan 12: Evergreen 101
- Jan 13: Ladies Night Out
- Jan 20: Council Meeting
- Jan 25: Encore Event
- Jan 26: Communion
Series Art Work
Title: For Unto Us
Artists: Jodi Cole-Meyer, David Kremers, Alivia Wilbraham
Artist Statement: The message of Christmas was delivered to shepherds, the outcasts of society, who were watching over sheep at night. "To you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!" This same message of hope is still given for us today.
Sunday Live Streaming/YouTube
If you are unable to join us in person on Sunday morning, we encourage you to join our live stream through YouTube Live. Click the button below to join. After clicking the link, click on "Latest" video. Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up to date.
Need to update your contact info? Want to connect with one of the ministry leaders? Want more info about our ministry at Evergreen? Scan the QR code or click the button below to do so.
Evergreen Weekly/Praise & Prayer
Are you not getting the Evergreen Weekly or Praise and Prayer emails? Email david@egm.org to let us know so we can add you to them.
Christmas Eve Service
There will be a Christmas Eve Service on Tuesday, December 24 at 4pm. Please join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. There will be no childcare but please enjoy worshiping together as a family.
Evergreen 101
So you've been checking out Evergreen for a while? And you have some questions? You know what Sunday mornings are like, but what about the rest of the week? Join Pastor Brandon on Sunday, January 12 to learn more about this community of people who want to follow Jesus and recover our lives. For those interested, this conversation serves as the first step toward membership, though there's zero pressure to take that step. We simply want to provide space to get to know each other better. We'll meet immediately following the service for about an hour in the Aspen Room (at the end of the hall across from the Sycamore Room). Kids are welcome to attend and are free to entertain themselves as needed. Scan the QR Code or click the button below to register.
Telling Stories In the Dark
Join us on Wednesdays, January 8 - February 5, 2025; 6:30-8:00pm. Come listen to author Jeff Munroe and then join others as we learn how to steward our stories and walk with others. We will discuss Jeff's book Telling Stories in the Dark. We will also listen to mental healthcare professionals from our community integrate their experience into the reading. Books are available for purchase at the Welcome Center and also online in audio format. Any questions? Email Lisa Hazard (lisa@egm.org). Click the button below to register or for more information.
Small Groups
Would you like to be part of a supportive community of 10-12 people, meeting 8-10 times between January and May for study, discussion, and connection? If so, please share three days and times that work for you throughout the week, and we will reach out to discuss which group might be the best fit for you.
Colossian Way
Too often we ignore discussing difficult topics because, well, what if it divides or drives us apart? Or we engage in unhealthy conflict, failing to reflect the character of Christ in the process. But there is a better way! Our friends at The Colossian Forum call it The Colossian Way. It’s built on the hope-filled proclamation of Colossians 1:17: “In Christ all things hold together.” Colossian Way groups meet for 90 minutes over the course of ten consecutive weeks. Each meeting includes prayer, reflection on the meaning of Christian unity, and a deeper dive into the issue itself. The goal is to authentically engage a difficult topic to gain progress on the problem, and in the process see the body of Christ grow. Starting January 22, we will engage the topic of human sexuality with a focus on same-sex relationships. Click the button or scan the QR Code below, or see the Welcome Center in the courtyard to request joining the group.
January Ladies Night Out
Ladies, come for a night of fun and community on Monday, January 13 from 6:30-8:30pm in the courtyard. Learn the basics of Art Prayer Journaling. You will learn fun techniques and create two journal pages. No artistic ability is required. This is a free event. Please bring a snack to share if you are able to. Sign up in the Courtyard at the Welcome Center by January 5.
Encore Outing
Encore is planning a night out to see the play Shadowlands performed by Master Arts Theatre on Saturday, January 25 @ 7:30pm. Mark your calendars now!
Community Night
Community Night will begin meeting again on January 8, this includes youth groups (Middle School and High School groups begin again on January 5). Please note that the *Bridge to Life Recovery Meeting at 6:30pm in the Pine Room will continue.
*Bridge to Life Recovery Meeting is an Evergreen-style 12 Step Meeting that is open to anyone who is struggling with addiction or who would like to learn more about the process of recovery.
3rd grade-12th grade youth groups are all on Christmas break now. 3rd-5th will begin again on Wednesday, January 8th. 6th-12th youth groups will begin again on Sunday, January 5th.
- 3rd-5th Grade: Sycamore Room, Wendesdays from 6:30-8pm
- 6th-8th Grade: Sycamore Room, Sundays from 4:30-6pm
- 9th-12th Grade: Sycamore Room, Sundays from 6-7:30pm
Giving at Evergreen
You can find ways to give to Evergreen in a variety of ways. As you consider your giving, know that, as always, all tithes and offerings go to support our youth ministries (birth-12th grade), recovery, the arts (music, drama, visual arts, dance), multiple outreaches, and many more ministries. If you are interested in giving to the work we are doing, you can do so by clicking the link below.
4 Corners Offering
For December, our 4 corners offering partner is Campus Ministry @ GVSU. They are a community of Christ followers called to: Engage college students with the life-changing love of God, disciple leaders who make disciples, and be a bridge to Jesus Christ and His church.