From Lay Minister Toviao Hopkins Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we enter this sacred season of Advent, my heart is filled with gratitude for each one of you. In a world that often rushes past the holy and the quiet, our churches stand as shining reminders that God’s love still dwells deeply among His people — in our fellowship, our gatherings, our prayers and our worship. Advent is a season of waiting — not the kind of waiting that leaves us restless, but a waiting that fills us with hope. It’s the gentle, glowing kind of waiting that lights one candle at a time, trusting that even the smallest flame pushes back the darkest night. Each Sunday, as we gather to reflect, pray, and sing, those candles remind us that God’s promises never fail, and His light is still coming into the world — through Christ, and through all of us. In this season, may we slow down and make room for wonder again. May we notice the sparkle in a child’s eyes, the innocence of fresh snow, the warmth of a shared meal, the peace that comes when we pause to remember why we celebrate. Emmanuel — “God with us.” What greater gift could we ever receive? As Christmas draws near, I am reminded once again how blessed we are to be a family of faith. We may be small in number, but the love we share, the care we show, and the faith we carry for one another are immeasurable. Thank you for being the hands and heart of Christ in our communities — through every act of kindness, every prayer lifted, every light you shine into someone’s darkness. May this Advent be a time of holy anticipation for you and your loved ones. And may the joy of Christmas — the joy that sang from the angels’ lips and shone from the manger — fill your hearts and homes with peace, hope, and love that lasts far beyond the season. Toviao Hopkins, Lay Minister