Matthew 1:18-25 New Living Translation
The Birth of Jesus the Messiah
18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.
Prayer
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Sermon
“Christmas Is Over. What Do We Do With a God Who Stays?”
Weekly Prayer Request
Ed Beaver, Mel & Marie Cook, Ted Fernkas, Dave & Dianna Huckleberry, Roger Krejchik, Maridee Neireirter, Keith Neireirter, Leslie Smith, Patrick Tucker and Jane Ziehmke.
* If you would like to add someone to the weekly prayer list please reply or send an email to tuxedo.park@sbcglobal.net
A Note from the Pastor
People of God, as we step into this new year, we do so with a hope that does not depend on circumstances, resolutions, or our own strength. Our hope rests in the God who is already ahead of us, preparing grace we have not yet seen and opening doors we have not yet imagined.
May this new year be a year when light surprises us, when joy finds us in ordinary moments, and when God’s faithfulness becomes unmistakable in our lives. May we discover new courage, deeper peace, and a renewed sense that we are held, guided, and loved.
Whatever comes, goodness is not behind us, it is growing before us. And we will walk into it together, trusting that God’s future is always brighter than our past.
Wishing you all the happiest of new years ahead.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor E
Announcements
Zumba w/ Suzanne: Classes are on a holiday break and will resume in the new year.
Bread & Word: (Food Pantry and Clothing Center) will be open on the following Thursdays: 1/8/26, 1/29/26, 2/12/26, 2/26/26, 3/12/26, 3/26/26, 4/9/26, 4/30/26, 5/14/26, 5/28/26, 6/11/26, 6/25/26, 7/9/26, 7/30/26, 8/13/26, 8/27/26, 9/10/26, 9/24/26, 10/8/26, 10/29/26, 11/12/25, 12/3/26 and 12/17/26.
Bread & Word Ministry — Volunteers & Pantry Support Needed
As we continue serving our neighbors with food, clothing, dignity, and community during our bi‑monthly Thursday night gatherings, we are looking for volunteers who feel called to help prepare, serve, or offer hospitality. No experience is needed, just a willing heart and a desire to care for others. Please see Carol for details about volunteering at the food pantry and Madelyn for volunteering in the clothing center.
We also welcome anyone who can assist on the 4TH Tuesday morning of each month as we receive and organize our food inventory. Please see Troy for more information.
- JANUARY 🍲 Soup-sation (Soup Competition): Sunday, January 18, 2026
- FEBRUARY 🥰 Love Your Church Luncheon: Sunday, February 15, 2026
- MARCH 🌶️ Annual Chili Cook-Off: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Clothing Closet
The Clothing Closet is seeking donations for any of the items listed below.
Gently used items are acceptable. Bolded items are sorely needed.
Laundry Detergent
Bath Towels
Children’s Winter Clothes (size:4 and up)
Blankets
Pillowcases
Sheets
Hooded Sweatshirts (size: Small, Medium, Large)
Men’s Boxer Shorts (size: Large and 2X)
Men’s Winter Gloves
Men’s Jeans (waist size: 32-38)
Men’s Jeans (waist size 30-32)
Men’s Sneakers (size: 9-12)
Women’s Winter Gloves
Women’s Tennis Shoes (sizes: 8-9 ½)
Boost & Ensure Empty Bottles
