Newspaper Article about Christmas

Pastor Nate was asked to write a short article for the Buckeye Valley News as they publish the newspaper this Christmas week. Check out his article about the meaning of Christmas for us as a church here in the local community:

Christmas is for many a season of gift-giving. It is a time for special events and gatherings. Simultaneously, it can be the busiest time of the year and a time when we finally slow down. For many, Christmas means getting together with loved ones and friends.

Christmas means snow in most parts of our country—except for those of us in Arizona. We instead get the joy of reminding out-of-state friends just how nice our weather is!

But for our church and for countless Christians around the globe, Christmas is not about us at all. It’s not about trees and events and school breaks. For us it is time to stop and reflect on the greatest gift of all, the birth of Christ some 2000 years ago. The heart of Christmas is about the faith and joy we have all year long—because of Jesus’ miraculous birth. As Matthew 1:23 says, “The virgin will conceive and bear a son, and they will call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).”

Christmas bears the name of our Savior, the promised one. He brings peace and hope that lasts far more than one day! My family will share gifts and take time for lots of other traditions as well, but Jesus is at the center. I pray that God touches your heart this Christmas—and blesses you with the peace of knowing he came for you as well!

By Pastor Nate Schaus
Summit Community Church
www.summitcc.org

Glow on Monroe Light Parade

This past weekend a team from Summit put together a float with a nativity scene and Christmas lights for the annual "Glow on Monroe" light parade. It was the first year our church participated, and we actually received a trophy for the best religious entry. For all of you who have asked if Summit was the only religious entry... there were other churches there! :)

The streets were lined with people for seven city blocks, sometimes as much as four people deep. It was an incredible night to share how Christ is at the center of the season for our church - and we handed out a bunch of candy canes with Christmas Eve invites. Watching kids from several Summit families throw out candy to the crowds along the street was too cute. Pray that God works through it all to help some people reconnect with church and with Him this Christmas!

Rick Taylor and Walt Morris did an awesome job getting everything prepared. Thanks to the two of them and everyone who helped it a successful and fun night!