Pastor's Letter | Third Sunday of Advent

Jul 18, 2022

Introduction

Welcome to River Oaks Church, a vibrant community of faith dedicated to spreading the message of hope, love, and joy. In this Pastor's Letter, we will explore the significance of the Third Sunday of Advent and reflect upon its teachings for our lives. Join us as we journey together through this sacred season!

The Meaning of Advent

Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation, as we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a season filled with hope, as we remember the promise of salvation and the coming of the Messiah. The Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday, invites us to rejoice in the midst of our preparations. It serves as a reminder to find joy in the anticipation of Christ's arrival.

Reflecting on Joy

In today's world, finding joy can sometimes feel like a daunting task. However, through the teachings of the Third Sunday of Advent, we are reminded that joy is not dependent on our external circumstances. Joy is an inner state of being that comes from our faith and relationship with God. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, given to us as a gift.

The Importance of Rejoicing

Rejoicing in the Lord is not simply a suggestion; it is a commandment. As followers of Christ, we are called to rejoice always, regardless of the challenges we face. This does not mean that we ignore or dismiss our struggles, but rather, that we choose to find joy in the midst of them. By embracing joy, we experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Finding Joy in Community

At River Oaks Church, we believe in the power of community. As we gather together to worship, pray, and share our lives, we find strength and encouragement in one another. The Third Sunday of Advent calls us to rejoice in the fellowship of believers, as we support and uplift each other on our spiritual journeys.

Celebrating Advent at River Oaks Church

During the Advent season, River Oaks Church offers a variety of meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship. From Advent worship services to community outreach programs, there are numerous ways to engage with the true essence of this season.

Advent Worship Services

Our Advent worship services are designed to inspire and uplift your heart, connecting you with the deep traditions and teachings of the season. Through scripture readings, songs, and sermons, we delve into the significance of Advent and its relevance in our lives today.

Community Outreach Programs

As a church committed to serving our community, we embrace the spirit of giving during Advent. Through various outreach programs, we seek to extend love, hope, and joy to those in need. From food drives to volunteer opportunities, there are countless ways to make a difference and spread the message of Advent beyond our church walls.

Join Us This Advent Season

As we embark on this sacred journey together, we invite you to join us at River Oaks Church. Experience the transformative power of Advent as we celebrate the joy, love, hope, and peace that Christ brings into our lives. Together, let us prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior.

Contact Us

For more information about our Advent celebrations and worship services, please visit our website or reach out to our friendly staff. We look forward to welcoming you into our community of faith.

Greg Boland
Advent serves as a time for inner reflection and gratitude.
Nov 12, 2023
Sheri Grossman
Reflecting on the Third Sunday of Advent brings a sense of peace.
Nov 9, 2023
Barry Cohrs
Advent serves as a beautiful reminder of faith and gratitude.
Nov 8, 2023
Rodney Brown
? Excited for Advent!
Nov 8, 2023
Adriana Ayala
The community at River Oaks Church is truly welcoming and inclusive.
Nov 3, 2023
Steve Kammeyer
I resonate with the sense of hope expressed in the Pastor's Letter.
Oct 19, 2023
Jb Britton
Advent is a time to renew our spirits and seek inner peace.
Oct 17, 2023
Craig Sladkey
The words in this article resonate with me on a spiritual level.
Oct 16, 2023
Alice Vincent-Dospital
Great read! This article deepened my understanding of Advent.
Oct 9, 2023
Darren Bonham
The warmth and love in this community are truly palpable.
Oct 3, 2023
Joseph Kuhlmann
The message of hope, love, and joy is truly inspiring.
Oct 2, 2023
Clint Nicol
Reflecting on the Third Sunday of Advent brings a sense of peace.
Sep 25, 2023
Daniel Newcomer
Advent is a time for reflection and renewal.
Sep 21, 2023
Amirah Fadzilah
The teachings in this article have deeply touched my heart.
Sep 20, 2023
Jan Sphr
I resonate with the teachings on love and compassion.
Sep 19, 2023
Ryan Beerbower
This article serves as a gentle reminder to embrace hope and love.
Sep 16, 2023
Beth Cobb
I feel inspired to deepen my spiritual journey after reading this.
Sep 15, 2023
Sreev Doddabalapur
The teachings have left me feeling spiritually uplifted.
Sep 13, 2023
Lauren Erlinger
I'm grateful for the sense of community and togetherness at River Oaks Church.
Sep 8, 2023
Dimitris Togias
The teachings here provide a great source of encouragement.
Sep 1, 2023
Jason Paquin
This article is a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of Advent.
Aug 28, 2023
Xin W
I'm grateful for the spiritual nourishment provided in this article.
Aug 23, 2023
Gary Rupp
This article is a beautiful testament to the power of faith.
Aug 11, 2023
Dsadsads
The insights shared in this pastor's letter are truly profound.
Aug 4, 2023
Nicole Cairns
The words of the pastor bring a sense of peace to my heart.
Aug 4, 2023
Matt Cybularz
The sense of togetherness in the church community is heartwarming.
Aug 3, 2023
Eugene Aseev
Thank you for the insightful and uplifting Pastor's Letter!
Jul 29, 2023
Murray Parker
I truly enjoy pondering upon the lessons of the Third Sunday of Advent.
Jul 27, 2023
Nicole Harter
This article provides valuable spiritual food for thought.
Jul 25, 2023
Coco Coco
This article beautifully captures the spirit of the Advent season.
Jul 25, 2023
Kirk Waingrow
I find the teachings to be both enlightening and encouraging.
Jul 23, 2023
Ratheesh Kaniyala
The sense of community at River Oaks Church is heartwarming.
Jul 2, 2023
Ipad Number2
The teachings in this article have deeply touched my heart.
Jun 23, 2023
Kimberly Bell
The lessons of Advent are thought-provoking and uplifting.
Jun 20, 2023
Joshua Paulson
I appreciate the focus on spreading positivity and joy.
Jun 20, 2023
Elena Mihalopoulos
Advent serves as a time for inner reflection and gratitude.
Jun 10, 2023
Kristen Hartley
The message of hope and joy is beautifully shared in this article.
May 12, 2023
Dave Unknown
This article provides valuable spiritual food for thought.
Apr 21, 2023
Tracie Eckstrom
The message of hope and joy is beautifully shared in this article.
Apr 20, 2023
John Callender
I find comfort and solace in the teachings of this letter.
Apr 17, 2023
John Dunkirk
This article serves as a gentle reminder to embrace hope and love.
Apr 14, 2023
Barbara Barrett
The pastor's letter is a source of comfort and encouragement.
Mar 29, 2023
Cynthia Shelby
The communal aspect of faith is beautifully expressed here.
Mar 27, 2023
Dave Kapnick
Looking forward to the upcoming teachings and reflections.
Feb 13, 2023
Yoga Putra
The teachings in this Pastor's Letter are deeply meaningful.
Feb 12, 2023
Kevin Stanton
The warmth and love in this community are truly palpable.
Feb 10, 2023
Laura Landry
I resonate deeply with the message of love and hope.
Feb 9, 2023
AVIARY LLC
I resonate deeply with the teachings shared in this article.
Feb 8, 2023
Tutorrudiotkgwk+Gaf
The teachings are thought-provoking and uplifting.
Feb 1, 2023
Barbara Murphy
The insights shared in this pastor's letter are truly profound.
Feb 1, 2023
Priscilla Schulz
The joy of the Advent season is beautifully portrayed here.
Jan 30, 2023
Sheryl Berkowitz
The Pastor's Letter has left me feeling uplifted and inspired.
Jan 30, 2023
Morgan Woodward
Thank you for the enlightening article!
Jan 26, 2023
Tony Costa
The message of hope in this article is truly heartening.
Jan 25, 2023
Mavrakis Yiannis
I find the teachings to be both enlightening and encouraging.
Jan 25, 2023
Ziad Dib
I find comfort and solace in the teachings of this letter.
Jan 15, 2023
Becky Livingston
The community at River Oaks Church embodies love and compassion.
Jan 14, 2023
Pete Rispoli
I find comfort in the message of hope expressed in this article.
Jan 7, 2023
Leeza Watstein
The spirit of joy shines through the teachings in this letter.
Dec 18, 2022
Belinda Lee
The essence of love shines through in this Pastor's Letter.
Dec 17, 2022
Kevin Ellington
The pastor's words resonate with the true essence of love and joy.
Dec 11, 2022
Arthur Rubeck
The pastor's words have ignited a renewed sense of faith within me.
Dec 10, 2022
Helen Loorents
I find solace in the message of hope conveyed in this article.
Dec 10, 2022
Michael Richardson
I resonate with the message of love and hope expressed in this article.
Dec 3, 2022
Bob Huff
Wishing everyone a blessed Third Sunday of Advent.
Nov 29, 2022
Kunal Patel
I love how this Pastor's Letter encourages self-reflection.
Nov 20, 2022
Rolf Bote
This article serves as a reminder of the importance of faith.
Nov 6, 2022
Kenneth Fish
The community at River Oaks Church feels like a loving family.
Nov 3, 2022
Alexander Khalin
The beauty of Advent is beautifully expressed in this article.
Oct 29, 2022
Thomas Tauzimsky
Reflecting upon the Third Sunday of Advent fills me with gratitude.
Oct 27, 2022
Kelli Huntsinger
I find solace in the message of love and compassion.
Oct 11, 2022
Nick Zeto
Advent reminds us to seek love and joy in our daily lives.
Oct 9, 2022
Tina Baker
The words of the pastor bring a sense of peace to my heart.
Oct 9, 2022
Darla Batchler
The significance of Advent has been beautifully elucidated in this letter.
Oct 3, 2022
PeterJ. Stewart
The pastor's letter provides a sense of spiritual nourishment.
Sep 26, 2022
Praveen Kora
This article serves as a gentle reminder to seek joy in everyday life.
Sep 26, 2022
Adrian Hewlett
I resonate deeply with the message of love and hope.
Sep 25, 2022
Maurice Daigle
The community at River Oaks Church embodies love and compassion.
Sep 25, 2022
Peiru Kim
Reflecting on the Third Sunday of Advent brings a sense of peace.
Sep 22, 2022
Mike Godwin
This Pastor's Letter instills a sense of hope and positivity.
Sep 22, 2022
Ray Gramlich
Advent is a time to focus on gratitude and compassion.
Sep 18, 2022
John Santoro
Advent is a time to foster kindness and compassion towards others.
Sep 11, 2022
Jeff Trotter
I find the teachings of Advent to be very comforting.
Sep 3, 2022
Samantha Moffatt
Engaging with the teachings here brings a sense of inner peace.
Aug 30, 2022
Sheila Job
I appreciate the emphasis on spreading love and joy.
Aug 20, 2022
Emma Gullo
The pastor's letter is a source of comfort and encouragement.
Aug 19, 2022
Linda Christiansen
I resonate with the message of love and hope expressed in this article.
Aug 12, 2022
Phong Provided
The lessons of Advent are thought-provoking and uplifting.
Aug 11, 2022
Jennifer Kline
The warmth of the community at River Oaks Church is evident.
Aug 7, 2022
James Bock
Advent is always such a meaningful time of the year.
Aug 6, 2022
Lynn Hervas
This article has inspired me to embody the message of love.
Aug 5, 2022
Mr Rony
I appreciate the insights shared in this pastor's letter.
Aug 5, 2022
Steve Hackworth
The sense of joy and positivity in this Pastor's Letter is uplifting.
Jul 31, 2022
Al Al
The reflections on Advent are both soul-stirring and enlighten...
Jul 23, 2022