December 1, 2023
SEE THE GIFT AND THE NEED
December 1, 2024
O. Henry wrote a short story called “The Gift of the Magi.” It opens with Della crying because even though she’s saved money to buy a Christmas gift for her husband, Jim, the money isn’t enough to get him what she thinks he deserves. She and her husband are very poor, but as she looks in the mirror she realizes that she could sell her long, beautiful hair, and by combining the money with what she’s saved, she could get Jim a perfect platinum chain for the pocket watch that’s been passed down to him through the generations.
When Jim came home that Christmas Eve, he looked at her strangely. She thought that it was because without her long hair, he no longer thought she was attractive. She quickly explained that she sold her hair so she could get him a special present. He opened the present and gently laughed. “What’s so funny?” she asked. He said, “I sold my watch in order to buy you these jeweled tortoise shell combs to hold your long hair in place, and now you’ve cut your hair.” Della cried again. “Don’t worry,” Jim said. “Your hair will grow back quickly. What we’ve given each other we’ve given out of love.”
The story’s narrator states at the end that their gifts were even wiser than the ones given by the magi that first Christmas.
God has sacrificially given us gifts that aren’t simply signs of his love, but they are gifts that perfectly meet our needs. Sunday I’m preaching on “See the Gift and the Need” from Genesis 3:14-21. It’s about the curses that came upon the serpent, Adam and Eve, but also about the gift that overcomes the curse. Please come and celebrate this gift with us this Sunday.
Love,
Jim Meek
Join us for Bible Study and Worship Service
Sunday
9 am - Bible Study for all ages
Pastor Jim's Adult Bible Study is live streamed on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/elcaminobaptistchurch/videos
10:30 am - Worship Service
live streamed on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/elcaminobaptistchurch/videos
Wednesday
5:15-6 pm - Wednesday Night Dinner
6:00 PM - Awana
6:15 pm Bible Study - Adults
Pastor Jim's Wednesday Night Bible Study is live streamed on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/elcaminobaptistchurch/videos
Thursday
10:30 am - Women's Life Group and Prayer - Bldg. 100, Women's Center
Daily Devotionals with
Pastor Jim Meek!
Join us Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am for an inspiration devotional message from Dr. Jim Meek
Live steamed on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/elcaminobaptistchurch/videos
Behold Your King
Studies in Matthew
Taught by Dr. Jim Meek
Wednesday
6:15 pm, Suite E
Join us this Sunday, December 1, 2024, as we celebrate the Lord's Supper during our Worship Service
REGISTER NOW!
Want to volunteer? We have several opportunities available. Click here to volunteer or use the QR code below
Pastor Jim's sermon notes are on the YouVersion Bible App under the Live Events.
- In the app, go to "More" then Events
- If you are local to the Sacramento area, you should be able to find the event for El Camino Baptist Church.
Our sermons are recorded and available on our website and our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/elcaminobaptistchurch/videos). You may also request a complementary DVD. Just email or call the church office and give the date of the sermon and your mailing address and we'll get one out to you as soon as possible. Please allow 7-10 business days to receive it. You may also pick it up in the office once you are notified it is ready. Thank you!
Join us for our
Visitation Ministry
Thursdays, 3 pm
Meet in the church office
5:15 - 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Suggested donation $5 per Adult and child/youth over 10 years of age / $2 per child under 10
Betty Allen and Team will prepare our meal for us
Menu: Pork roast, potatoes, corn, salad, and dessert
Questions? Call the church office (916) 488-1522
Directory Update
We want to be sure we can keep in touch with you in order to minister to your needs. Please help us by updating your contact information. Simply click on the link below and complete the Directory Update Form. Thank you!
Have You Lost Something? 
We have lots of items (Bibles, ear buds, keys, and many other things) that have been turned into the office. If you have lost something, please stop by the church office during normal operating hours and check our Lost and Found! You may find your long, lost treasure! Questions? Call the church office, (916) 488-1522.
December 2024
12/7 - Men's Prayer Breakfast - Fellowship Hall - 8 am
12/10 - Nominating Committee - 10:30 am - conference room
12/14 - Women's Ministry Breakfast - Cancelled for December
12/13-15 - Live Walk-thru Nativity - 6:30 - 8:30 pm
12/15 - By-Laws Committee Meeting - 1 pm - Women's Center
12/17 - Finance Committee Meeting - 5:30 pm - conference room
12/18 - Youth Christmas Party - 6 pm - Youth Room
12/20-21 - Youth Movie Night/Sleepover - 7 pm - 8 am - Youth Room
12/24 - Christmas Eve Service - 6 pm - Worship Center
12/25 - Christmas Day - Church Office Closed - Merry Christmas!
1/1 - New Year's Day - Church Office Closed - Happy New Year!
