On this last Sunday in the year 2024, we who are gathered here at Ocean Lakes will be observing the meal such as Jesus shared with His disciples on that night before His crucifixion. This is known today by several different titles: communion, The Lord's Supper, the Eucharist, and perhaps other less-known titles.The meditation before we partake of the elements of this observance is entitled, "A Package from Home." Can you imagine the thrill of receiving a package from loved ones back home if you are unable to be there at Christmas? Perhaps you have memories of such an event for you, or even for you this year. God has a special blessing for you; our prayer is that you may be able to receive His gift to you as you join with us now in this service.

How we wish it were possible for you who are listening in today to our worship service by podcast to be personally present with those gathered here. On this Sunday before Christmas the majority of our service is devoted to the singing of well-known and beloved Christmas carols. Before our congregation joins hands and sings "Silent Night," we will hear a brief meditation entitled "Bethlehem or Bedlam?"Our prayer for you in our podcast audience is that you will have a blessed and meaningful observance of the birth of our Savior Jesus.

How many different names can you think of which are used to describe Jesus? One person searched the scriptures and found 88 different titles by which Jesus has been called. We all may have a favorite word which we like to use in referring to Jesus, and as Christmas approaches, we are going to be looking today at one of the most beautiful names He has ever been given - the name “Emmanuel.”

There is a phrase which is sometimes used, particularly by those of us who may be from the southern area of the United States, which means to repair something that may be broken. We have “repair shops” for about everything, from automobiles to watches, home appliances, and a host of other things. But that word which southerners sometimes use, instead of “repair” is the word “fix.” “See if you can fix this.” And so today, at the risk of correct grammar, the message is entitled, “The Fixin’ Man.”

Anyone who knows how to prepare a delicious meal is quite aware of the need for proper timing - - how to make everything come together at just the right time. Otherwise, some dishes may be ready to eat far before others are ready, and the food can get cold - - or melted - - and the meal ends in a disaster. God sent His Son, Jesus, to the earth at just the right time - - not too soon or too late. This is what we're thinking about today, and what a wonderful job our Heavenly Father did in this! Thank you for joining our congregation now from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

On this Sunday before Thanksgiving Day, we are thinking about what Jesus did for a man whom Jesus healed, not just from a physical disease, but in a larger sense. He was healed, but Jesus used another word to describe what had taken place - the man was made WHOLE. This story ties right in with the Thanksgiving theme - that of giving thanks. Our prayer is that today’s message will help us all to experience true thanksgiving to God - and be made WHOLE also.

It has wisely been said that “some people die at 40, but are buried at 65.”  What is implied here is that some people do not get out of life all that they wish to have; they just exist, but do not really LIVE.  Today the message is based on the words of Jesus from John’s gospel, chapter 10, verse 10, where He says, “I have come, that they may have life and have it to the full.”  We’ll look today at some of those things that keep us from living “ALL your life.” Thank you for worshipping with us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

Do you remember as a child hearing the expression, “Finders keepers, losers, weepers?” On this Sunday after our national election day, there are probably many people who may be in that second category, as they are at least symbolically “weeping” because the person (or persons) they voted for did not succeed in being elected. But the sermon today is not about politics or elections. It is based on the verse from Mark’s gospel, chapter 8, verse 35 - - the words of Jesus, where He talks about finding and losing. Let’s look together at what Jesus had to say about this.

With the national election day just ahead, many in America are having feelings of relief to know that we’ll soon be delivered from all the political advertisements that we have endured over the past many months. Now, on this final Sunday before election day, the title of the sermon from Ocean Lakes is “The Person I Want As President.” What? Are we going to have to suffer through another political appeal for your vote? - - especially from the pulpit!! Well, if you’ll stay with us for the next few minutes, you may be pleasantly surprised. 

What is the most important thing in your life? Your family? Your work? Your friends? Your house? Your money? We would all probably agree that all these things have their own place of importance. This morning we are thinking together about those things in life which we ought to consider our life’s higher values. Maybe this is a good time for us all to set some priorities - not on things, but on qualities that make our life meaningful.