December at Living Church of Five Mile

A Month of Holiness, Promise, and Preparation

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 🕊️ 📖As we look back on December, it’s clear that God was intentional in every service, every word, and every moment shared together.

We began the month hearing a powerful message from our Associate Pastor centered on one simple yet challenging call: “Be ye holy.” We also closed the month with that same message echoing in our hearts. Pastor Hutchens reminded us that we are living in a world far from holiness, but it is the responsibility of the Church to live holy before others. The enemy hates holiness—but a holy life is a powerful witness.

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⛲ 🙏 Our Youth Pastor and Second Lady, Jennifer Hutchens, delivered a moving message reminding us of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well. Though Jesus was tired, hungry, depleted, and exhausted, He still stopped to minister. Her message challenged us deeply: there are no excuses—too tired, too old, too worn out—not to share the gospel. If Jesus made time, so should we.

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🍎 🎁 Our Ladies’ Ministry continued a cherished tradition by assembling fruit baskets for the elderly, the needy, and our shut-ins. The evening was filled with laughter, fellowship, food, and love. These baskets are always warmly received—a simple reminder that you are special, you are missed, and you are deeply loved.

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🧣 ❄️ December also brought our annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Sunday, which never fails to bring smiles and laughter. Along with the fun, it was a blessing to have Brother Jon Pike and his wife Kris join us following his tragic fall. Though his back may be broken, his spirit is not. His smile still lights up the room, and his testimony has only grown stronger. Throughout the service, children gathered around him—many finding a place on his lap—a beautiful reminder of his impact and love within our church family.

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🎭 🎶 On Christmas Sunday, Pastor began a series from Genesis 3:15, asking the question: What is Christmas really all about? He reminded us that the miracle of Christmas fulfilled the promise made in the garden. That evening concluded with a beautiful Christmas play written by Jennifer Hutchens titled “I Love to Tell the Story.” The play showcased the incredible talents within our congregation and demonstrated what happens when a church family comes together in unity.

Highlights included a first-time duet of “Mary, Did You Know?” by Elijah Joo and Emily Profitt, which brought the congregation to its feet. David Hutchens delivered his first piano solo flawlessly, while Chloe Gillham shared her musical gift on the violin, accompanied by Tom Thai on the cello. The acting talents of Theresa Waldron and Eden Hutchens shone brightly—especially Eden’s portrayal of Jolly the Cat, which impressed anyone who has ever owned one! Countless hours of Wednesday night practices paid off, and as Pastor said, they rang the bell. It was a beautiful picture of what a united church can accomplish.

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💍 🌱 Genesis seemed to be a theme throughout the month. Associate Pastor Hutchens began a new Sunday School series on relationships, starting at the very beginning—where God created the first marriage and family. On the final Sunday of December, Pastor returned to Genesis, teaching on the three falls of man and reminding us how deception entered through lies in the garden. He emphasized that when we know and study the Word of God, we can recognize lies and avoid being deceived.

That same Sunday, Reverend Jeremiah Purdin delivered a powerful message on losing something of great significance. Often, we don’t realize how precious something is until it’s gone. Losing the presence of God leaves a crippling void—one that nothing can fill except Jesus.

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 🛠️🔥 We closed out 2025 and welcomed 2026 with Popcorn Preaching, communion, praise and worship, and sweet fellowship. Reverend Hutchens introduced the Greek word for 2026: Epoikodomeo, meaning to build upon an existing foundation. He reminded us that a church that isn’t growing is dying. What followed was nothing short of amazing—eight speakers, unaware of what the others would share, building upon the same foundation, many using the same scriptures. It was undeniable that the Holy Spirit was orchestrating a clear message for the year ahead.

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🙌 As we step into 2026, the message is clear: Build spiritually. Walk in obedience. Stay consistent. Live holy. Serve with love. Fear nothing. Seek God’s approval—not man’s applause.

We are excited and expectant for what God will do in the year ahead. God is on the move—and we can’t wait to see what 2026 holds for our church family.