Down by the Creek – December 2017

From the Pastor’s Desk

December marks the beginning of Advent, the season of the church year when we prepare ourselves for the birth of our Savior. The first Sunday of Advent this year is December 3rd and the 4th Sunday falls on Christmas Eve. Each Sunday during this time different members of the congregation will participate in the lighting of the Advent Candles. This ritual reminds us that during this season we focus on hope, peace, joy, and love.

This year our Christmas pageant will be one that builds on itself each week. We will begin with some of the children sharing their dramatic interpretation on the first Sunday of Advent with another piece of the story in the following Sundays. We will put it all together on December 24th. We need both children and youth willing to participate. They are practicing after worship each Sunday during December.

Since Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year we will have 3 services on December 24th. We will have services at 10:00 am, 5:00 pm, and 11:00 pm. Each of the services will be different. The 5:00 service will include the children’s pageant with the candles at the end of the service while the 11:00 service will be a more meditative service which will also conclude with the candles and the singing of Silent Night.

Our 3rd Sunday Fellowship Meal will be December 17th where everyone is invited to bring a dish to share. During this meal we will have time to make ecologically friendly ornaments to put on the trees outside.

We will have 2 special musical concerts during December. On December 7th is our annual Bluegrass Christmas special to benefit PATH. Everyone is encouraged to bring 2 canned goods for donation. We are asking people to make soup, cornbread, and desserts to sale. If you can help in this way, then see the information included elsewhere in the newsletter. We will also have a Christmas Jazz Concert on December 9th in the sanctuary.

I pray that the joy of this season is made manifest in you this year. Peace, Sam


Devotional

Luke 2:10 “The angel said unto them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior.”

  • In the midst of wars and threats of wars, remember these words.
  • In the midst of misconduct of elected officials and famous celebrities, remember these words.
  • In the midst of stress or conflict in our lives and in our families, remember these words.
  • May be hope, peace, joy, and love of Advent be made real to you this Advent and Christmas.