ADVENT 1
Advent is about the “coming days.” God’s people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation finds specific, repeated enunciation in the texts appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a “righteous Branch to spring up for David.” The Thessalonians awaited “the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints.” Jesus’ contemporaries hoped for the time “to stand before the Son of Man.” With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of Christ in word and supper.
From Sundays and Seasons
ADVENT VESPERS SERVICES
Please join us on Wednesdays in Advent at 7:00 p.m. to prepare for the coming of Christ. Services will be held December 4, 11 and 18.
COUNCIL ELECTIONS DECEMBER 1
Elections for the 2025-2027 council cycle will be held Sunday December 1, at a congregational meeting immediately following worship.
TAI'S PANTRY
Thank you to everyone who has and continues to bring in food items for our food pantry. Please check on the food pantry to be sure it stays stocked up. Have you seen our chalkboard in the narthex? It has a list of items needed for that week.
DECEMBER MINISTRIES
DECEMBER 8 BACKPACK BLESSINGS - We will pack 10 backpacks full of food for children in Henry County Schools on December 8 at 10:00 a.m. The food replaces meals they will miss when schools are closed for the Christmas holidays.
DECEMBER 14 FAMILY CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR - Are you ready to craft? We have spots for a few more helpers! Invite friends, neighbors and family to join us from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for crafts, face painting, snacks and pictures with Santa!
JESSE TREE - We have a family for the Jesse Tree this year, a single mom with 5 boys. Grab a tag from the tree and go to work! We are going to have a quick turnaround on the Jesse Tree this year - presents are due December 15.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Christmas Eve Divine Service, with Christmas hymns and candlelight, will be held on December 24 at 7:00 p.m.
THE GATHERING AND ST. LUKE GUYS
The December meeting of The Gathering is Friday, December 13th at 11:00 a.m. Please bring a wrapped ornament to exchange. St. Luke Guys will meet at 11:30 a.m.
Commemorations this week:
Saturday, November 30
Andrew, Apostle
The first of the disciples to be called by Jesus, Andrew quickly began to bring others to the Savior, including Simon Peter. The Bible also shows him leading some Greeks to meet Jesus, and he brought forward the boy with five loaves and two fish, with which Jesus fed thousands.
The first of the disciples to be called by Jesus, Andrew quickly began to bring others to the Savior, including Simon Peter. The Bible also shows him leading some Greeks to meet Jesus, and he brought forward the boy with five loaves and two fish, with which Jesus fed thousands.
Tuesday, December 3
Francis Xavier, missionary to Asia, died 1552
A native of the Basque region of Spain, Xavier became a missionary to India, Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Philippines. He also helped to found the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
A native of the Basque region of Spain, Xavier became a missionary to India, Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Philippines. He also helped to found the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
Wednesday, December 4
John of Damascus, theologian and hymnwriter, died around 749
A monk in an abbey near Jerusalem, John wrote many hymns as well as theological works. One of his works, The Fount of Wisdom, remained influential for centuries.
A monk in an abbey near Jerusalem, John wrote many hymns as well as theological works. One of his works, The Fount of Wisdom, remained influential for centuries.
Worship This Week
1st Sunday in Advent
December 1
Prayer of the Day
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Readings and Psalm
Jeremiah 33:14-16
A righteous branch springing up from David
A righteous branch springing up from David
Psalm 25:1-10
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. (Ps. 25:1)
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. (Ps. 25:1)
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Strengthen hearts of holiness for the coming of the Lord
Strengthen hearts of holiness for the coming of the Lord
Luke 21:25-36
Be alert for the coming of the Son of Man
Be alert for the coming of the Son of Man
