PREPARE THE WAY
Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the baptizer’s voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi’s prophecy could as easily herald the coming Christ as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of Jesus and assist all people in capturing a vision of the “salvation of God.”
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
Congratulations to our new council members for the 2025-2027 council cycle. Tony Kelly, Wilma Nace, Kelly Glow, and Ed Joyner will be installed in January.
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:
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.
Friday, December 6
Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, died around 342
Little is known about Nicholas, except that he was a bishop in present-day Turkey. According to legend, he was famous for his giving to the poor, and so has become a symbol of anonymous gift-giving.
Little is known about Nicholas, except that he was a bishop in present-day Turkey. According to legend, he was famous for his giving to the poor, and so has become a symbol of anonymous gift-giving.
Worship This Week
2nd Sunday in Advent
December 8
Prayer of the Day
Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming give to all the people of the world knowledge of your salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Readings and Psalm
Malachi 3:1-4
My messenger is a refiner and purifier
My messenger is a refiner and purifier
Baruch 5:1-9 (alternate)
The return of scattered Israel
The return of scattered Israel
Luke 1:68-79
In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us. (Lk. 1:78)
In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us. (Lk. 1:78)
Philippians 1:3-11
A harvest of righteousness on the day of Jesus Christ
A harvest of righteousness on the day of Jesus Christ
Luke 3:1-6
Prepare the way of the Lord
Prepare the way of the Lord
