PREPARE THE WAY
Christ’s presence in our midst in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing. The nearness of the God in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one “more powerful” than John, even with a winnowing fork in hand, is good news—and cause for exultation—for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent.
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 11 and 18.
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 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 this Sunday, December 15.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Christmas Eve Divine Service, with Christmas hymns and candlelight, will be held on December 24 at 7:00 p.m.
5th Sunday Potluck and Farewell
Help us say goodbye and thank you to Pastor William as he completes his interim pastorship with us on Sunday, December 29 immediately following service.
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.
Commemorations this week:
Friday, December 13
Lucy, martyr, died 304
Lucy was a young Christian of Sicily who was martyred during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. Her celebration became particularly important in Sweden and Norway, perhaps because the feast of Lucia (whose name means "light") originally fell on the shortest day of the year.
Lucy was a young Christian of Sicily who was martyred during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. Her celebration became particularly important in Sweden and Norway, perhaps because the feast of Lucia (whose name means "light") originally fell on the shortest day of the year.
Saturday, December 14
John of the Cross, renewer of the church, died 1591
John was a member of the Carmelite monastic order, and worked to reform it. His writings reflect a deep interest in mystical thought and meditation.
John was a member of the Carmelite monastic order, and worked to reform it. His writings reflect a deep interest in mystical thought and meditation.
Monday, December 16
Las Posadas (LLC)
This celebration, long popular in Mexico, takes its name from the "posadas," or lodgings, sought by Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. Their search is reenacted in a neighborhood, unsuccessfully, until finally they are welcomed in, and a party commences.
This celebration, long popular in Mexico, takes its name from the "posadas," or lodgings, sought by Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. Their search is reenacted in a neighborhood, unsuccessfully, until finally they are welcomed in, and a party commences.
Worship This Week
3rd Sunday in Advent
December 15
Prayer of the Day
Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the preaching of John, that, rejoicing in your salvation, we may bring forth the fruits of repentance; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Amen.
Readings and Psalm
Isaiah 12:2-6
In your midst is the Holy One of Israel. (Is. 12:6)
In your midst is the Holy One of Israel. (Is. 12:6)
Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice, the Lord is near
Rejoice, the Lord is near
Luke 3:7-18
One more powerful is coming, baptizing with fire
One more powerful is coming, baptizing with fire
