CRADLE TO CROSS
Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and Mary’s magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ’s advent is for “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in holy communion—with high delight—“we proclaim the Lord’s death.”
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. Our last Advent service this season will be held December 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 EVENTS
THANK YOU EVERYONE!
Our craft fair and the Jesse Tree were both a big success! We had over 100 people at the craft fair this year. Our Jesse Tree helped a single mom with 5 boys. Thank you all so much for your help and support of these projects.
PRAY AND GO
Our last Pray and Go of the year is this Sunday, December 22, immediately following service. Bring your walking shoes and join us as we pray over homes in our community!
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 Gathering and St. Luke Guys will return in January. Thank you for the faithfulness, love and fellowship expressed in these groups!
Commemorations this week:
Friday, December 20
Katharina von Bora Luther, renewer of the church, died 1552
Born to an impoverished nobleman, Katie eventually took vows as a nun, but around age twenty-four she and several other nuns who were influenced by the writings of Martin Luther left the convent. Six children were born to Katie and Martin.
Born to an impoverished nobleman, Katie eventually took vows as a nun, but around age twenty-four she and several other nuns who were influenced by the writings of Martin Luther left the convent. Six children were born to Katie and Martin.
Worship This Week
4th Sunday in Advent
December 22
Prayer of the Day
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that binds us, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Amen.
Readings and Psalm
Micah 5:2-5a
From Bethlehem comes a ruler
From Bethlehem comes a ruler
Luke 1:46b-55
You, Lord, have lifted up the lowly. (Lk. 1:52)
You, Lord, have lifted up the lowly. (Lk. 1:52)
Psalm 80:1-7 (alternate)
Let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. (Ps. 80:7)
Let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. (Ps. 80:7)
Hebrews 10:5-10
I have come to do your will
I have come to do your will
Luke 1:39-45 [46-55]
Blessed are you among women / My soul magnifies the Lord
Blessed are you among women / My soul magnifies the Lord
