MIDWEEK MUSINGS – Dec 14, 2021 – John Knox
Friends,
The time is growing closer! My Brentwood family came over Sunday afternoon and helped me decorate – not finished but a lot farther along than I was! My college grandchild is very tall and helps by putting my angel collection on top of my German schrank in the living room. Gone are my days of climbing on the ladder to do it myself 😊 I am inviting any of you who want to and are able to come to my annual Open House, this year on Jan 2 from 3-7pm. There will be information with address, etc., available on Sunday and Christmas Eve. I am asking for an RSVP, and that you be fully vaccinated if you attend for everyone’s safety.
I wish more of you would join us in reading Sailboat Church and participating in the 40 days of prayer. There are still 3 books in the office. Our Zoom discussion will be tomorrow, Wed Dec 15 at 6:30pm. Watch for the link.
I was noticing in the prayer for today the invitation to stop depending only on myself, and to depend more on God. That is a message I certainly need to hear, particularly in such a busy season.
We will hear special music and see special people in our services upcoming. (Of course, you are all special!) On Dec 19 the handbells will play. On Christmas Eve plan to be in place by 5pm as we hear a “mini-concert” before the service starts about 5:30. I am so pleased that the young adults from the Parr and Peterson families will be readers in the Lessons and Carols. We will also celebrate communion and light candles and sing “Silent Night” by candlelight. And for those of you who prefer a late service – It’s midnight somewhere 😊 Dec 26 will find us back together as Angi Parr treats us to a handbell solo, and I will share a story “Christmas Baptism.” I hope you will bring your family visitors, invite friends and neighbors to join us for any or all of these services. Don’t assume everyone has their own church to attend. Ask if they’d like to join us!
As we look forward to our joyful celebrations, please keep in mind the victims of the storms this past week. In addition to prayers, if you want to help materially, I recommend Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Because this agency is part of and supported by the denomination, all your contributions go to direct relief – no administrative costs are deducted. Go to the PCUSA or Presbytery web site for contact information.
Blessings on your remaining Advent time, Pastor Carol