PASTOR'S PERSPECTIVE FOR DECEMBER 2018
BLESSED ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS TO YOU!
Snow is falling, fireplaces are crackling, and hot cocoa might be a daily beverage. December is here, and with it comes all the joy and celebration of God’s gifts to us. The anticipation of Advent reminds us that God has something great in store for us that is worth waiting for, watching for, hoping for. The celebration of Jesus’ birth reminds us that God’s gifts often come in small and surprising ways. Setting time aside, in worship and in our homes, reminds us that we have a story worth telling and retelling – a story of how God so loved the world that he sent his only Son. This is a month to celebrate. Each Sunday in December will be special. As we begin Advent on December 2nd, Deacon Sergei Anikin from the Russian Lutheran Church will be joining us for worship. God’s love is for the entire world, and a visit from one of our Russian companions will help us celebrate that expansive love. After worship on December 9th we will trim the tree and decorate our building with Christmas decorations. Stay after the 10am worship to help out, and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. Our Sunday School students along with many adults will present the Christmas Pageant on December 16th. It is always a treat to see our young ones (and the young at heart) retelling the story of Jesus’ birth. Also on the 16th we will welcome new members into the United Lutheran family. Be sure to stay after the 10am worship for a potluck meal to mark this wonderful day. December 23rd is the fourth Sunday in Advent. While the world might not be waiting to open presents and have holiday meals, we will gather one more time in anticipation of Christ’s coming. December is one of those special months that has five Sundays. On the 30th we read and sing through a service of Lessons and Carols. A highlight of this service is your requests for songs and hymns of the season. You have three opportunities to worship the newborn Christchild at United Lutheran. Christmas Eve worship is at 5pm and 11pm. Both services include candle lighting; the choir sings at 11pm. On Christmas Day we worship at 10am, followed by a brunch hosted by my family. This worship has become a favorite of mine – my wife reads a story each year in place of a sermon; the mood is relaxed and fun with people dressed very casual; and sitting down to a meal together always warms the heart. Join us for one or all of these Christmas worship times. Speaking of sitting down to a meal together, each Wednesday in Advent also provides a chance to gather around the table. Starting on November 28th and running each Wednesday through December 19th we gather for an Advent meal and program in the fellowship hall. This year worship and fellowship will be combined! Come at 6pm and find your seat at one of the themed tables. We will do some large group activities, some table group activities, and enjoy a meal provided by different committees and groups in our congregation. November 28th is hosted by Worship and Music and the Choir. December 5th is hosted by the Property and Finance committees. December 12th is hosted by the Fellowship and Stewardship committees. December 19th is hosted by the Education committee and the Sunday School and Confirmation classes. I hope to see you all many times during this month. Peace+ Pastor Kowitz |
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