Dear friends in Christ,

This Advent our theme is “Emmanuel – God with us.” All year long we have been practicing St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Prayer of Examen during our centering moment. This is the exercise where we reflect back over the past 24 hours and examine how God was with us the entire time. The story of Jesus’ birth contains a myriad of familiar figures, and God is with them all in very different ways. This Sunday we will read about the birth of John the Baptist – Jesus’ forerunner, baptizer, and good friend. There was nothing typical about John’s pregnancy or birth, especially because God was with John, his mother, and his father. Come join us as we learn how God has been with our ancestors and continues to be with us today, even when nothing is going the way we expect.

This past Monday in Bible Study we tackled the question “How did America get Christianity so wrong?” and had nine people in person and online. This coming Monday, December 2 we will be asking, “Why do some people think women can’t preach, or have to cover their heads, and what do Adam and Eve have to do with any of it?” Please join us at 6 PM in the Fellowship Hall and bring a snack to share!

We will look forward to seeing you there.

Many blessings,

Pastor Tracy

SAVE THE DATE

Fellowship opportunities

November 30 – CANCELLED The Let My People Show will be cancelled this month so that the comics and audience can spend time with their families. Stay tuned for updates on our December 28 show.

December 1 – Potluck after worship

Every Sunday – Coffee Hour after worship. We are always looking for people who would like to host. This means bringing some snacks, getting to church a little early to set up and get the coffee going, and then tidying up afterwards. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Marlene Light.

Youth opportunities

December 1 – Shopping trip for the Sack Lunch Program following worship. The youth are invited to join us for the potluck and then head to the store to select and purchase food for 125 sack lunches.

December 22 – Our Christmas Children’s Choir will be helping to lead worship. If your child would like to participate, please contact our Music Director, Mark Abulencia.

Service Opportunities

December 4  at 4:30 PM in the Sanctuary – Sack Lunch assembly. We will be assembling 125 Sack Lunches – which will bring us to 500 total, which was our goal for this year. Plan on coming to help pack, and then stay for a small celebration with refreshments as we celebrate reaching our goal and make plans for next year.

December 15 – is the deadline for donating to the Mark Kahanding care package. Mark Kahanding is one of our beloved members and is currently deployed. We are putting together a Christmas box of wish-list items for him and his unit. They are asking for: Letters, Instant Noodles, Canned fruits and vegetables, Pillow blankets, Carpet, Hygiene products, and Tape. For the carpet, Mark needs one small personal-sized carpet for his room. Any size will do. I am sure that they would also appreciate Christmas treats of your choosing. If you bring us the items by 12/15, the church will package them up and get them in the mail. If you want more information, please contact Tere Riordan.

The Care Team meets at least once a month to sign and send out birthday cards to all of our members. December 8 after worship in the Fellowship Hall – Care Team meets to sign cards. If you would like to help, please contact Tere Riordan.

Spiritual Growth Opportunities

Every Monday at 6 PM in the Fellowship and via Zoom. Feel free to bring snacks to share or a brown bag dinner. For more information, please contact Pastor Tracy

Every Wednesday at 7 PM via Zoom – Our Prayer Group meets for prayer, devotionals, check-ins, and fellowship. All are welcome.

Beginning December 1 – Advent Devotionals are available. For those who are interested, we will be gathering daily via text to read the devotional and reflect together. If you are interested, please text “Devotional” to 323-793-9059. Printed devotionals are available at the back of the sanctuary from Tom, with a suggested donation of $6. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. You can also purchase an electronic version for $3 directly from Pilgrim Press.