Dear friends in Christ,

Thank you to Rev. Lisa and everyone who led worship last Sunday while I was out of town, and to Giselle who hosted Bible Study on Monday night. I am so grateful to our wonderful team!

Also, an extra special thank you to Josh Benson-Merron and all of his students for their wonderful music last Sunday. We collected $230 in donations for the Sack Lunch Program. See below for photos of this wonderful event.

This week we are reading one of the best-known passages of the Bible from the first chapter of the Gospel of John. Our theme this Advent is Emmanuel – God With Us, and this is the third Sunday of Advent, traditionally Love Sunday. How does the Gospel of John tie God With Us to Love and continue to speak to us today? We invite you to join us on Sunday to find out.

This Monday we will be gathering for Bible Study and continuing to put the Bible in perspective. We will dig into the story of Abraham and Isaac, one of the most terrifying and misunderstood stories in the Bible. People have long wondered how to make sense of this story, but when we put it into its context it reveals God’s plan for peace and an end to violence. Join us on Monday at 6 PM in-person on via Zoom to learn more.

SAVE THE DATE

December 24: Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols Service begins at 5 PM

Fellowship opportunities

The Knitting Ministry gathers for potluck brunch and crafting from 9 AM to Noon on December 14 and every second Saturday of the month. Bring your own project or use our yarn and knitting needles to get started!

December 20 is the deadline for our Memorial Poinsettia Donations. Please let Tom Droney know your donation and who you would like to honor so that we can prepare our memorial slides and program before December 22.

December 28, 2024 – The Let My People Show last show of the year. You won’t want to miss it! Join us for our end-of year fundraiser, cocktails in the courtyard (6:30 PM) and a fabulous lineup of comics at 7:30 PM. THIS FINAL SHOW OF 2024 WILL BE DONATION ONLY – NO NEED TO PURCHASE TICKETS!

Every Sunday – Fellowship 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 15 immediately following worship – The youth will be shopping for the Sack Lunch Program in December and then ASSEMBLING the lunches when they return around 1:30 PM. We will need all hands on deck!

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

DEADLINE EXTENDED: December 20 is the new deadline for donating to the Mark Kahanding care package. West Hollywood UCC will put them in a box and pay the postage if you can get us the items! Mark Kahanding is one of our beloved members and is currently deployed in Syria. We are putting together a Christmas box of wish-list items for him and his unit. They are asking for the following, and I’ve included links if you want to order them online and have them sent directly to the church. It’s also OK if we get more of what has already been donated! Don’t be afraid to give more if you would like.

Letters – Join us this Sunday in the Fellowship Hall to sign cards and write letters!

Pillow blankets

Hygiene products

Instant Noodles  DONATED

Canned fruits and vegetables DONATED

Carpet DONATED

Tape DONATED

For more information, please contact Tere Riordan.

The Care Team meets this Sunday 12/15 after worship to sign and send out birthday cards to all of our members and Christmas Cards for our out-of-towners. If you would like to help, join us in the Fellowship Hall after worship. All supplies are provided! For more info, please contact Tere Riordan.

Spiritual Growth Opportunities

Bible Study 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. 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.

We will look forward to seeing you there!

Many blessings,

Pastor Tracy