Dear friends in Christ,

This week Rev. Lisa Bove will be preaching on the two passages that inspired our theme this Advent: Emmanuel, God with us. Isaiah the prophet used the name “Emmanuel” more than 500 years before Jesus was born. That same passage is cited in the book of Matthew over 600 years later when an angel appears to Joseph. Please join us we hear Rev. Lisa preach about how God is with us today and always.

As we approach the end of the year, we are striving to meet our 2024 budget and plan for our 2025 budget. If you have a little extra you can donate, we will graciously receive it.

As we prepare to enter 2025, we remember that we are a loving community, and our Mission statement is simple:

 No Condemnation here! We are a Loving Community embracing Christ’s spirit and justice.

We have lived that out this past year by reaching our goal of 500 sack lunches distributed to the poor. We have striven to pay our employees fair and livable wages, and we have held numerous fundraisers.

We continue to be a source of hope and assistance for those in crisis, be they homeless desperately needing housing, hungry needing a sack lunch, injured needing medical assistance, or grieving needing comfort and community. We have more and more new people who are organizing our various ministries with their gifts and passion. We have assembled and distributed more than 500 sack lunches, exceeding our goal for 2024. We have gathered in fellowship and love in worship and after worship with numerous people donating delicious refreshments. We have gathered monthly to raise funds and share laughter in the Let My People Show. In Bible Study and in Sunday Worship, we have dug into the most challenging of scriptures and found God’s loving and liberating spirit time and again. Our prayer group has met faithfully every Wednesday to pray for our community and our world. Our Care Team has lovingly sent hundreds of hand-written birthday and anniversary cards. We have knitted dozens of warm caps and scarves for the homeless in our knitting ministry. We have restored and updated our AIDS Memorial Quilt to remember our history as a justice-filled, compassionate, welcoming church when very few were. We have partnered with organizations like  Crisis and Incident Response through Community-led Engagement (CIRCLE), A 24/7 unarmed service for homeless people in L.A., Tree People of Beverly Hills, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Every week we put our money where our mouth is and strive to make a difference for someone in the community. And we have done it together, month after month, with your generous donations of time, talent, and money.

As we approach the end of the year, I ask that you prayerfully consider how you might continue to support us in our mission and goals as we strive to be a loving community embracing Christ’s spirit and justice with no condemnation.

You can always donate at wehoucc.org (click on GIVE) and set up recurring payments. I have set up recurring payments to come directly from my checking account every month because I know that the church isn’t charged transaction fees, the church can rely on the donation even if I’m not there on a Sunday, and the Treasurer and Council can use the predictability of the donations to make long-term budgeting plans.

In upcoming weeks we will be distributing pledge forms for those who want them, as well. Watch for updates on our budget!

It makes me feel good every month to know that I am supporting such a wonderful church and all of its missions. I invite you to join me in pledging for 2025.

Fellowship opportunities

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.

December 8 at 4 PM – Piano Reception in the Sanctuary featuring the students of Josh Benson-Merron. Reception to follow.

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.

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 15 immediately following worship – The youth will be shopping for the Sack Lunch Program in December

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 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. 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. If you would like to help, 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.