Weekly Note from Pastor Allan
December 10, 2024
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Friends,
We continue our Advent journey this Sunday in worship. On the Second Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of peace, a reminder of the peace of Christ that lives within each of us.
The scripture lesson for worship this week is Luke 3:1-6. It is the story of John, son of Zechariah, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The passage includes verses from Isaiah 40:3-5 calling the people of God to prepare the way for the Lord. This season of Advent is a season of waiting and of preparation as we prepare to welcome the Christ child.
There is so much that can distract us from Jesus in this season. There are busy calendars and long to-do lists. There are a number of emotions, such as grief, anger, despair, insecurity, that might be overwhelming you in this season. Friends, peace is not the absence of emotion. Rather, peace is a sense of calm and contentment with each emotion. Where there is grief, might you find peace. Where there is anger, might you find peace. Where there is despair, might you find peace. Where there is insecurity, might you find peace. Let us join together in worship as we continue to prepare for the coming of the Christ child. The title of the sermon is “Are You Ready?”
Of course, we continue collecting the Lottie Moon offering for International Missions during the month of December. This Sunday, we will have a video sharing more about the Lottie Moon offering.
We also look forward to the Youth Praise Team as well as special music from the Praise Team. Thanks be to God for so many wonderful worship leaders!
As a reminder, on Sunday, December 15, the worship service will include the Christmas Program performed by the children and youth. They have been working hard this fall to prepare for this day! Following the program, instead of Sunday School, we will have a time of fellowship. The Fellowship Committee is providing punch, and the congregation is invited to bring food to share.
I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday in-person or online. Have a blessed weekend.
Allan
