Dear Peacemakers,
Last week was the week of waiting. This is the week of preparing. Read Luke 3:1-6 to be prepared for worship Sunday.
Some reminders….
1. The gift of your time is the most valuable thing you can give away. YOU are the most precious gift – not anything you can buy. Give the gift of encouragement to others.
2. Angel tree gifts at Peace due by Sunday, the 13th. Remember that food and gift certificates are always appreciated at Beth-El.
3. Fresh wreaths may be purchased this Sunday to support youth activities.
4. Christmas International House – help the Shireys host two Chinese college students for part of a day
5. Alternative Christmas Gifts can be purchased at Kirkwood Presbyterian of Bradenton (not Westminster) this Saturday morning.
6. Sisters of Peace Caroling, Gifts, and Cookies this Wed at 7:00 at Sue Seiter’s 739-9480
Have you seen the "I Am Peace" ads in the East County Observer? The Evangelism Team chose four demographics to show the community some types of folks who are Peace – pastor, young father, vitally active snowbird, and a youth. We hope the ads will help us to make God (and Peace) known.
The Coalition of Immokalee Workers is calling on Publix to ensure fair wages and human rights in Florida’s tomato fields. Interfaith Action of SW Florida invites you to "Walk and Witness for Justice" in Lakeland at 3:30 this Sunday, the 6th.
We had 18 people at choir on Wednesday night. We had nine at the Fellowship Team meeting. I’d love to see every person at Peace connected to some team or another where you can build close ties, have fun, pray together, and share a commitment to make Peace the best church we can be! Our five goals are inspiring worship, authentic relationships, nurturing discipleship, compassionate outreach, and responsive stewardship. Speak to me about how you might get meaningfully involved.
I have been truly overwhelmed at the gratitude expressed in generosity at Peace. Budgets are tight in many homes this year, but the promises to build up our mission and ministry for 2010 continue to flow in. Whatever you commitment you can make, we encourage you to remember your card asap. And for those who might have the privilege and responsibility of extra gifting at the end of the year, please remember that Peace needs to begin to develop land, which might necessitate the purchase of a few more acres in preparation for an exciting future!
Don’t let Christmas busy-ness prevent you from worshiping Christ, the reason for the season. Invite your friends and family. Our Christmas Eve service is at 6:30 at SCF. Hear and see the Christmas story. Sing and hear the carols with people of all ages. Come to the Lord’s table of grace. Go into the world renewed by the light of Christ.
Until Christ’s coming, let us seek to live faithfully, building peace everywhere we are.
Advent blessings,
Elizabeth
