Friends of the Prince of Peace,
As we come to the end of Advent and enter Christmas, let us remember those for whom this is a difficult season. For those in our congregation who miss someone or anticipate a death or long recovery, for people in the Philippines, and for many others rebuilding their lives, let us come together to care for the needs of others Sunday afternoon at 5:00. Light a candle of hope and remembrance in a brief and inspiring Blue Christmas prayer service at 5:00.
Our morning worship at 10:00 will be joyful, as we read the Christmas story and reflect on the amazement of the shepherds and all who heard their news. Having held ourselves back from a full array of Christmas carols, tomorrow we will “pull out all the stops” to celebrate the way God made himself known in the Incarnation, the birth of Jesus Christ, the newborn King.
I am pleased to announce that it appears that MAR will allow us to use Conference A (choir section) of the Event Center 24/7 beginning in 2012 on a monthly basis, as needed. I am sure you will rejoice with me that a special gift was given this week to make that extra lease possible, that our growth as disciples of Jesus Christ will not be hindered by space.
It warms my heart to see Peace people being so generous. Thank you for all the angel tree gifts, all the gifts for the PC(USA) Joy Offering to assist ministers and racial ethnic colleges, all who helped the youth program with wreath donations, and special end of year gifts to the building and operating funds of Peace. It takes all of us doing what we can, working together, to build this community of Peace. See the attached newsletter to read more about our friends at Beth-El.
The session (board of elders and pastors) is committed to keeping Peace generous with a 10% benevolence. That is, the church will tithe 10% of budget (through budget items and special offerings) to missions beyond the church. Thank you for being serious about compassionate outreach to those in great need.
Keep your focus this week. Here’s a 10 minute youtube video from a pastor friend of the Kopels that might help you --http://youtu.be/xjgREu_yctQ It is easy to slip into frenetic activity and forget the reason for the season. Be at Peace to remember what matters:
Tomorrow at 10:00 and at 5:00 (Blue Christmas)
Christmas Eve at 6:00 and Christmas Day at 10:00 (no lively learning)
New Years Day at 10:00
With joy, hope, peace, and love,
Elizabeth
Attachments:
• B_E_11 Dec News[2].pdf
