Christmas Love

Sunday morning at Peace we will read the story of the angels and shepherds coming to see the glory of God.    Apart from the love that came down, where would we be?    We’d be lost in the grief that surrounds us, but because of the Incarnation we know a love that gives us hope, peace, and joy!  8:30 or 11:00, we hope to see you!

Thank you all for your involvement at Peace over the last year, as we settled in our new home.   Thank you for your gifts, for your labors of love, and for your vision for all Christ can do among us.

On Christmas Eve there will be readings, candles, communion, and special music at all three services – just slight variations in the music groups for each service at 5:00, 7:00, and 9:00.   Invite someone and by all means, pay attention to warmly welcome anyone you do not recognize.   Help others find a seat on Christmas Eve –slide down, make room in the Inn, so to speak, and encourage them to come back in the new year.   The love of Christ propels us to continue to be kindest, the friendliest, and the most genuinely caring and interested.   That’s how we build peace and Peace!

Our Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols is patterned after the beautiful Festival of Lessons and Carols from Kings College Chapel of Cambridge, which is broadcast around the world on public radio on Christmas Eve at 10:00  am EST.   To learn more go to http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/events/chapel-services/nine-lessons.html

Last but not least, those of you who are blessed to be over seventy, the President just signed the U.S. House and Senate extension of the IRA Charitable Rollover.   You can transfer as much as $100,000 from an IRA directly to a charity without tax penalty.   We would be happy to be your charity of choice!  Send to the Peace Building Fund 12705 State Road 64, Lakewood Ranch, 34212!

Peace and good will to all,

Elizabeth

At Peace With Mary

Tomorrow we will focus on the faithful trust of Mother Mary, the favored one, the blessed, who brings us joy!.   We are reading the Annunciation and the Visitation – in other words, the angel comes see to Mary to announce that she is with child from the Holy Spirit and Mary goes to see her relative Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John. 

You will be glad to sing some of your favorite carols this week and next.
The crèche is now in place and beautiful poinsettias have arrived, thanks to your gifts.   The tree in the lobby is surrounded by bikes and other gifts for the four families of Beth-El.

The Mission Team has announced that our benevolent giving (giving to needs outside our own congregation) is now at the 13% mark.  This makes my Christmas to see your generosity!   Building fund gifts have been rolling in, along with new pledges for 2015.  The Session was able to move forward with a budget for next year, pending a few adjustments. Thank you so much.  When we all work together, each doing what she/he can, it is a wonderful thing.

The Sunkenbergs are now grandparents to twins – Ethan Henry and Evelyn Rose.   Pray for those precious little four-pound preemies.   I’ve been playing nurse again to Rebecca who had wisdom teeth out yesterday, so thanks for understanding my delay in writing you.   Of course, many of you are often delayed in reading my emails, so it may not matter!  :  )  

Remember to invite friends and family to Christmas services.    God bless all the choirs and readers and communion servers and luminary helpers.   See the bulletin for coming activities.

Peace to all of you!

Elizabeth
 

Attachments

• bulletin-2014-12-14- page 03- Third Sunday of Advent.doc
• bulletin-2014-12-14-insert- Third Sunday of Advent.docx

 

The Dawning of Peace - The Second Sunday in Advent

On the second Sunday of Advent, we move from the hope of comfort to the dawning of peace, as we read Zechariah’s Song in Luke 2 in our morning services.

Our evening Service of Hope (AKA Blue Christmas Service) will be held Sunday afternoon at 5:00.   Come to light a candle for the victims and families of the triple homicide in Bradenton, especially the people at Bayshore Baptist.   Come to light a candle for someone you will miss at Christmas.   Come to light a candle for the Syrian refugees, displaced, tired, and hungry.   Come to give comfort and hope to others who are lighting candles.  Savory refreshments will be served after the service.

Angel tree gifts are due back on the 14^th.  Checks may be written to Peace with Angel Tree in the memo.  Alternative Giving opportunities are still available, I did not send you an email on “Giving Tuesday” but any extra year-end giving to the operating or building fund will be much appreciated.   Remember that if you know you cannot give as you intended, we are gracious and understanding.

The Session and Building Vision Team had a joint meeting to view elevations and interior views of the new sanctuary.  They have decided to have a dinner meeting in February to present the plan to the congregation.   The usual Annual Congregational Meeting and Ordination/Installation will beJanuary 25 at 9:30.

⁷⁸ By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, ⁷⁹ to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."  (Luke 1:78-79)

Peace to you,

Elizabeth