December 2014 Newsletter
 
A Message from the Pastor
 


 

Waiting is not something I enjoy. I don't like waiting for the traffic to move when I'm stuck on the freeway. I don't like waiting for test results after a doctor's visit. I don't like waiting for the changes that need to happen to create a more peaceful, fair and just world. Waiting feels like a dry desert between where I am and where I want to be.

 

But Scripture encourages us to wait: "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in God's word I hope" (Psalm 130:5). And the season of Advent is what waiting is all about.  Particularly at the time of year when we feel most rushed and busy getting ready for the holidays, Advent is the time we slow down to recognize what, or who we are waiting for.

 

As I write this article I'm waiting for my two sons to arrive for Thanksgiving. Just the prospect of their arrival makes me happy as Will and I prepare for the meals, activities and time we'll spend together.

 

In the same way, Advent is a joyful, hopeful time for Christians as we reflect on the life-changing gift of Christ in our lives. Therefore I invite you to enter fully into this season of expectation through prayer, worship, fellowship and study:

 

  • Download an Advent devotional for your prayer time at home www.luthersem.edu/advent
  • Worship each Sunday of Advent at 10am with your community of faith;
  • Join us for the "Hanging of the Greens" potluck and decorating the church, Friday Dec. 5th at 6:30pm;
  • Participate in the Advent Bible Study "Church in Waiting" either Wednesday nights at 7pm or Sundays at 11:30am.

 

In the words of spiritual writer Henri Nouwen, quoted in the clip below, "Waiting is a period of learning. The longer we wait, the more we hear about Him for whom we are waiting."

 

Advent: 'Waiting For Jesus'
Advent: 'Waiting For Jesus'

 

May your Advent time of waiting be filled with expectant hope, increasing the joy of your Christmas celebration of God's greatest gift to us in Jesus!

 

Pastor Gretchen

  
Holiday Worship Schedule
 
November 30th 10am: First Sunday of Advent 
"Hopeful Expectation"

Sunday December 7th 10am: Second Sunday of Advent
"Prepare the Way"

Sunday December 14th 10am: Third Sunday of Advent
"Finding our Joy"

Sunday December 21st 10am: Youth Christmas Play 
"Sixth Grade Scrooge"

Wednesday December 24th 7:30pm: Festive Christmas Eve Worship
7:15pm: Special music begins
Celebrate this holy night with Christmas carols, the Christmas message, Holy Communion and Candlelight.

 

*****December Celebrations *****
  
Happy Birthday to:                                Happy Anniversary to:
Emily Sims (7th)                                     Susan and Anthony Auer
Jayne Lundquist (8th)                              Ron and Shelly Cave
Elvira Reardon (10th)
Heath Suttle (12th)
Susan Anderson (13th)
Carter Chaney (13th)
Michael Richards (13th)
Eric Boehme (14th)
Joe Argenziano (15th)
Anthony Auer (19th) 
Angelina Kassenborg (19th)
Kat Lotz-Teen (20th)