Hello South Church Families and Friends, 
  
This Sunday is November 27, 2016.  It is the first Sunday of Advent.  Rev. Carlos Jauhola-Straight will be preaching, "A House of God."  Our scripture lessons are Isaiah 2: 1-5 and Pslam 122.  
 
All children (preschool through 8th grade) will begin worship in the Sanctuary and stay through the Children's Message.  At the close of the Children's Message, the children will be invited to Classroom #4 for our CE Enrichment (one room classroom). 
  
Ms. Emily Jenkins will be available for childcare for our younger children (Infant to 4 years old) in Classroom 5 starting at the beginning of the 10am worship service.  She will be here every Sunday through the end of the year.   
  
Blessings, 
Alison Nyhan
Director of Christian Education

 

 

What is a Jesse Tree?  The tradition of the Jesse Tree comes to us from Europe. The "tree" is usually a branch or sapling which is decorated with various symbols that remind us of the purpose and promise of God from Creation to the birth of Jesus.
Jesse was the father of King David. God promised David that his Kingdom would last forever and that through him God would save his people and bless the world. Two centuries after the death of King David God spoke through the prophet Isaiah and said:
"Like a branch that sprouts from a stump, someone from David's family will someday be king. The Spirit of the Lord will be with him to give him understanding, wisdom, and insight. He will be powerful, and he will know and honor the Lord. His greatest joy will be to obey the Lord." (Isaiah 11: 1-3)
The Jesse Tree incorporates references to these promises through ornaments that are place on the branches. Ideally, you would have one ornament for each day of the Advent Season. The ornaments are usually a handmade symbol or drawing that represents one of the major stories of the Old Testament along with a brief version of the Scripture from that story.  During our Advent Event, we will create a few ornaments for your Christmas tree. 
 

Advent Event:  The Faith Formation Ministry will be hosting an Advent Event on Sunday, November 27 from 12noon to 2p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  A potluck lunch will begin at 12noon.  Bring a main dish, salad/side dish, soup & bread or a dessert to share.  Beverages will be provided.  Advent activities will begin at 12:30p.m.  And we will end the afternoon with a brief worship service with carols.  To help us plan accordingly, we ask you to sign-up for this event.  The sign-up sheet will be located in Fellowship Hall on the Faith Formation Ministry bulletin board or check out our signup website
 

Teen Pax: The Senior High Youth Group is looking forward to shopping for Operation Santa.  We are able to participate in this outreach because of your support.  The monies we receive from your donations allow us to shop for others so that they will have some Christmas gifts.  If you are interested in supporting your Senior High Youth Group please send a check to the church office or place it in the offering plate, with TEEN PAX in the memo line.
 

 

 

In Concert at South Church:  Bill Carter and the Presbybop Christmas Eve Band will be here on Thursday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m.  Start your Advent season off with an evening of live Christmas music by one of the premiere liturgical jazz bands in the country.  Presbybop Music is a musical venture of Bill Carter, jazz pianist and Presbyterian minister.  Bill Carter spends most of his time as a busy pastor in a bustling church. Yet he keenly senses that God wants him to use his musical gifts as a means of reaching people with the good news of God's grace, peace, and joy. His jazz ministry has received national recognition, and has served as a model for integrating the arts in Christian ministry.  A free-will offering will be taken.

South Church |  www.southchurchconcord.org | 603-224-2521