This Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Advent, we hear Mary's
Magnificat, a stirring piece of poetry ascribed to Mary; a poetry which describes her response to God about her pregnancy, her hopes for her child, and her belief in what this child will be for God's world. It is a bold proclamation for someone who is young, alone, and unclear about her future. It is a faithful song of hope. Let us join Mary in a similar stance this Christmas season. Hope to see you in worship!
-Rev. Marlene W. Pomeroy
A Christmas Poems by Langston Hughes (1902-1967)
Shepherd's Song at Christmas
Look there at the star!
I, among the least,
Will arise and take
A journey to the East.
But what shall I bring
As a present for the King?
What shall I bring to the Manger?
I will bring a song,
A song that I will sing,
In the Manger.
Watch out for my flocks,
Do not let them stray.
I am going on a journey
Far, far away.
But what shall I bring
As a present for the Child?
What shall I bring to the Manger?
I will bring a lamb,
Gentle, meek, and mild,
A lamb for the Child
In the Manger.
I'm just a shepherd boy,
Very poor I am--
But I know there is
A King in Bethlehem.
What shall I bring
As a present just for Him?
What shall I bring to the Manger?
I will bring my heart
And give my heart to Him.
I will bring my heart
To the Manger.
Also This Sunday
We have our final Children's Christmas Mini Pageant this Sunday - many many thanks to all the children, families, choir and especially Connie and our teachers (Grace, Neva, Krysty, Roberta and Jeff T.) for their creativity and work making this happen. What a wonderful four weeks it has been of angels and shepherds and others in our sanctuary re-telling the Nativity Story. We will have an enhanced coffee hour after worship this Sunday to celebrate everyone. Marlene and Connie are bringing food for all to enjoy.
Connie promises us lots of great music for the next three worship services. Some details and artists are still being worked out - but come and enjoy and prepare to be wowed by our music!
NOTE: this is the
final Touchstone for 2018. The next one will be sent out prior to the Jan. 6th service.
Upcoming Schedule:
Monday Dec. 24th
office open till noon. We have a 6 p.m. Candlelight Worship Service in our Sanctuary. Rev. Jake is preaching; Moderator Randy V. and Rev. Leo Lynch are liturgists. We do have the University Club available for parking this evening.
Advent Candle-Lighters
are the Children and Teachers. It may be cool; it may be hot. Wear layers and prepare to be surprised. There will be plenty of carols to sing and music for us to enjoy. We will have a reception with light refreshments in our parlors after the service. Feel free to bring a plate of sweets to add to what Sallie is providing.
Tuesday Dec. 25th-
Merry Christmas
! Church office is closed.
Wednesday Dec. 26th
- Staff on-site to orchestrate move out of Co-Pastor's office and Nursery.
Sunday Dec. 30th - Informal Worship at 10a.m. in Chapel. Rev.Marlene preaching. Wear Pajamas and slippers - prizes for the best! We will also honor Choir Section leader/soloist Kim Mendez-McLeish on her last day - she is focusing her energy on her school work at UCLA right now. However... her sister Pam Hopson is returning as our Section leader/soloist!!! We will miss you Kim; we welcome you back Pam!! Cocoa and cinnamon rolls served by Sallie and Marlene after worship. There is
NO church school
on this day. We are hoping to staff a nursery. If not, children are welcome in our informal, abbreviated worship service.
Council Meeting
to follow coffee hour for up to an hour to go over financials and other matters related to our upcoming move. Room TBA!
Jan. 6, 13, 20
Worship in our FCC Chapel at 10:00 a.m. Nursery in our youth lounge. Church School location TBA.
Jan. 27th -
Combined Worship Service at 10 a.m. with FCC and FUMC at FUMC in their sanctuary. Lunch to follow.
3 p.m. Ordination of Randy VanDeveneter
at the Congregational Church of La Canada (UCC). More details to come!
Feb. 3rd
- First 11:30 Worship Service at 11:30 a.m. in FUMC Chapel - our current new home.
Budget/Pledging Update
If you wish to finish up your pledge or make an additional pledge for 2018, please date your check before Dec. 31,
2018 and leave it in the offering plate or drop off to Nina in the office no later than Sun. Jan. 13th so our Treasurer and Book keeper can close up the books for 2018.
If you have pledged for 2019 we thank you so much! If you have not yet pledged and plan to pledge, we ask that you email Barb Bonzo
[email protected]
with your pledge or give her a pledge in writing on Sunday. Many thanks for helping us put together a budget for 2019! - Budget Committee and Treasurer. Our pledges are an integral part of our church budget.
Save the Dates:
Our
Bad Weather Shelter dates for 2019 are Saturday January 19th and Sunday February 17th. Please email the Co-pastors or tell Joey Bland if you can help us serve a meal and set out cots on either of those dates. 12-16 people are needed each night.
