Dear Friends,
It is not an exaggeration to say this has been a momentous year. None of us has lived through a pandemic before. Add to that the call for a nationwide reconning with the racism of our past and present; economic calamity for many; along with a contentious election; and we have a recipe for unsettled times. It is easy to feel lots of conflicting feelings in the midst of all this. I personally find myself clenching my jaw.
In the midst of these challenges we continue to see signs of hope. New growth happens all around us. We may even find ourselves growing in our understanding of the world in which we live! We see people reaching out to help one another. We experience the beauty that God’s creation offers to us each day. Through technology, though apart, we are able to gather for worship. What signs of God’s presence do you see and experience?
December is an interesting month in the church as we end a calendar year while also beginning the church year (11/29 actually this year). This overlap begins with Advent and gives us a bit of a head start in welcoming a new year. Our worship theme focusses on listening to the messages around us, especially as they speak to our fear, confusion, doubt and curiosity. The context of these explorations center on angels speaking to those present at the very beginning of our Christian story.
November 29: The Angel Speaks to Zechariah’s Fear
December 6: The Angel Speaks to Joseph’s Confusion
December 13: The Angel Speaks to Mary’s Doubt
December 20: The Angel Speaks to the Shepherds’ Curiosity (this Sunday will also our singing special Christmas Carols)
Christmas Eve worship will also be online at 6:00pm on December 24th.
We hope that you will be able to join us as we worship online together.
Blessings to you,
Pastor Nancy
PS: Our Sunday morning book group is using the month of December to read a document that outlines goals established by the ELCA at their last churchwide assembly:
I invite you to read the document and then join us as we talk about what we can do as a congregation to be about a better future.
In January we will learn about the history of the Jim Crowe era as we read, Caste by Isabel Wilkerson.
Advent at Home
You can watch Pastor Nancy light the Advent candles inn her home as we gather for online worship. You can also participate by lighting your own Advent candles. Pastor made a simple wreath with an artificial wreath (you could choose fresh) and four candles. You could even use 4 tea lights if that is all you have available. Maybe this will be the start of some new home traditions.
