From the Pastor

This Sunday we will be looking at Isaiah 40:1-11 and Mark 1:1-8. Together these two passages point us to comfort and hope, which is our theme for the first Sunday in Advent. In Isaiah, God’s comfort comes to God’s people after 70 years in Babylonian exile. In Mark, hope begins with the gospel of God’s good news in the wilderness. As Fred Craddock writes, the gospel begins “in the wastelands of a fallen world.”

For this is where the voice of hope, “Comfort, O comfort my people,” cries out: In the Holy Land, where 1.7 million people in Gaza have been displaced, and into the increasing antisemitism and political extremism of our time.

As we lean into the hope of this Advent season, may we hear the words of John the Baptist asking us to turn around again, and may we allow the grace and mercy of God to transform us.

On Sunday, we’ll also hear music from the Louisville Dulcimer Society, which will lift our spirits during these darker days of December.

See you Sunday!

Paul

Welcome Louisville Dulcimer Society!

Let's welcome the Louisville Dulcimer Society this Sunday, December 3rd. They will be providing special music throughout the worship service.

Garden Clean-up

Volunteers will be at the church this Saturday morning, December 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to clear debris, broken-down structures, etc, from our garden area alongside our back parking lot. 

A dumpster has been rented to take away the items. If you would like to help, please contact Dana Walker at dswbutz@gmail.com. You will need work boots and heavy-duty garden gloves. We are in need of someone who has a truck or vehicle that could take several tires to a recycling center ("tires are not allowed to be placed in the dumpster)." If you can help with this --- even if it is not on Saturday --- please email Dana. Thank you!  

NATIVITY SET (CRECHE) DISPLAY

Would you like to share a nativity set to be displayed in the sanctuary during Advent?

If so, please leave it in the room off the narthex in a box or bag. Be sure to enclose a note with your name and a brief note about the nativity/creche.

PLEASE NOTE: You can bring your nativity ANY Sunday in Advent and we will find a spot for it.

Questions? Contact Tricia Lloyd-Sidle, revtjls@gmail.com or 502-681-4059.

 UCHM Update

Christmas Connection—United Crescent Hill Ministries is asking for cash donations to sponsor a child. A $150 donation will cover the cost of gifts and food for one child over the holidays—but donations of any amount are welcomed. Deadline for donations is December 4. To receive more information about sponsorship and to donate, visit the following link:

https://www.uchmlouky.org/christmas-connection-sponsorship-sign-up/

Santa Sprint & Stroll—The 27th annual Santa Sprint & Stroll is Saturday, December 16, at 9:00 a.m., at Hogan's Fountain in Cherokee Park. This merry 5k run/walk will benefit the work of United Crescent Hill Ministries. The event features a scenic course in Cherokee Park, long-sleeve T-shirts for participants, awards, refreshments, and photos with Santa! To register and receive more information, visit this link:

https://www.uchmlouky.org/santa-sprint/ 

Build-A-Bed

CHPC and First Christian Church, December 9 & 10

First Christian Church

7700 US Highway 42

Please join CHPC in our upcoming Build-A-Bed event on December 9 and 10. CHPC is partnering with First Christian Church of Louisville in building 25 beds for children in our community, many of whom are sleeping on the floor, an air mattress, or a sofa. There's not a better way of going into the Advent Season than by providing 25 children a comfortable bed of their own. Please sign up in the narthex to volunteer or to donate. New standard twin sheet sets, new teddy bears, new pillows and new diverse children's books are also needed and can be placed in the narthex. See the attached flyer for more information.