"Let Ev'ry Heart Prepare Him Room..."
As we get closer and closer to Christmas, it's easy to get wrapped up (literally) in the commercialization of this important holiday. What opportunities are you taking advantage of to prepare your heart to receive the Christ Child?

Much of the information in this week's (and next week's) newsletter is repetitive, as we are in the middle of service projects and Bible studies that continue until Christmas. That doesn't mean it's any less important. We are doing good work and have some wonderfully fun things planned in this holiday season. It's not too late to show up and plug in!

Preparing the Way with YOU,
Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt
Holidays 2021: One-Stop Website Here
Opportunities to Invite, Equip, and Serve
Two Names, One Project, and Everything to Benefit the Homeless

UPCOMING ITEMS
Week of December 12th
Preschool: Flip-top Vienna sausages, chicken, or tuna cans
Church: Flip-top Vienna sausages, Single-serve packages of crackers (cheese or peanut butter)

For an explanation of this project, HOPE South Florida, and the full list of what to give and when for both church and preschool, click here.

If you are unable to shop for any reason, you may donate by leaving a contribution with the Evergreen Academy office staff or via our online giving website (choose "Reverse Advent Calendar" as the fund) and we will shop for you! Thank you so much for your generosity this season!
Midweek Bible Study & Prayer Continues Tonight

Spend Wednesday evenings in Advent with Pastor Jonathan Gantt (Dean of the Broward-Bahamas Conference and Pastor of Living Faith in Pembroke Pines) and Cantor Kurt Schmidt as we engage with young voices in the church, learn more about Palestine today, and confront theological truths that challenge "the way of the Lord."

Wednesdays - 12/8, 12/15, 12/22
6:30 p.m. – Bible Study on Zoom
8:00 p.m. – Prayer at the End of the Day (Compline) on Facebook Live

For details on accessing the Zoom sessions, materials for the Bible study and prayer, and a schedule of topics, click here.

Advent Pilgrimage in Palestine is a project of ELCA’s Peace Not Walls and Young Adult Ministry teams.
How to Give for This Year's Christmas Poinsettias

  1. Go to our online giving platform and make a gift designated to the Christmas Flowers fund.
  2. E-mail Cantor Kurt Schmidt and let him know how you want your gift designated: in honor of _____, in memory of _____, or to the glory of God. E-mailing will ensure that all gifts are recorded correctly.
Annual Evergreen Academy
Christmas Program
Thursday, December 16th
6:30 p.m. in the Church

Join us as the three-year-old and Pre-K classes present the Christmas story in a way only they can! Everyone (especially church members) is invited to attend.
Candlelight Service
Friday, December 24th
7:00 p.m.

As a preparation for family dinner, or following a celebration with family and friends, join us for a Zion tradition, our candlelight Christmas Eve service. This is the perfect occasion to introduce someone to Zion, and everyone is welcome!

We will have special music, including the return of our bell ringers, a message by Pastor Dave Dangerfield, and lots of singing and praise around the manger.

(While the service will be live-streamed, if you are healthy and vaccinated, we encourage you to attend in person. The atmosphere can't be duplicated virtually!)
Casual Christmas
Sunday, December 26th
11:00 a.m. in person only

Come as you are for this first annual, low-key, high-praise Casual Christmas worship. Wear your favorite Christmas pajamas (appropriate, please), bring your coffee or hot chocolate, and come ready to sing Christmas carols (as found in our hymnal) led by our Cantor Kurt Schmidt.

As a "thank you" to the volunteers who selflessly give of their time to set up our "usual" worship preparations and customs, we will not be celebrating communion or livestreaming the service.
Notes & Reminders
  • In light of the increase in COVID cases locally, we are encouraging all who attend Sunday worship in person to resume wearing masks, regardless of your vaccination status.
  • Two of our AA groups have resumed meeting in person recently: Women's AA (Mondays at 7:00 p.m.) and Old Timers AA (Saturdays at 7:00 p.m.). AA Groups meet in Katie Luther Chapel.
  • To claim a special date for altar flowers on a Sunday morning, contact Cantor Kurt Schmidt. The cost of the arrangements is $40 and you may take the flowers home after Sunday morning worship.
Connect Virtually
Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt
954-421-3146, option 2 (Church)
954-913-2125 (Cell)