This is our second pandemic Christmas. We thought this would be over so long ago. And still, we wear masks; we're physically distant; we can't be with friends and family as we used to do. And also, there's so much that's broken in this world, so much that tells us, “Why have hope? Just give up.”

But we have a hope that's stronger than any of this, stronger even than death. The hope of God comes in the form of a tiny baby, a helpless child; nevertheless, who grew to a man and in his fragile strength was willing to die on the cross and was raised again. I don't know what next Christmas will bring. I don't know what New Year's will bring. But I do know we have hope. St. Paul put it this way: “May the God of fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Merry Christmas, dear church.

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 

Holidays 2021: One-Stop Website Here

Preschool: Boxes of granola bars, cereal bars, and Pop-tarts

Church: Single-serve Chef Boyardee pastas and packages of single-serve applesauce

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!

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."

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.

Christmas Program TOMORROW

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.

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!)

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.