DOCSLIB.ORG

Celebrate the New Year Did You Know?

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Celebrate the New Year Did You Know? December 2019 Did you know? The technical term for the shape of the Moravian star 9 a.m. in the Chapel with 26 points is an augmented rhombicuboctahedron. 10 a.m. Sunday School in the C. E. building Eighteen of the points are larger with a square base, while 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary (Childcare available) eight are smaller with a triangle base. December 1 - First Sunday of Advent I first learned this in the process of doing research 9-10:45 a.m. Advent Workshop - Benigna Auditorium for a newspaper article in 2010, while I was chaplain Advent Lovefeast - One Service Only at 11 a.m. of Moravian College. The esteemed Church Mouse explains it extremely well in the December 2014 issue Meditation: Bishop Hopeton Clennon of The Belfry. That particular Advent season was the Christmas Eve Tickets & Offering Envelope Distribution first time we installed a Moravian star in the belfry of December 8 - Second Sunday of Advent Central Moravian Church. That six-foot star was a gift to Sermon: The Rev. Dr. Lynnette Delbridge Central from the Star Factory in Herrnhut, Germany and Christmas Eve Tickets & Offering Envelope Distribution dedicated on November 30, 2014. December 15 - Third Sunday of Advent 9 a.m. Chapel Worship It joins the Moravian star erected inside the sanctuary Sermon: Bishop Hopeton Clennon during the season of Advent. The star on the inside spends 11 a.m. Sanctuary Worship with Children’s Program a couple weeks in the apse above the upper pulpit before Sermon: The Rev. Dr. Lynnette Delbridge being relocated closer to the balcony. These are examples December 22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent of the phenomenal work carried on by members and Lessons and Carols friends of our congregation. Traditions, old and new, December 24 - Christmas Eve Services: Tickets Required contribute to the deep expressions of spirituality conveyed 1:00 p.m. - Childrens’ Lovefeast and Candlelight by songs, sermons and symbols. We offer our sincere 5:30 p.m. - Candlelight Vigils thanks to all who cheerfully offer their gifts of time and 8:00 p.m. - Candlelight Vigils talent from a couple hours to several weeks to make December 25 - Christmas Day - 10 a.m. Worship Only the Advent and Christmas seasons so meaningful for Sermon: The Rev. Maggie Wellert thousands in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. December 29 - First Sunday after Christmas Sermon: Bishop Hopeton Clennon Each act of service directs us to the ultimate message December 31 - New Year’s Eve Vigil of the season—the love of God for our world. It is my 11:30 p.m. - Sanctuary sincere prayer that our words and deeds amplify that gift Sermon: Bishop Hopeton Clennon of Divine love. And, may we grow in our effort to be living examples of God’s love in our world. Celebrate the New Year Consider a symbolic message of the Moravian star shining for the community to see—the light emanating Join us for our special New Year’s Eve service at equally in all directions. All are welcome. All are loved. 11:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary, a tradition since 1747 of “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not welcoming in the new year while in prayer and worship. overcome it. …But to all who received him, who believed One favorite piece of the service has been the unique in his name, he gave power to become children of God.” tradition of the Bethlehem Area Moravian Trombone Choir (John 1: 5, 12) announcing the hour of midnight by interrupting the pastor’s Happy Advent! sermon – often in mid-sentence – with the strains of “Now — Pastor Hopeton Thank We All Our God.” 2 The Belfry Representing Christ at Central alike, have the opportunity to extend a smile, to offer a hand- shake, to give directions to the bathroom, to offer comfort On October 22, representatives from Moravian College, and welcome. Moravian Academy, and Central Moravian gathered around These thoughts have been floating through my mind be- a big table for our annual “Christmas Summit” meeting. cause Christmas is a time to ponder the difference between Carefully, we went over everything going on in our buildings closed and open doors. Christmas is a time to remember during November and December, a busy time in Bethlehem. that Mary and Joseph faced many closed doors in their busy With all of us needing to use the sanctuary for rehearsals and Bethlehem before they found a spot with a manger where worship services, it’s a given that our three institutions will Mary could have her child and shepherds could come to need to closely coordinate and cooperate with each other. We visit them. Christmas is a time for us to offer our own safe, want to make sure everyone gets the time, equipment, and warm places for all kinds of people. They may only be in space they need to prepare for and offer meaningful concerts our buildings once. They may come back. They may even and worship services during the Christmas season. Frankly, eventually, as some do, find a home with us and become sharing our buildings is a lot of work for our own musicians, members of our congregation. Whoever they are, we have administrative, and buildings and grounds staff members. It’s the opportunity to offer them the welcome of a Christian a lot of work for our volunteers too. We noted that Nov. 15th community, the warmth of singing together, and the sense of was the only day in the two month period without a meeting, safety and security you get when you walk through the doors rehearsal or program in any of our buildings. “Protect that at Central and settle into a pew where so many have sat be- one day of rest!” we told each other. fore you. Let us give God thanks for our buildings, for their In the midst of all the nitty gritty details, this annual plan- “presence.” They do speak for us. They also give us many ning meeting reminded me yet again of the one of the great opportunities to speak ourselves, to offer God’s hospitality gifts we enjoy at Central Moravian Church. People who ourselves. aren’t our “regular” church members often come into our We have a busy Christmas and another busy year ahead buildings. All kinds of people related to the College – fami- of us. Even as we hope to grow in our ability to meet and lies, friends, donors, alumni – come to Central for special minister to people far beyond the walls of our church build- services like pinning ceremonies for the nursing class, ings at home, at work, or on the street, let’s make the most Christmas Vespers, and graduations. For College Christmas of every opportunity God gives us to welcome a visitor who Vespers alone, appropriately 6,000 people visit our sanctu- steps foot inside one of our doors. ary. Moravian Academy families come to our sanctuary — Pastor Lynnette for special lovefeasts and services. Beyond the people who come to us through the College and the Academy, there are more. People get married in our Chapel. Others come for funerals. Bach at Noon holds monthly lunchtime con- BAM News certs September through May in the Sanctuary. We host the Littner Lecture in the spring and Musikfest concerts in the We are grateful to Marie Couts who lead an engaging and summer. I am sure you could think of other ways individuals interactive workshop about Moravian history from John and groups use our facilities and get introduced to Central Hus to the early days in Herrnhut on Nov. 2, 2019. Thirty- Moravian Church. eight people participated in this “In Their Steps” event held Many other churches would wish for just one or two of at Central Moravian Church and sponsored by the BAM these opportunities to welcome visitors into their spaces. Ministries Committee. We look forward to a similar program We, on the other hand, sometimes find keeping track of them in the spring about the spread of Moravian missions. The all a challenge. Even so, I hope we never take our opportu- spring workshop will take place at Advent Moravian Church. nities to welcome people inside our buildings for granted. Members of the BAM Ministries Committee met on Whether people have come for an event another organization November 4th for their last meeting in 2019. The Commit- is offering or it’s one of our own meetings or services, we tee voted to release funding for the following causes: Camp have the opportunity to speak volumes to them. The way our Hope Camperships for youth from Esperanza; support for buildings look clean and inviting, the information about our Eastern District Young Adult Ministries mission trip to ministries in the bulletin for an event, the brochures in the Nepal, annual funding for the BAM Trombone Choir, and a pews, and the posts on the bulletin boards – all these factors contribution toward expenses at the Moravian Music Foun- give people a sense of Central. And even more importantly, dation for a cataloguing project. those of us who interact with visitors, staff and volunteers The Belfry 3 Advent Workshop Friday Fun Night Our annual Advent Workshop, for people of all ages, We invite our infants through fifth graders to join us for takes place on December 1 in Benigna Auditorium, first Friday Fun Night, Dec. 13. Our infants and toddler class floor of the C. E. building from 9 - 10:45 a.m. Make crafts will enjoy free play. Parents should bring in whatever such as bird feeders, advent wreaths, Moravian candles, food is appropriate for their small children in this age cone nativity sets, marble painted stars, king’s crowns, group.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Advent-Christmastide 2015
    Advent/Christmastide 2015-2016 Unless otherwise noted, all I John: Darkness & Light Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. I John 1:5 In elementary school, we learn that ordinary light can be split up into many colors (seven, to be exact). All of these colors combine wonderfully to give us the full spectrum light we experience each day in the rays of the sun. Full spectrum light is full, complex, and rich. It brings life and flourishing everywhere it travels. Take it away, and the world would eventually be enshrouded in death. Each year as fall turns into winter and the days get progressively shorter, many of us begin to experience the toll that darkness takes upon us. Our mood sinks and we can find it harder to go about the daily tasks of life. We begin to long for the return of the healing light of the sun. Certain types of artificial light try to mimic what the sun can do, but they are, in the end, cheap and garish substitutes for the real thing. The biblical narrative tells a story of a world that was enveloped in darkness―a darkness of sin, prideful autonomy, and foolish efforts to create our own light. And, into this great darkness, God―the true Light―has come. Jesus is the Light that has come into our darkness. His light is full, complex and rich.
    [Show full text]
  • Fourth Sunday of Advent $36,705 Was Added to Our Capital Campaign Fund
    participating. All pledges have been fulfilled. After meeting our $10,500 commitment to the Diocese, Fourth Sunday of Advent $36,705 was added to our Capital Campaign Fund. December 20, 2020 First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Psalm 24; Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27; Gospel of Luke 1:26-38 “May it be done to me according to your word.”—Luke 1:38 Like young Mary, each of us has the power to choose. We have the power to choose how we respond to the mysteries that come our way as we follow Christ. To love or not. To place our faith and trust in God or not. When we are confronted with choices to do God’s will, we can call these Mary Moments. Mary understood that there would be a cost. And the GOSPEL READINGS angel of GodThanksgiving said to her, “MorningDo not be Eucharist afraid, Mary, for you have found favor FOR THE WEEK with God. ” Listening to God’s word gives Mary peace and confidence in We will celebrate a special Mass in gratitude to God on Mon: Luke 1:39-45 God ’s presence and faithfulness. She responds with a loving and trusting Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26 at 10:00 am. Tues: Luke 1:46-56 heart, “May it be done to me according to your word.” This final Sunday of You are welcome to bring any food items that will be Wed: Luke 1:57-66 Advent reminds us of the importance of opening our hearts to God’s love shared at your table for a special blessing, as well as to Thurs: Luke 2:1-14 in every Mary Moment that comes our way.
    [Show full text]
  • Advent at Home 2020 We Wait for Jesus
    We Wait for Jeus Advent 2020 to Epiphany 2021 At Home Worship Guide Advent to Epiphany At Home 2020 November 29, 2020 through January 6, 2021 Written by Talashia Keim Yoder Edited by Shana Peachey Boshart and Wil LaVeist Designed by Caleb Gingerich This material may be reproduced and adapted by Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA congregations free of charge. If making changes, please add an explanatory note to acknowledge adaptations and credit those who made the changes. We would love to hear how you are using this material, and we are interested in your suggestions for making it more useful and accessible. Contact: Shana Peachey Boshart, Denominational Minister for Faith Formation, Mennonite Church USA 574-523-3070 [email protected] MennoniteUSA.org/FF © Talashia Keim Yoder and Mennonite Church USA Page 2 CONTENTS 4 Introduction 6 The Advent Wreath 8 Advent Week 1, November 29: Hope 10 Advent Week 2, December 6: Peace 13 Advent Week 3, December 13: Joy 15 Advent Week 4, December 20: Love 17 Christmas Day, December 25: Jesus 19 Christmas Week 2, January 3, 2021 21 Epiphany Day, January 6, 2021 Page 3 ADVENT AT HOME 2020 WE WAIT FOR JESUS Introducing Advent What is Advent? • The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming” or “visit.” In the season with this name, we keep in mind both “advents” of Christ: the first in Bethlehem and the second yet to come. • A time to remember we need a Savior. Without divine help, we are unable to live in peace with God, ourselves or each other.
    [Show full text]
  • Christmastide Devotional
    THE MISSION OF CHRISTMAS A Christmastide Devotional Advent/Christmastide 2020 THE MISSION OF CHRISTMAS A Christmastide Devotional Advent/Christmastide 2020 Hope Church 2609 Seminole Road Columbia, SC 29210 hopechurchcola.org If you were like me, I grew up believing that 25 December was the end of the Christmas season. However, according to the Church calendar, it’s twelve days long! When you stop to think about it (if you have that time) it makes sense. Why, after an entire month of longing and waiting and remembering, would we celebrate for one day and be done? I would hope our celebration, not only spills over into the twelve days of Christmastide but that the hope and joy of Christmas would never leave our hearts. As with the Advent Worship Guide, this devotional was never intended to replace any regular study of the Word, but to supplement and be an addition to your regular time with the Lord. Each of these devotionals were written out of hearts that love the Lord and desire that all hearts are His alone. The hope is that you are not only encouraged in your walk with the Lord by the testimonies and encouragement from dear brothers and sisters at Hope Church but that a fire is stoked in your belly to go and tell. Go and tell your neighbor. Go and tell your friend. Go and tell the family member that you see only during the holidays. Go and tell! May this be our heartbeat. May we not be ashamed of the gospel! May we be compelled to tell everyone we meet that the King has come and He’s going to come back! He will right all the wrongs.
    [Show full text]
  • The Advent Wreath
    THE ADVENT WREATH We know that ADVENT means COMING, and we know that Christmas is coming, but the season of Advent reminds us there is more to Christmas preparations than gift lists, frantic shopping, school plays and party schedules, etc. All the December activities make it easy to put off preparing our hearts for the true meaning of our Christmas celebration. The Advent wreath helps us keep a balance in our lives during the weeks of expectancy. The tradition of the family gathered around the table before a meal, lighting Advent candles, saying Advent prayers and sharing appropriate readings helps us to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child -- - as for many centuries God prepared the world for the birth of Jesus. The circle of the wreath reminds us that God has no beginning and no end. The evergreens represent the promise of eternal life. The candles represent Jesus’ overcoming the darkness of hatred and evil with the light of joy and love. The brief ritual described below, and on the following pages, is to be used each evening when the family gathers, beginning on the first of the four Sundays in Advent and continuing each day of the week. Adapt it if you like to include other prayers and verses. Some prefer to use “Advent Blue” candles. Other traditions use red or white. You may also choose to add a white “Christ candle” in the center to light on Christmas Eve. THE FIRST WEEK IN ADVENT A family member lights one (only) purple candle, saying: “I light this candle to remind us that we must prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child.” COLLECT for the first week in Advent (said by all): “Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your son, Jesus Christ, came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
    [Show full text]
  • Order of Blessing of the Advent Wreath Within Mass
    ORDER OF BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH WITHIN MASS INTRODUCTION WHEN THE ADVENT WREATH IS USED IN CHURCH, IT SHOULD BE OF SUFFICIENT SIZE TO BE VISIBLE TO THE CONGREGATION. IT MAY BE SUSPENDED FROM THE CEILING OR PLACED ON A STAND. IF IT IS PLACED IN THE SANCTUARY OR PRESBYTERIUM, IT SHOULD NOT INTERFERE WITH THE CELEBRATION OF THE LITURGY, NOR SHOULD IT OBSCURE THE PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS OF THE ALTAR, LECTERN (AMBO), OR CHAIR. AFTER THE GOSPEL READING, THE CELEBRANT IN THE HOMILY, BASED ON THE SACRED TEXT AND PERTINENT TO THE PARTICULAR PLACE AND THE PEOPLE INVOLVED, EXPLAINS THE MEANING OF THE CELEBRATION. UNIVERSAL PRAYER THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER, OR GENERAL INTERCESSIONS, FOLLOWS, IN THE USUAL FORM OR IN THE FORM PROVIDED HERE. THE CELEBRANT CONCLUDES THE INTERCESSIONS WITH THE PRAYER OF BLESSING. FROM THE FOLLOWING INTENTIONS THOSE BEST FOR THE OCCASION MAY BE USED OR ADAPTED, OR OTHER INTENTIONS THAT APPLY TO THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BE COMPOSED. THE CELEBRANT SAYS: As we await with longing the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, dear brothers and sisters, let us with renewed devotion beseech his mercy, that, as he came into the world to bring the good news to the poor and heal the contrite heart, so in our own time, also, he may bring salvation to all I need. THE ASSISTING MINISTER SAYS THE INTENTION: That the keeping of Advent may open our hearts to God’s love, we pray to the Lord. AND THE PEOPLE RESPOND: Amen. ASSISTING MINISTER: That the light of Christ may penetrate the darkness of sin, we pray to the Lord.
    [Show full text]
  • Nochebuena Navidad
    Sacred Heart Church, 200 So. 5th St. St. Mary’s Church, 2300 W. Madison Ave. Sacred Heart Parish Center, 2301 W. Madison Ave. Sacred Heart Parish Office 204 So. 5th St. 402-371-2621 Nochebuena Dic 24: 3:50 p.m. Proseción de Niños, Sta María 4:00 pm Sta. María 6:00 pm Sta. María 11:00 pm Música Navideña, Sta. María 12:00 pm Misa de Medianoche, Sta. María 4:00 pm St. Leonard, Madison 6:00 pm St. Leonard, Madison (bilingüe) 6:00 pm St. Peter’s, Stanton Navidad Dic 25: 8:30 am Sta. María 10:30 am Sta. María (bilingüe) 9:00 am St. Leonard, Madison 10:00 am St. Peter’s, Stanton PARISH LITURGIES Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Teen Ministry Saturday Eve Vigil Masses St. Mary’s Church Lynnette Otero, 402-371-2621 St. Mary’s Church 24/7 every day RELIGIOUS FORMATION 5:00 pm Reconciliation 204 So. 5th St. 402-371-2621 Sunday Masses Sacred Heart Church IMMACULATA MONASTERY Sacred Heart Church 4:45 pm-5:20 pm (M-T-W-Th-F) & SPIRITUALITY CENTER 7:30 am St. Mary’s Church 300 No. 18th St. 402-371-3438 Masses: S-M-T-W-F-Sa: 7:00 am; Th-5:00 pm St. Mary’s Church 4:00 pm-4:45 pm (Saturday) Holy day Masses: 7:00 am 9:30 am, 11:30 am PARISH WEB SITE: Vespers: 5:30 pm daily (Thursday-5:00 pm) Weekday Masses www.SacredHeartNorfolk.com Monastery Website: www.mbsmissionaries.org. (Please check page 4 for changes) NORFOLK CATHOLIC SCHOOL ST.
    [Show full text]
  • ADVENT SERIES #2: the BETHLEHEM CANDLE Luke 2:1-7; Genesis 35:16-19; Ruth 1:1-5; 2 Samuel 23:14-17
    Pastor Curt Ogawa at Journey Evangelical Church, December 6, 2020 [email protected] (408) 889-3983 ADVENT SERIES #2: THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE Luke 2:1-7; Genesis 35:16-19; Ruth 1:1-5; 2 Samuel 23:14-17 INTRO: WELCOME TO THE 2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Advent reminds us that we are a people who long for and wait for the coming of Jesus Christ. “Waiting is not just the thing we have to do until we get what we hope for. Waiting is part of the process of becoming what we hope for.” —Ben Patterson ARE YOU WAITING FOR JESUS TO COME? BETHLEHEM: WAITING NEVER GUARANTEES A SMOOTH JOURNEY AFTER SPENDING SO MUCH TIME WAITING, WHY BETHLEHEM? What was Bethlehem remembered for? Bethlehem was a place of ____________________. (Genesis 35:16-19) Bethlehem was a place of ____________________. (Ruth 1:1-5) Bethlehem was a place of ____________________. (2 Samuel 23:14-17) WHERE GOD ENTERS INTO YOUR WORLD, HE IS ABLE TO REDEEM Luke 2:1-7 “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
    [Show full text]
  • Advent and Christmas 2016/2017
    Office of Liturgy LITURGY ADVISORY FOR THE SEASONS OF ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS 2016/2017 The Season of Advent Advent has a twofold character, for it is a time of preparation for the Solemnities of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered, and likewise a time when, by remembrance of this, minds and hearts are led to look forward to Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time. For these two reasons, Advent is a period of devout and expectant delight. (Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year, 39) Advent begins with First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) of the Sunday that falls on or closest to November 30 and it ends before First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) of the Nativity of the Lord. (Norms, 40) The weekdays from December 17 up to and including December 24 are ordered in a more direct way to preparing for the Nativity of the Lord. (Norms, 42) 1 The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation During Advent the faithful should be encouraged to participate in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation in preparation for Christmas. The Rite of Penance provides examples for the use of Form 2 of this sacrament in communal celebrations. A penitential celebration should be scheduled during the season for the benefit of the faithful. Order of Celebrating Matrimony Whenever Marriage is celebrated within Mass, the Ritual Mass “The Celebration of Marriage” is used with sacred vestments of the color white or of a festive color. On those days listed in nos. 1 – 4 of the Table of Liturgical Days, however, the Mass of the day is used with its own readings, with inclusion of the Nuptial Blessing and, if appropriate, the proper formula for the final blessing.
    [Show full text]
  • Advent Brochure--Journey to Bethlehem
    Letters to My Sons The Advent Wreath was At the holiday time I write a letter to each of my boys. In Originally a German Custom JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM the letter I review things that have happened over the year, Make an Advent wreath to use as accomplishments that they have had, sometimes even their the centerpiece of your weekly shoe size or batting average. I also tell them again how proud devotions. of them I am and how much I love them. I let them read the Start with a circular letter and then I put it away. I had originally thought I would base. The circle SHARING THE STORY give back the letters when they turned eighteen. I have represents God’s decided, however, to continue the tradition until each one is unending love. out of college. Fasten evergreen Sleep Under a Tree An Easy Christmas Dinner Gifts branches to the Let the kids sleep in sleeping bags under the Advent Small packages are placed on the plates at the beginning base. Evergreens Christmas tree the night after Christmas. It’s fun to Calendar of our Christmas dinner. These gifts are chosen with the represent look up through the branches toward the top of the My two-year-old intention of bringing our minds back to Christ after a busy everlasting life. tree, and to fall asleep with the soft glow of the tree daughter and I season of excitement, shopping, and gift giving. (Use artificial lights. For safety, an adult should be sure to turn made our own Among our favorite gifts have been small heart paper greens to reduce the the lights off after the youngsters are asleep.
    [Show full text]
  • Sending Blessings of Peace & Happiness to You at Christmastime
    Volume 16, December 2017 Inside This Issue Meditation – ‘Abhor That Which Is Evil’ pg. 1 Word Search : “About Christmastime” pg. 3 Advent Wreath pg. 3 This Month in Moravian History: - At Bethlehem in Barbados pg. 3 - Who Invented The Moravian Star pg. 4 Introducing: “Prophets & Prophetesses of the Bible”: ISAIAH & HOSEA – pg. 5 Christmas Gift Ideas pg. 6 Submitted by: Fun Corner: Teen’s Corner - A Familiar Game – “D” pg. 7 Rev’d Delroy Burley Recipe : Herbed Chicken with Beets and Brussels pg. 7 Pastor’s Desk – “The Season of Advent” pg. 8 Greetings/Information/News - from Home & Abroad: ...Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. - Announcements : Province/Conference pg. 9 Romans 12:9 Helping Hands – Our Mission Fields/Financial Status pg.10 This month, as we clear out space in our Mark Your Calendar – Celebrations/Announcements pg.11 homes for the new things we will buy or receive, I Truths/Tips – Something For Every Age – “Safety Tips”pg.12 want to challenge us to clear out space in our hearts to make room for the best – Jesus as He arrives. I therefore challenge you to ‘abhor that which In this scenario, the family recognized that is evil, and cleave to that which is good’. God had designed the home as a Godly sanctuary for their family, and they were aware of their God-given I am led to share with you about some responsibility as detrimental things we might be tolerating in our parents to keep personal life which are destined to have far-reaching evil from Sending Blessings of implications for disrupting our love, peace and joy.
    [Show full text]
  • Wishing on a Star”
    “Wishing on a Star” Epiphany of Our Lord Saturday and Sunday, January 6 and 7, 2018 All Services Sister Marianne Brock Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Camp Hill, Pennsylvania Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12 You may or may not know that Pastor John Brock and I have what some might consider an unusually strong affinity for Walt Disney, the man, and Walt Disney World, the resort, so when I was sent the theme chosen for this week’s sermon, I had to blink back the Pixie Dust in my eyes. I even watched Pinocchio, from which we get the song “When You Wish Upon A Star. It was darker than I remembered, with lots of drinking and smoking and liberal use of the word “stupid.” I’m not sure it’s entirely appropriate for today’s young children … and it certainly wasn’t helpful in my sermon preparation. But on Monday evening, around 6:30, John and I were in our kitchen preparing our traditional New Year’s Day meal… and by “preparing,” I mean we were studying the Chinese take-out menu. Our dogs alerted us to something incredibly alarming: there was someone at our front door, and it was probably bad guys! (Our dogs are very concerned about bad guys.) No one uses our front door, not even us, but sure enough, there was a gentleman standing on our porch, and he was knocking on our door. He didn’t look like a bad guy, so I pulled the dog beds away from the door and unlocked it with the ancient skeleton key that came with it when it was installed 80 years ago.
    [Show full text]