December 23, 2021
Friends in Faith—
Our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service begins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 24th. Due to the rise of the Omicron Variant, everyone must be masked while in our building, we are to observe social-distancing, and we are not having fellowship time after worship. You can can join live from home on Facebook. (You can also watch this service, and others, online here.) It's a beautiful service and we hope you join us either in person, online, or in spirit!
On Sunday, December 26, worship begins at our usual time of 10:30 a.m. We'll be singing some lovely carols as we continue to celebrate Christmas!
On Sunday, January 2, the theme of our worship concerns "new beginnings." We'll be celebrating the Lord's Supper together. Please remember to bring a non-perishable food item for our SSIP Food Closet collection, taken the first Sunday of every month,
Then, on Sunday, January 9, we'll be celebrating Epiphany with the three wise men.
I will be on vacation December 27-January 1; and then again from January 3-8. Although I will be enjoying time with family, I will be leading all of our worship services. Office Manager Maria Mar will also be gone for a handful of days during the holiday season, so the office will be closed several days over the coming two weeks. If you have any urgent church matter, it would be wisest to call the office first.
As we enter into the joy of Christmas and the hope of 2022, let us remember to hold one another in prayer. Some of us are carrying heavy burdens, some are full of anticipation, some feel overwhelmed, others are grieving a loss, while others are feeling thankful. As a faith community, we have the privilege of being able to journey with one another through a chaotic and beautiful world, full of many highs and lows. We celebrate one another's victories, and we hold one another in prayer during those times of pain, fear, and loss.
God hears all of our prayers, and in Christ, we find healing, wholeness, and new beginnings. With each passing day, the Spirit of God is presenting us with new opportunities of love and grace. No matter what comes our way, all roads lead to Jesus—thanks be to God!
A Prayer for Christmas
May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child. Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever.
—Ray PritchardBlessings to all,
Jesse
Blessings to all,
Jesse
