Dear Church,
Each Christmas we all have different traditions we go back to. Movies, activities, recipes, you name it. For me, one tradition is watching the following video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9865b-K9s2w
Many of you may have even seen this video before as well as it tends to make the rounds online this time each year. I love it because, like many other Christmas traditions, the scene always reminds me of the surprising nature of Christ’s hope, joy, peace, and love. Even though we know it’s coming (and already here!), the power of these gifts from God are always profound when they do appear in flashes, glimpses small and big.
We catch a glimpse of these gifts again this Sunday when we gather for worship on Sunday morning and when we resume an FPCoG tradition on Sunday afternoon with the Christmas Cantata. At 3pm we will gather in the Sanctuary to hear and see the love of God through Christ as shared by our choir. And then we will gather in fellowship afterward to share it in smiles, time, presence, and finger foods. Please bring a snack to share as you are able!
And make plans also for those sacred glimpses that will come on Saturday, December 24 when we gather for communion and candlelight at 5pm, and on December 25 when we gather at our regular worship time for a Christmas Hymn Sing!
Remember too, that we all can play a part in sharing a glimpse of Christ’s love to others. Even if you don’t feel you can sing well, you can still sign loud of the joy that has, is, and will come.
The Lord Bless and Keep You,
Rev. Ben
Announcements:
*In-Person/Livestream Worship: This Sunday we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent and explore the theme of persistent love that guides us on “The Way of the Lord.” Join us in person or watch live online via Facebook!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchofgarner
*Masks are welcome but optional during in-person worship as we continue to contend with COVID and an emerging flu season. We also ask everyone to be still mindful of social distancing and respectful of the personal space of others even as we give thanks for being together.*
*“Living Generously” Thanks be to God for the call to share Christ’s love and create deeper relationships through the giving of time, energy, and money. Thanks also to those who have already sent in pledge cards and those still discerning that possibility! If you would still like to offer a pledge, please send a pledge card to the church office.
* Walking Group: Join the Walking Group each Tuesday at 6pm. We currently meet at Cadence Senior Living Center (200 Minglewood Dr.). If you have any questions, contact the church office 919-772-0727. In the event there is inclement weather, we’ll just gather the following week.
* The Christmas Joy Offering is a Presbyterian tradition that distributes gifts to support our Leaders… past, present, and future. Your gifts are used for providing comfort to church leaders, supporting leadership development, and building the future of the church. Established in the 1930s, the offering distributes gifts equally to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and to Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. Materials related to The Christmas Joy Offering are included with today’s inserts.
* Reminder… our 5th Saturday commitment for H.O.P.E is Saturday, December 31, 2022. Let us end 2022 with providing a “day of dignity” for the guests at H.O.P.E., a bountiful, nutritious meal to quell their hunger and the embrace of our compassion to give them the strength to face the day and the beginning of a new year with a renewed spirit and hope for possibilities/opportunities yet to come.
* Boy Scout Troop 392 is having a Krispy Kreme fundraiser. Please see Melissa Miley (mmiley@nc.rr.com) or (919-902-9318) to get your certificate for a dozen glazed donuts. The cost is $15 for each certificate which can be used at any Krispy Kreme location across the United States. (Not valid for in grocery store purchases.)
* Newsletter articles for the January edition of the Spire are due December 21st.
* The 2023 Flower Chart is up! The flower chart is posted in the hallway and ready for sign-ups. The cost of the flowers for the coming year is $40.00.
*Prayers for Peace: Our world continues to need prayers of word and deed for peace. As we in NC are especially aware, it is hurricane season. So our prayers for the world at this time are most notably with those impacted by Hurricane Fiona (particularly in Puerto Rico) as well as Hurricane Ian. Please continue to keep law enforcement and first responders in your prayers as well as those struggling with gun violence in too many places in our nation (including Raleigh, NC). Pray, too, for those for whom the holiday season can be heavy as they deal with loss in what is known as a “joyful” season.
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