Second Sunday of Advent
INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY
At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the Earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the table of the Lord we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 11: 1-10
Isaiah describes the coming of a future, ideal ruler who will renew David’s royal line (the stump of Jesse). Gifted by the Spirit of God, his ruler will reign with perfect justice. Enmity and danger will be restored to harmony and peaceful coexistence.
PSALM 72: 1-7, 11-19
SECOND READING: Romans 15: 4-13
God’s promise to include Gentiles within the circle of God’s blessed people has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Christians live out their unity by welcoming and encouraging each other just as Christ has welcomed them into God’s family.
GOSPEL: Matthew 3: 1-12
Just before Jesus begins his public ministry, John the Baptist appears, calling people to mend their ways and speaking of a powerful one who is to come.
Announcements!
THANKOFFERING SERVICE
A huge, warm thank you to everyone who helped with the Thankoffering Service. ( I especially liked being able to sit down and listen to others take part in the service.) You made it a very special day for the Women of the ELCA.
DECKING THE HALL
Thanks to everyone who stayed and helped put up the tree. It is fabulous. We love the season of Christmas and all of the lights and decorations. It is great that we are able to decorate the Community Center for the season. If you see Marci or Mayor Martin, thank them for letting us have this opportunity. Merry Christmas to all of you and thank you all for all that you do to keep us going.
COMING CALENDAR FOR ZION
Christmas Eve is on Tuesday this year. Bring your families and friends as we will be gathering here at the Community Center for our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7 p.m. to welcome the birth of Christ. This will also be the last service at Zion for the calendar year.
Dec. 29, we will be going to First English again to serve breakfast. We will also stay after breakfast to worship with their congregation and celebrate the Eucharist. We will not be having worship here at Zion that Sunday.
Please mark your calendars for these special days.
REVERSE ADVENT CALENDAR
Carol also introduced the idea of the Reverse Advent Calendar. Instead of opening a door on a calendar, each day you add a food item to a box. On Christmas Eve you donate the box to the food pantry. It is a great day of giving during this coming advent season. The list of donations are on the table by the door. If you need a box let Carol know and she will help you procure one.
ADVENT MIDWEEK SERVICES
For those of us who wish to worship on Wednesday evenings during Advent, there are opportunities in our neighboring churches:
- Resurrection Lutheran, Hilliard, 6 p.m. light supper, service at 6:45 (thereabout).
- St. John’s, London, soup supper at 6 p.m., service at 7 p.m.
- St. Paul’s, New Rome, potluck supper at 6 p.m., service at 7 p.m.
Please keep these services in mind as you plan your holiday calendar. Happy Holidays.
POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE
Once again this year we will be getting poinsettias for the Altar for Christmas Eve. This year we are again getting red blooms and they will be $12 per pot for 8.5” pots. Please take a moment to stop by the bulletin board behind the office door and sign up for one (or more). Place your money in an envelope and put it in an offering plate. We appreciate your help in making our Altar even more festive for this special night.
COMING TO A LOMO NEAR YOU
The last LOMO event coming to the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Camps is:
- Christmas Bazaar December 14 Lutheran Memorial Camp
GOD'S WORK. OUR HANDS.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers Need You
Dear Supporter,
. . . Ana
. . . Luis
. . . Maria
. . . are thankful for supporters like you. That's because your generous gift to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service helped reunite them with their families, fed and clothed them, and restored their hope. But many more families are in desperate need of your help. And this Giving Tuesday is a perfect time to open your arms and extend your hands to families who need it the most.
Now more than ever, families seeking refuge need you. And your support will provide them with real help and hope that can change their lives. Stand up for compassion, human dignity, and the most vulnerable today.
Sincerely,
Kay Bellor,
Vice President for Programs,
Lutheran Immigration and Refugees Service
PRAYERS
Please keep these people in your prayers: Esther Mae Baker, Pastor Larry Baker, Al Bausch, Dortha Feddern, Wesley and JoAnn Porter, and the family of George Wendel. Please remember all of our shut-ins and sick. (Also, pray for the families and caretakers of those on the prayer list.)
THE BREAKFAST BUNCH
“The Breakfast Bunch” meets the first Saturday of every month at Der Dutchman in Plain City, at 8:30 a.m. “Come one, Come all” for a great breakfast, fellowship and more!
SIGN-UPS
Please check the bulletin board behind the office door for all of the sign-up sheets for this year. Communion, birthday Sundays, and Worship Assistants/helpers. Thank you so much!
You can also remember special occasions or special people by contributing money that would normally be used for altar flowers. Instead the donation goes to our local food pantry.
