First Sunday of Advent
INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! In today’s readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord’s coming. Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the Holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering. Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have: Christ comes among us this day as the Word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 2:1-5
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, this ruler will reign with perfect justice. Enmity and danger will be restored to harmony and peaceful coexistence.
PSALM: Psalm 122
SECOND READING: Romans 13: 11-14
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 24: 36-44
Jesus describes his second coming as a sudden, turbulent event that will bring about deep change to our normal day-to-day lives. Therefore, he urges people to stay awake, be aware, and wait expectantly, because the Son of Man will come unannounced.
Announcements!
CHURCH EVENTS
SUNDAY DISCUSSIONS BEFORE CHURCH – We have started discussions of 1st John every Sunday before Church. We meet at 9:45 on Sunday mornings to have discussions about important things. We have started with 1st John. Please bring your Bible and your favorite morning beverage with you.
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, 6:15 light supper, service at 6:45 (thereabout).
* St. John’s, London, service at 7:00
* St. Paul’s, New Rome, potluck supper at 6:00, service at 7:00 (pending)
DECEMBER 24th Christmas Eve Service. Our service will begin at 7:00 PM. At 6:30, Ann will be playing lots of Christmas music for your listening pleasure.
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 $12.00 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.
VILLAGE EVENTS
DECEMBER 3 – West Jefferson Parent Teacher Organization's Breakfast with Santa, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Norwood Elementary, 899 Norwood Drive. Tickets $10 per child, $6 per adult, 2 years and under free.
DECEMBER 9TH is the Winter Formal Snowflake Dance also here at the Community Center from 6-8 PM. Notice the word “Formal.” For more details you can check out the Village of West Jefferson Parks and Recreation Department, click the like button and it will give you all you want to know.
DECEMBER 9TH AND 10TH is Christmas in the Park. The schedule of events will be announced soon. There is still a need for volunteers. If you are interested call Carol Beachy at the Hardware Store.
GOD'S WORK. OUR HANDS.
LIRS HAPPY NEWS
It is my pleasure to share with you that LIRS has just received its largest gift in the history of the organization! Revolutionary philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has given $15 million in unrestricted funds. We are honored and deeply grateful for her generosity and affirmation of our work.
The gift is an investment in our vision that all immigrants and refugees are protected, embraced, and empowered in a world of just and welcoming communities. With it, we plan to accelerate groundbreaking projects that will transform immigration services, including trauma-informed mental health care and the expansion of our holistic Welcome Centers for asylum-seeking families. The record-breaking gift will also support the New American Cities workforce development program and reinforce our unique capabilities to care for unaccompanied children through foster care programming and other community-based services.
You are an integral part of that work, so please celebrate with us as we look forward to living in the impact of this gift.
In gratitude,
Christina
PRAYERS
Please keep these people in your prayers: Michael Koch, Wesley and JoAnn Porter, Nicole Biler Robinette, and all of those who are still suffering from COVID 19 and their families.
Please remember all of our shut ins and sick: Arlene Castor. (Also, pray for the families and caretakers of those on the prayer list.)
FUNDS FOR ZION
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.
