|
|
Each of the Gospels tells the story of Jesus’ birth a different way. Well… even that’s not quite true.
Mark doesn’t talk about Jesus’ childhood at all; he starts with Jesus as an adult, and John the Baptist baptizing him. The Gospel of John doesn’t begin with Jesus’ birth, but with his existence before time began - “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This “Word,” of course, meaning Jesus. Luke has a “Christmas story” - with what we usually think of as “The Nativity” - baby Jesus in the manger, with Mary and Joseph and angels and shepherds who come to worship.
Then there’s Matthew’s interesting Gospel. No manger, no shepherds, just wise men following a star to find “the child who has been born king of the Jews.” They find him in Bethlehem – not in a stable, but in a house. And there’s King Herod, who’s usually not mentioned as part of Christmas, but he’s a big part of Matthew’s story. So is Egypt. Egypt plays a big part in Matthew’s telling of Jesus’ birth.
Maybe only Bible nerds care about things like this. It’s just that the story-telling is so important in the scriptures, the way the Gospels spin the tale. They have something important to tell us, and it’s worth lingering over, pondering in our hearts, listening deeply, maybe even hearing these oft-told stories in new ways, especially the parts that don’t often get told.
This Advent, we’ll focus on what Matthew has to tell us about Jesus, and this miraculous, world-changing, awe-inspiring event of his coming into the world.
Here’s what’s coming:
December 2- Matthew 1:1-17, December 9 – Matthew 1:18-25
December 16 – Matthew 2:1-12, December 23 – Matthew 2:13-23
(An easy way to see different translations is biblegateway.com)
|
|
Upcoming Event
Christmas Candlelight Walking
Tour and Cookie Reception
5:30 Children's Choir
6 PM Chancel Choir, Festivo Bells, Newark Granville Youth Symphony
7 PM Angel Choir, Denison's Ladies Night Out, ETHEL
Dec. 1 | Starting at 5:30 PM
Full Calendar
|
|
|
This Sunday, December 2
First Sunday of Advent
Sermon Archive
Worship services. . .
At 8:30 AM we will have an intimate Communion Service, with the lighting of the Advent Wreath;
At 11 AM there will be the traditional Communion Worship Service, with the lighting of the Advent Wreath;
And at 2 PM there will be an informal Communion Service at Kendal in the Amelia Room
At 9:45 AM...
Sunday School for all ages!
Adult Opportunities:
Prism Discussion Group in the Chapel
Families in Faith in the West Lounge
Other Happenings . . .
Children's Choir rehearsal at 9 am in the Music Room
Youth Group at 9:15 am in the Teen Center
Alternative Gift Market in Heritage Hall
Bake Sale to Benefit Cystic Fibrosis
I am doing a “make a difference project” for school credit. I chose to do a bake sale to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. Emerson Kraus, a dear friend and attends our church, has cystic fibrosis. The money raised will go to help find a cure for CF. This bake sale is going to be on Sunday, December 2nd. Thank you for your support. Lucy Walters, 7th Grade
|
|
|
2019 GIVING ENVELOPES
The weekly giving envelopes for 2019 are now available in Heritage Hall. These envelopes are not required, but are available for your convenience. You may take any box; the numbers do not correspond to any particular giving account. Thanks, Patty
|
|
|
TAX REMINDER
As we approach the end of the year, please remember that donations for 2018 must be hand delivered to the church by December 31, 2018, or mailed to the church in an envelope postmarked no later than December 31, 2018. Anything received in 2019 or with a 2019 postmark is required by tax law to show on your 2019 giving statement.
|
|
|
|
Club 78 had the privilege to be guests at Pearl House, a community in Lancaster where residents go through rehab while keeping their families intact. We shared dinner and conversation as we got to know each other better. Our teens shared themselves with children ages 6 months to 13 years. Those children who were old enough made Christmas gifts for family members, while their parents got an hour to themselves. Afterwards, Club 78 discussed their experience and shared their thoughts openly and honestly. They learned how much we have in common with people we may not know. They expressed that the first step is to have an open heart and get to know someone before making assessments or judging. Thank you Pearl House, for giving us such a warm welcome.
|
|
|
"Good Christian Friends Rejoice"
All women are invited to join Chloe Wells on Friday, December 21, when they gather for their Christmas meeting at 12:30 p.m. in Heritage Hall. The study of the butterfly, one of God's most amazing creatures, will continue with the worm being transferred and prepared to emerge as a butterfly.
The group will sing, learn about some carols, "Test our memories on a few others," enjoy a Christmas dessert and most of all, enjoy good fellowship in this week before Christmas.
Remember to bring cookies for YES Club on Tuesday, Dec.18 (by noon) AND self-care products for Grace Haven. Our Christmas giving will also include any contribution you wish to make toward Wendy's coupons for YES Club. |
|
|
Parish Personals
Submit a prayer request
Continued prayers for
Sandra Ballard, Joan Cullen, Di Erickson, Joyce Fleitz, Alex Galbraith, Mike Garrett, Sophia Hageman, Eloise Miller, and Vern Walker
Prayers for those from our church family serving in the military.
|
|
|
Devotional Readings
Psalm Readings for this week - Thursday: Psalm 26, Friday: Psalm 88, Saturday: Psalm 122, Sunday: Psalm 108, Monday: Psalm 62, Tuesday: Psalm 12, Wednesday: Psalm 96, Thursday: Psalm 116.
|
|
|
|
|
|
