Tuesday, December 23, 2008

weekly letter

December 23, 2008
 
Greetings to all!
 
Joyce Rupp reflects on the words of Isaiah - "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who...brings good news." (Isa. 52:7)
 
     It is Christmas!  It is the most wondrous feast - the birthday of the One who came to show us a God of love. How beautiful are the feet of those who walk the extra step across a room to greet someone with whom they have had differences. How beautiful are the feet of those who step beyond the material gifts and appreciate the heart of the giver. How beautiful are the feet of those who move about in the kitchen making the special foods and serving the guests who gather. How beautiful are the feet of those who not only go to church services but who also fully participate by greeting others joyfully, praying and singing heartily. How beautiful are the feet of those who walk into homeless shelters or places with little comfort to bring some of their own abundance.  Yes, how beautiful are all those feet who walk with glad tidings this day, with the intention of love in their hearts, for they are living the message of the One who came so long ago.  The Christ of abundant love, born some two thousand years ago, lives on in us.  As our feet take us near and far, let us continue to be the Christ to one another.
(from Inviting God In)
Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24:
                    *5pm - Carols and Candlelight - This service of lessons and carols is intended for all ages and will include a candlelight ceremony.

                    *9pm - Evening Prayer Fireside - For those who would like a quieter Christmas Eve experience, we will gather around the fireplace in Trinity Hall for a guided reflection on the meaning of Christmas.  This service is intended for adults and older youth.

 

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, December 28, 1st Sunday after Christmas:

     Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3

     Galatians 4:4-7

     Luke 2:22-40

(Morning worship will be held at its regular time, 11am, on Sunday, December 28.  Nursery care and Sunday School for children will be available.)

 

Sunday Refreshments:  Persons attending worship on Sunday, December 28, are invited to bring their leftover "holiday goodies" to share after worship.  We will gather in Trinity Hall and enjoy the fellowship of Christmastide.

 

Sunday Conversations Bible Study is dismissed for this Sunday, December 28.  Look for our Sunday Conversations to resume on January 4.

 

Holiday thanks to... Thomas and John Rawlings, Kim Thomasson, and Barb Waldmann-Ward for their work decorating the Sanctuary for Christmas, and for those who sponsored our poinsettias; all those persons who participated in the Giving Tree Program.  A grateful family received a carload of presents on Sunday afternoon; eleven youth who attended the Walnut Hill Youth Christmas Party last Sunday, bringing gifts for each other as well as for Kentucky Refugee Ministries; the choir, the Trail family, Oggie and Beth Hilliard, Phil Bloomfield, Thomas and Meredith Rawlings for their leadership and service during our Christmas Communion service on Sunday; the Swim family for our refreshments after worship last Sunday. 

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Mike Ward 

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