Hello families!
(Youth and Children's families are receiving this email as we need everyone to join in for the next few celebrations. Sign Ups are below)
I read this recently in an email that I get and thought it was perfect:
"Advent is a season of wonder. We wait in darkness for the light to be kindled and grow and spread, for the long-expected child to be born, for our hope to be renewed. This year I need it more than ever.
Jesus is coming, is with us now, and will be with us again. We can’t screw that up, no matter what."
So this Advent as we prepare out homes and our hearts for the season, let's lean into wonder - it can heal our weariness. Lean into seeing the world through a child's eyes/heart - it can take away our hopelessness. Lean into The Way of Love - it can build bridges where we think it impossible.
We have lots of wonderful opportunities to gather in God's name and share the most magnificent story of all. Check your calendar and sign up to help make these wonderful times happen.
On Dec. 3rd, join us in Ellis Hall for Advent Adventure and Wreath Making. All ages are invited to make symbols of The Songs of Christmas. We will have crafts to remind us of Angels We Have Heard on High, For Unto Us a Child is Born from Handel's Messiah, We Three Kinds of Orient Are, In the Bleak Midwinter, and Go Tell it on the Mountain. Then you can go over to the other side of the room and make an Advent Wreath with kits for $30 to use at home. Get your house ready with symbols of the real reason for the season! I could use an adult or youth at each craft table, so sign up below.
On Dec. 6th, we will celebrate the life of St. Nicholas with magical story-telling, ringing bells and singing Christmas Carols with our Children's Choirs in between two dinner seatings with festive food and music. Sign up now and bring a friend to this special night - it is the best way to kick off the season. We need a few adults and youth to help our team at the dinner and during the celebration. Sign up by tomorrow to get a count for the dinner.
St. Nicholas Dinner Sign Up
Advent and St. Nicholas Helpers
Children's Church Helpers
Peace,
Kathy
Thanksgivings
Thanks to Steve Davis, Beth Frilingos, and Joshua Smith for leading Children's Church while I was on Cumberland.
Thanks so much to Sarah and Bill Sullivan and family for stepping in to lead the Blessing Bag giveaway last Tuesday night when I couldn't attend. And thanks to all the volunteers that helped with filling the bags during our formation time.
Thanks to Todd Fuller for stepping in to help with Children's Church last Sunday.
Thanks to Brooke Gifford and Toni Halkos for helping with our Children's Service to make things run smoothly. Also a big thanks to all the regular folks that make the service happen for partnering with our kids and teaching them what they do.
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