MMC: Advent 2

Good Morning

It is hard to believe that we are already in the second week of Advent.  And that Christmas is coming and Christmas is coming quickly.

A Few Announcements

• Wreaths and Poinsettias order forms are due!!! Please contact Becky Pirron (203-644-4208) ASAP to get your order in. 
• Senior Lunch is Wednesday at Noon. We will be meeting at Plain Jane's (208 Greenwood Ave, Bethel)
• Council meets after worship this Sunday
• Grow 2 Gather meets again on Sunday Dec 18. Please bring in and Christmas advertisement you have to help us make a decoration for our church.

Book of Faith Puzzler

The question from last week: Today is the first day of the new church year.  Each year the majority of our gospel readings come from a different gospel.  Which gospel will we hear the most from this year? A) Matthew B) Mark C) Luke D) John
This year the majority of our gospel readings will come from Mark, however since Mark is the shortest of all four gospels, we will hear a lot from John as well, especially during the Lent and Easter seasons. Congratulations to our winner Nancy B. 
This week’s question:  What was the name of the angel who told Mary that she would have a child? A) Gabriel, B)Michael C)Raphael D)Uriel  

Send me your answer by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing. And looking up the answer is not cheating, it is encouraged.

Yesterday's Sermon

If you missed it, you can find the sermon here.  How do you see Jesus' story still unfolding?

Serving this Sunday

The following people have signed up to serve in worship this week.  

Worship Assistant: Ellen G

Reader: Nancy B

Communion Assistant: Lillian J

Ushers: ______ & _______

Bread baker/bringer: ________

Offering Counter: ___________

Coffee Hour Host: Heloisa and Mark H

Also people are starting to sign up to serve during the Christmas Eve Worship services

5pm Worship

Greeters and ushers ___________, _______________ & ________

Readers (up to 6 people) ____________, ____________, _________,____________, ______________ & __________

Communion Assistants: Cheryl M, Tori M

Prayer Leader: Mark H

Worship Coordinators: Nini C & Becky P

10pm Worship

Greeter & Ushers ___________ & ____________

Readers (up to 3) ____________, ___________ & _______

Communion Assistants ________ & ________
Prayer Leader: ____________

If you would like to volunteer in one of the ways that is currently not filled, please let me know which position and service you are volunteering for. 

This Week's Texts

The first reading is Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11.  Isaiah says that the Lord will bring comfort to those who mourn and deliverance to those who are oppressed, yet this time of year is very difficult for those who mourn and are oppressed as all the movies, tv shows, stores and radio remind them of memories of love ones or of what they do not have.  How does God still bring comfort and deliverance in the midst holiday and Christmas festivities?

The second reading is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24.  Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians with a few simple instructions: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,  & give thanks constantly.  When is it easy to rejoice, pray and give thanks?  When is it difficult?  

The gospel reading is John 1:6-8, 19-28. We again hear about John the Baptist, this time from the gospel of John.  John is asked by the religious leaders "Who are you?" and he says he is not the messiah, or Elijah or a prophet but the one calling out to prepare the way of the lord.  If someone was to ask "who are you?" how would you respond? Are you one preparing the way of the Lord? Or are you someone who needs to be better prepared yourself?  Or are you both?

Hope you all have a great week!

Have an Anticipatory Advent

~Pastor Becca