Monday, December 12, 2011

MMC: Advent 3

Good Morning Bethlehem

Is the anticipation for Christmas killing you or are you starting to dread that Christmas is just two weeks away?  Are you patiently waiting for Christmas to get here, chomping at the bit for it to arrive or trying to push it off as long as you can?  We are already in the 3rd week of Advent, Christmas is coming, it is almost here, and yet not yet here.  I hope that the next two weeks find you you excited and full of anticipation (and in good health). 

A Few Announcements
  • Poinsettia and wreath orders are DUE! If you have not yet gotten your order in call Becky P TODAY 
  • If you forgot your gifts for St. Luke's Life Works, please drop them off at the church or parsonage by Wednesday.  You can also call Ellen G
  • Confirmation is meeting on Tuesday at 6pm at the parsonage
  • Celebration Choir is rehearsing Tuesday at 7:45pm at the church. 
  • Help decorate the church inside and out! Next Sunday after worship we will be putting up the wreaths, decorating both the tree in the sanctuary and the one in the yard, putting up candleabras and more.  Please plan on decking the halls after worship.
  • Grow 2 Gather is meeting on Sunday at 9am.  We will be hearing about Jesus' birth and making a decoration for the church.  Please bring Christmas ads that you have received in the mail on newspapers as we will be using those for our craft.
Book of Faith Puzzler
The question from last week: What was the name of the angel who told Mary that she would have a child? A) Gabriel, B)Michael C)Raphael D)Uriel


In Luke 1:26-27 is says that “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.”  Gabriel told Mary that she would give birth to a son and name him Jesus. Congratulations to Heloisa H for winning this week's puzzler. 


This week’s question:  What is John the Baptist’s relationship with Jesus?  A) Friend, B)Student-teacher C) Cousins D) Brothers  If you know the answer or are willing to look it up, email me the answer by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing. 

Yesterday's Sermon
If you missed it you can read it here.  Who have been Johns in your life?  Who are you called to be John to?  How have those people been John to you?  And how can you be John to other people?

Serving this Sunday & on Christmas Eve
The following people have signed up to assist in worship on Sunday 
Worship Assistant: Mark H
Reader: Cheryl M
Communion Assistant: Lillian J
Ushers: ________ & _________
Bread baker/bringer: __________
Communion set up & clean up: ____________
Offering Counter: Frank C 
Coffee Hour Host: M Family

And the following people have signed up to serve on Christmas Eve
5pm Worship:
Greeters & ushers: ____________, __________ & ___________
Readers:  
  • Isaiah 2:1-5: Ellen G
  • Luke 1:26-35 __________
  • Isaiah 9:2-7: ___________
  • Luke 2:1-7: ____________
  • Luke 2:8-14: ___________
  • Luke 2:15-20: __________
Communion Assistants: Cheryl M & Tori M
Prayer Leader: Mark H

10pm Worship
Greeter & Usher: _________ & __________
Readers:
  • Isaiah 9:2-7 __________
  • Titus 2:11-14 _________
Communion Assistants: Lillian J & __________
Prayer leader: _____________

Please let me know if you are willing to serve this Sunday or on Christmas Eve - I would LOVE to have all the positions filled this week for Christmas Eve so next week I don't have to track down people who are willing to read, usher, pray, etc.

This Week's Texts
For our 4th Sunday in Advent we continue to prepare for Christ's birth, especially in our gospel reading Luke 1:26-38, where Mary is told by Gabriel that she is pregnant.  Mary is told that she has found favor with God.  Why do you think Mary was the "lucky" one to get to birth the Christ?  Do you actually think she was lucky or was she baring a heavy burden? Mary response by saying "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word."  How would you respond if you were told your life was going to drastically change and probably make your life difficult (at least in the short term) but it was all because God loves you?  

Hope you all have an anticipatory Advent!

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