E-News

Our annual voter’s meeting is scheduled for Sunday, December 4, after worship. All are welcome to attend, and members are welcome to vote on the budget and other items. If you are not sure of your membership status, please see Rene or Pr Tom.

This Week: At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the light of Christ’s coming. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near. Readings and Psalm Isaiah 11:1-10 From David’s line, a ruler bringing justice and peace Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 May the righteous flourish; let there be an abundance of peace. (Ps. 72:7) Romans 15:4-13 Live in harmony, welcoming one another Matthew 3:1-12 A voice cries: Prepare the way of the Lord Our MIC Students, Samantha and Malina, both wrote pieces for our recent newsletter about Advent.  If you have not read them, or want to read them again, click here! Plan to Join us for another edition of Beer & Carols, First Trinity style. We are still in the process of venue-picking, but rest assured, there will be singing and santa, voices and glasses raised high to the sky. Merry Christmas, people.  Thursday, December 15, 8-11 pm. Godly Play Godly Play is every Sunday at 9:15 am. All kids, 11 and under are welcome. Coffee will be on for parents. We are looking for folks to provide snacks for youth on Sundays. If you are interested, please speak to Erika or Patti.   I wonder, what is Godly Play?  Children have an innate sense of the presence of God. The Godly Play approach helps them to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles and developed using a spiral curriculum, the Godly Play method serves children through early, middle and late childhood and beyond. Come join us! St. Nicholas Day On November 13 Santa stopped by, but he still had a clean-shaven look for the warmer weather. He tells us that by St. Nicholas Day (December 6) he will have regrown his beard and will be ready for photos! He has agreed to come back on St. Nicholas Day to visit God's Closet. BYO Camera for free photos, or we will post photos on Facebook and Instagram so that you can download them. Kids of all ages, families, friends, and well behaved pets are welcome to take a photo with Santa.  This is a free event but we do suggest making a $5 donation to God's Closet. As usual there will be a community meal shared during God's Closet. God's Closet is open 5-7, but Santa is only commiting an hour. If we have a line of people we might be able to convince him to stay longer.  Little is known about Nicholas, except that he was a bishop in present-day Turkey. According to legend, he was famous for his giving to the poor, and so has become a symbol of anonymous gift-giving.