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| December 2009 | Volume 58, Issue 7 |
- Advent & Christmas
- Caring and Sharing News & Opportunities
- Pastor's Desk: Christmas: A mysterious thing
- Camp Brainerd Task Force
- Sponsors & Helpers
- Ladies' Circle
- OYEA!
Advent and Christmas
Already we are into the Advent Season. Our twelve foot Christmas tree has been erected (thanks to Rich Wamsley, Darryl Davis and Kay Davis) and decorated (thanks to all who prepared for and attended our Christmas Tree Trim party). In the Sundays to come we will be building on the anticipation of the season looking forward to the day when we will celebrate our Savior’s birth and look toward the promised redemption we receive through Jesus Christ.
On the Second Sunday of Advent (December 6) we will celebrate communion. Our service is focused on the preaching of John the Baptist, a voice of one crying out in the wilderness “prepare the way of the Lord.” As John looks forward to the coming of the Messiah, we too look forward for the day when God will complete HIS good work among us. (If you get this after the 6th, please blame me and not our editor – I was on vacation at the end of November and she was working and waiting for me to get my article in.)
On the Third Sunday of Advent (December 13) we set aside the Advent theme and recall the meaning of some of the decorations and symbols that adorn our homes during the Christmas season in our annual Hanging of the Greens Service. Come and celebrate the joy; sing some of the old Christmas Carols and be amazed at what the coming of Christ really means. We will also celebrate White Gift Sunday (feel free to bring in canned goods wrapped in white paper) where we will take a special collection to support the work of the Board of Deacons for next year. A meeting of the congregation will take place after the worship service to elect officers for next year and approve the Pastor’s terms of call.
On the Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 20) we will hear the story of two women with unexpected pregnancies. One is a barren woman who is now with child whom will be named John and become John the Baptist. The other is a young virgin who has conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit. In their coming together we hear of one child (John) leaping in his mother’s womb and the mother of the other child (Jesus) proclaiming the good news of what this child’s birth will mean for the world in which we live.
On Christmas Eve we gather for two services. At 5:30 we will have a Family Service entitled “Joy to the World.” Join us for this fun and interactive service where we will retell the story of Jesus birth. At 7:00 we begin our traditional and inspirational Candlelight Service. Come as we celebrate the light coming into the world.
On Sunday, December 27, our Session will lead our service with special readings from the poetry of Ann Weems, lots of music and lots of Spirit. Join us for the festive celebration.
Please make Olivet a part of your Christmas plans this year and invite any friends or family members to join you.
Pastor Bob
