December worship calendar

December 13 – Advent 3 – We will have our regular worship at 8 and 9:30 a.m. The youth Christmas program entitled “The Bethlehem Project” will be presented at 10:30 a.m.

The presence of the Lord “in your midst” is cause for singing. The nearness of the Lord in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one “more powerful” than John, even with his winnowing fork in his hand, is good news – cause for exultation – for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent.

December 20 – Advent 4 – Holy Communion

Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and the blessed virgin Mary’s magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ’s advent is for “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in the Holy Communion – with high delight – “we proclaim the Lord’s death.”

CHRISTMAS EVE – THE CELEBRATION OF JESUS’ BIRTH

You and your family and friends are invited to join us on this most holy night as we welcome the long-awaited Savior – Christ the Lord. Our Service schedule is…

4:30 p.m. – Children’s Service (Holy Communion)
7 p.m. – Candlelight and Holy Communion
9 p.m. – Candlelight and Holy Communion
11 p.m. – Candlelight and Holy Communion

December 27 – The first Sunday after Christmas

On the first Sunday of Christmas we find the boy Samuel and the boy Jesus, both in the temple, both growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and humankind. We too have returned to the house of God “to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God,” who has gifted us with a savior. As the festival continues, “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” It is Christmas, still!

Jesus' birthday party at Cherub's Corner on Dec. 20

Children of ALL ages are invited to join us Sunday, Dec. 20, for a very special birthday party at Cherub's Corner! We will celebrate Jesus’ birth at the 10:30 a.m. service. After a children’s sermon, we’ll gather in the fellowship hall for cake and ice cream, as well as some other surprises! We’d like to know approximately how many to expect, so please sign up in the Narthex.

Lawn tractor for sale

The John Deere diesel tractor that we have used for mowing lawns is for sale. A new zero-turn mower will be arriving in the spring thanks to the gracious memorial gifts of the George Kratzer family!

We will receive sealed bids for all parties desiring to buy the tractor. Please submit your name and your bid to the church by Dec. 31. If you would like more information about the tractor, please contact Don Bostic.

Church secretary needed

We are seeking persons interested in the position of church secretary. It is a four-hour-a-day, five-days-a-week position, with hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The position requires computer proficiency in MS Word and some Excel use; in addition there are other requirements that will be discussed at the time of an interview.

If interested, please submit a resume or a letter of interest c/o the church by e-mailing HolyCr1975@aol.com.

Join us for Christmas caroling

Please join us as we go Christmas caroling on Sunday, Dec. 20. Seeing faces light up with joy as through our humble efforts we “give it our best” in our rendition of favorite carols is an experience that as the television commercial says is, “priceless!” Until you come along you can’t fully know the warm, inner feeling you receive as the night ends and we all head home! Everyone is invited to come along!

We will leave the church at 5 p.m. SHARP! (Note the time change from previous years.) Please bring a flashlight and dress accordingly. And, remember, we will need some persons to help drive. We will be finished by 9 p.m. at the latest. It’s about several hours of serving the Lord that will give you a wonderful memory forever.

If there is a question of our going because of the weather, please call Pastor John (at home or his cell phone) or call the church (610-759-7363). A decision will be made by 4 p.m. at the latest!

Vote on budget, elect council members on Dec. 20

Our annual congregational meeting will be held Sunday, Dec. 20.

• The 2010 Ministry Spending Proposal as approved by the church council will be voted upon that morning.
• Also that day, four new members will be elected to serve three-year terms on church council.

By tradition, voting only on the Ministry Spending Proposal and the election of needed church council members will take place after the 8 and 9:30 a.m. services; voting on these items and the presentation of concerns for discussion at an adjourned date will be received during an open agenda time after the 10:30 a.m. service.