Dear Congregation,
Christmas is coming! This Sunday Lorrie and Isabella LeGrand & Jose Otlaora will light the fourth candle on the Advent Wreath, the purple LOVE candle, during the late worship service. I hope you’re able to take time to be present at one of the services either at 8:45 a.m. or at 10:30 a.m. In the natural beauty of the Garden Chapel or in the poinsettia-filled the Sanctuary, redolent with the fragrant smell of a real Christmas tree, there is peace to be found and wonder to revisit. We’ll hear Matthew’s story of the angel’s announcement to Joseph of Jesus’ impending birth and what that will mean for his life. There will be carols to sing and beautiful music from Jay and the choir to savor. In the busyness of the season, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of what it’s all about.
You’ll notice when you enter the Sanctuary that there is a cardboard stable made by Lia Smith for her Confirmation project. You’re invited to fill the stable with canned goods with pull-tab lids by Christmas Eve. The food will be donated to the students at Southridge High School who are currently living with their families in the cars and other temporary accommodations.
Our Candlelight Christmas Eve service will be Tuesday, December 24 at 6 p.m. Come and bring family and friends to this lovely service in which the Praise Band, soloists, and our choir will glorify God with their talents. The Godley-Juarez family will light the white Christ candle on the Advent wreath. The old, old story of Jesus’ birth will be read. We’ll pray together. There’ll be a message for our time, and an offering will be received for The Christmas Fund. At the close of worship, we’ll go outside into the Garden Chapel where each person is invited to hold a lit candle as we sing “Silent Night” together under the evening sky. It will be a blessing to share all this with you.
May God bless you at Christmas and always.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Candy Thomas
Interim Pastor
Christ Congregational United Church of Christ