Dec. 2, 2012 - 1st Sunday of Advent - Hope

Happy New Year


Worship

This Sunday is the first Sunday of the Christian calendar, beginning the Season of Advent. In the three year Lectionary, or list of suggested readings for each Sunday, this is the start of Year C. Advent means “coming.” During Advent we prepare for two “comings.” We prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, the “coming” of God to earth as a human being. But we also recognize that everything in this world is not as it should be. In this sense, Advent is also a time to reflect on ways in which we can play an active role in preparing a way for God to “come” into our world now. The church as always proclaimed that Christ will come again. The challenge has always been to understand what that means. Is this “second coming” going to be apocalyptic, cataclysmic, revolutionary or unnoticed? There are a number of passages in Scripture that seem to indicate that there will be signs to know when God is coming into the world. We will hear a couple this Sunday.

From the Scriptures we will hear from the Prophets: Jeremiah 33: 14-16, from the Psalms: Psalm 25: 1-10, and from the Gospels: Luke 21: 25-36

The story for all ages is “Signs”

The sermon title is taken from the Gospel reading, “There will be signs.”

Sunday School

This week we will be learning about the birth of a baby. Can you guess who? We will also learn about his family and yours. Characters in our story will come to life as we read on.

Outreach

Sunday, December 9th is SOCK SUNDAY. Bring pairs of new warm socks (wool and “diabetic preferred) to Church and they will be gathered together. They will be given to bring warmth and comfort to Edmonton’s homeless.

BISSELL URGENT APPEAL www.globaltvedmonton.com

“We are completely out of toothpaste, gloves/mitts, and socks. Anything you can do to help really makes a big difference in the lives of those living without a home at this chilling time of year!”

Christmas Hampers

Again this year our Church will be providing Christmas Hampers to needy families. See the poster at the Church to sponsor a hamper or provide a Christmas gift. “Hamper Shopping” will be on Dec 22nd. Watch this space for more details.

Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)

Wednesday, December 5 - Book Study, 1:30 in the Lounge, “Conversations with God”
Sunday, December 9 – Second Sunday of Advent – SOCK SUNDAY
Sunday, December 16 at 2:00 - Tri-faith (Jewish, Christian, Muslim) Celebration at City Hall. Music, food and Information sponsored by the Phoenix Multifaith Society for Harmony and the Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action.
Sunday, December 16 at 6:30 – CHRISTMAS MIRACLES presented by the musicians of Spirit West. A wonderful evening for the whole family!

Thanks for reading,

See you Sunday,

Larry