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Pastor Amy's Thoughts...

12/15/2017

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Greetings!
It is the start of another season of Advent, the season in which we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. It is also the season when we shop, cook, bake, clean and get ready for celebrating the holidays together. It is a season for quiet reflection and frantic preparations – or at least it feels that way sometimes. A cartoon I saw online today shows that tension. In the first panel, labeled “One Sunday in Advent,” the pastor has her arms outstretched in welcome at the front of the sanctuary, advent candle lit beside her, and she says “Slow down. Quiet. It’s Advent.” And in the next panel, labeled “One Monday in Advent,” she is in her office after worship, and the voices all around her are saying “Planned the services yet? Got the music yet? Ordered Poinsettias? Who’s making wreaths? Christmas party at your place? Hurry up – get busy - it’s Advent!” and a small child asks, “Done your shopping yet, Mom?” I hope you are smiling at this image - because it is not just pastors who feel this way. Advent puts each one of us into that place of tension. We desire to prepare well, to slow down, and to enjoy the season. But for many of us, there is so very much to do during this season, and slowing down seems an impossible goal.
I am reminded of Jesus’ encounter with the sisters Mary and Martha. In Luke 10 we read that Jesus visited them at their home. Mary chooses to sit and listen to Jesus teach his disciples. Martha is annoyed that her sister has skipped out on the duties expected of a hostess, and complains to Jesus, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?” But Jesus replies in a way Martha did not expect, saying “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
It is the last sentence of Jesus’ that I hold onto during this busy season. I want to choose the better part, to choose those things that will not be taken away. Yes, the dishes need to be washed and dinner needs to be started if it is to be on time. But maybe the dishes can wait, and maybe dinner can be simpler - or even late. I want to give up distractions and focus on what truly matters. People matter more than things, and our relationship with Jesus matters most of all.
Martha tried to do everything, let’s follow Mary’s lead and do what truly matters.
In the abundance of this season, let’s choose well where to put our time and our energy. Let’s follow Mary’s lead and find time to sit at the feet of Jesus.
In Christ,
Pastor Amy
 



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Youth Group Reunion and Christmas Party

12/15/2017

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Come join us for a white-elephant celebration of Christmas on Wednesday December 20th at 6PM at the church. Bring a wrapped gift (worth no more than $5) to share and we’ll provide pizza, salad, and dessert. RSVPs requested.

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Five-Month Guided Prayer Retreat

12/15/2017

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 Registration is online at www.renewalminnw.org.

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Sno-King Community Chorale Holiday Concerts

12/15/2017

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We have several choir members in this year’s holiday concert, “Holiday Magic: Holiday Memories.” There will be two concerts on Saturday, December 9th at 3PM and 7PM. Tickets are available through Edmonds Center for the Arts.

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Unite Winter Retreat for Youth - December 27- 30th at Tall Timber Ranch

12/15/2017

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A retreat for youth and young adults ages middle school through college. Come join youth and young adults from churches throughout western Washington for a fun time of fellowship in the snow. Contact Pastor Amy or the church office for more information. 

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Reformation Roots Class:

12/15/2017

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We have begun studying the history of the Reformation, using a study titled, “Reformation Roots.” Each lesson has a short video and questions for discussion. There are 12 lessons in the material, and we will spread them out over the fall and into 2018. The class meets following worship on December 3rd. After a long holiday break, we will resume the class on January 7th. Thank you to all who are sharing in the leadership of this class.

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Deacons Fund

12/15/2017

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As we head into the winter, the needs in both our church community and the larger local area increase as the temperature falls. If you would like to assist the church in helping with immediate needs in our community, please consider a gift to the deacons’ fund. The Deacons have their own account. Please write your check to “Edmonds Presbyterian Deacons.” And again, thank-you for your generosity.

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2018 Per Capita

12/15/2017

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This coming year the amount we contribute toward the work of the denomination at the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly level will total $49.23 per member. Per capita is one way our members and congregation annually support the work of the whole church as that church also supports us in our ministry in this place. Your separate contribution of this amount is appreciated, as it keeps this expense from impacting our spending plan for 2018. Please mark your contribution as “per capita.”

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Women’s Association

12/15/2017

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The Women’s Association will meet on December 13th at 11:30AM. A “salad” luncheon will be served around noon. Bring a salad to share and enjoy a good lunch while visiting with friends. If you are unable to bring a salad, come anyway. Pastor Amy will lead a communion service, followed by singing of Christmas carols accompanied by Kathy M.

In November, Mary Ellen Friez from Clear Caption Phones told us about phones for people with some hearing loss. The phone will show what the caller says in text so you can read what they’re saying as well as hear it. The phone is available for free for people with some hearing loss. The cost is paid by a tax on the phone bill. She can be reached at (206) 450-6400.
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The annual bake sale will be on December 10th after worship. Christmas goodies will provide treats for the holiday season and support missions. All proceeds go to mission agencies supported by the Women’s Association.

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Advent & Christmas Services & Events

12/15/2017

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· Advent Jazz with special soloist Nichol Eskridge – Sunday, December 10th at 10AM. We will be treated to amazing jazz and gospel music for the Advent season.
· Women’s Association Bake Sale – Sunday, December 10th following worship. Come and buy some treats for the holidays and support the women’s mission causes.
· Women’s Association Meeting, Luncheon & Communion—Wednesday, December 13th beginning at 11:30AM. Come join us as we welcome Advent with carols and the Lord’s Supper. This is a “salad luncheon.” You are invited to bring a salad to share.
· Advent Potluck Fellowship - Sunday, December 17th following worship. Bring a dish to share and enjoy a time of fellowship together.
· Christmas Eve Sunday worship – ONE SERVICE – at 10AM.  We will celebrate the birth of Jesus in the morning with a service of lessons, carols and special choral music. The service will conclude with candle lighting.


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