Dear Fellow Travelers,
In Advent, the darkness of the evenings and heavy clouds of an approaching Pacific Northwest winter are everywhere. A small candle of light makes a big difference. The people of the Seattle area celebrate the light with garish displays of Christmas decorations. It is something I love about our place in the world. Let Edmonds Presbyterian Church be the candle of hope, peace, joy, and love in our neighborhood as we celebrate Advent.
Mark your calendars now for Christmas Eve service which will be at 11 PM again this year.
Our Bible Study is focused on Advent with “The Advent of the Savior” by Cindy Bunch. It was so well liked from several years ago, we decided to bring it to you again. Bible Study continues after worship at 11:30 AM in person and on zoom. The Tuesday Bible Study group is at 10 AM on zoom only. Please check out our website for information. Look at the end of this flyer for login details.
Women’s association will meet again on the 2nd Wednesday. Watch for details. The men’s group meets every Saturday at 9 AM. We have so many interesting discussions about scripture and current events, and a great time of prayer.
This is what I am planning for worship in December.
Sunday, December 7th. “Holy Spirit and Fire” We have a choice every day. Will we treat people with dignity and understanding? Will we be indifferent and look the other way from exploitation? It's much more complicated than it sounds. Isaiah gives a vision of world when it won't be so complicated. John the Baptist tells us how this can't happen without a reckoning. Jesus is that reckoning. When will we follow him?
Sunday, December 14th. “Project of a Lifetime” On Joy Sunday, we hear the words of Mary as she proclaims the turning of the age. She says things are going to be different from now on. It is an invitation to not accept the dog-eat-dog cruelty of the world. To hope for mercy and justice, finally. But it is easy to get discouraged. James says to be patient, because it is the project of a lifetime. The work never stops.
Sunday, December 21st. “Restore Us O God” Finally, Jesus is almost here. Mary is heavy with child, uncomfortable and deeply afraid, knowing that Joseph will protect and support her. He took a risk by setting aside the social norms of his culture. The mercy of God was with them, Mary and Joseph. This is what love looks like. It is more than a feeling. It is living out the love of God in a very human way.
Wednesday, Christmas Eve, 11 PM. “The Grace of God has Appeared” There are two phrases in the Letter to Titus that must always be read together. "Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" and "bringing salvation to all people." If we proclaim Jesus as Lord, it must be for all people, not just the few. The birth of Christ is Emanuel, God with Us, and the Us is everyone.
December 28th. “Safe in Nazareth” Jesus was born into a hurting and fractious world. He was not safe in Judah, so his parents fled to Egypt. When it was safe enough to return, they headed home to Nazareth in Galilee. Even though Jesus was descended from Judeans, he would never be completely safe there. The geography of Jesus's life is crucial to his ministry and to understanding what it means to be a Christian today.
It is a joy to serve God with you! I look forward to worshipping with you in December!
Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob
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