A Time to be On Our Way to Bethlehem
The Season of Advent is upon us and great things are happening around the church to help you and your family prepare for this beautiful season.
This is a time when we celebrate the mystery of Christmas; a time when we are all on the way to Bethlehem. In Children Worship & Wonder we ask ourselves who can show us the way to Bethlehem. For them they learn each week about prophets; Mary, Joseph & a donkey; shepherds & sheep and the Magi. There are others who can show us the way.
The children and youth can show us the way through their gift to the congregation: the Christmas Pageant. This year it will be "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." If you are not familiar with this old favorite, you are in for a special treat! Wait until you see what happens to the annual church pageant when the director, Mrs. Armstrong, is out with a broken leg and those dreadful Herdman children become part of the cast of characters! Christmas will never be the same!
Dedicated leaders of Sunday School classes can show us the way through study and discussion of Biblical text and sharing stories with one another of what it means to be followers of this new Christ child. The Friendship Class will be sharing The Journey to Bethlehem by utilizing an Advent study written by Adam Hamilton. George Kissick and the rest of the class invite all the classes to come together during the 4 Sundays of Advent to walk the road together. Beginning December 2 at 9:30 a.m. they will gather in the Fellowship Hall to view portions of the movie, "The Journey" together. Other classes are invited to stay for group discussion after the video clip or separate out to your respective classrooms to discuss in smaller group dynamics. Sunday School teachers are asked to discuss with one another this option and let George Kissick or Tracy know if you will be joining.
The Bell Choir and Chancel Choir can show us the way to Bethlehem. Scripture tells us of the chorus of angels heard by the shepherds on the night of Jesus' birth. We may not have angels in our choirs, but when they blend their talents together, they come pretty close. Both groups are hard at work preparing for the Christmas Cantata and special music for each Sunday's worship services. The Bell Choir begins practices this week. Prior musical experience is not necessary (it is helpful, though) to lend your efforts to the ringing of bells. Join Bell Choir for practices each week on Wednesday evenings 5-6 p.m. and the Chancel Choir 7-8 p.m.
Most importantly, join us each week of Advent to walk with friends, family and neighbors this Journey to Bethlehem where we meet the long-expected Christ Child. This Advent season we will offer dedicated study, beautiful music, talented entertainment (the pageant) and worship each week to bring us closer to God and to one another.
Blessings,
Tracy