With all due respect to the ancient Mayans it seems the world did not end.  (I never really thought they had knowledge greater than the one who said:  “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, — but only the Father.”  Matt.24:36)   We have celebrated another Christmas, and now the New Year awaits – so now what?

This past year was a remarkable one in the life of ELC.  We celebrated 125 years in ministry; we completed a long-awaited building expansion, the world around us continues to change and bring new challenges.  The question for all of us is:  How will we move into this New Year?

After the great events of the ascension and the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost, those first disciples faced a world that was also in an uproar.  They were a minority movement, opposed by the dominant powers of their day.  They lived in a world being shaped by forces from faraway lands and non-believing philosophies.  So how did they respond?  The book of Acts reports:  “Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home- and ate their food with glad and generous- hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.” (Acts 2:46-47)

Rather than sit back and worry, they went about being the people of God in basic and concrete ways every day.  That doesn’t seem like too bad a plan.  In this New Year I believe it is time to commit ourselves to being the people of God in this place.  We have  tremendous opportunities, we have wonderful facilities, and most of all we have the presence of power of God in our midst.

God’s Peace,

Pastor John Twiton

This photo is from Christmas Eve worship at ELC.  It was great to see so many extended families and friends gather for candlelight and Christmas carols!!

We return to regular worship schedule this weekend  –  Saturday at 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

We draw closer to Christmas this 3rd Sunday of Advent, and we have a great weekend of activities planned for the whole community.

Saturday morning, our youth group will be have krumkake orders ready to pick up, along with fresh lefse and other baked goods beginning from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

Sunday School Christmas program rehearsal will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Saturday evening worship with Holy Communion will be in the chapel at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday morning – Traditional Worship with Holy communion at 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School, Adult Bible Study and fellowship at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School Program will be at our 10:30 worship time.

Sunday Evening – 5:00 p.m. Christmas at ELC  followed by Chili Supper

Don’t forget our “Christmas at ELC” concert at 5:00 p.m. this Sunday to benefit the Mt. Horeb Area Food Pantry.  A free-will offering will help provide Christmas baskets for families in our area.
The Concert will include many groups and musicians from our congregation, along with audience sing-alongs for everyone.

Following the concert, the Men of the Church will provide a chili supper in the fellowship hall.

Please plan to join us for this wonderful evening, and be sure to invite your friends and neighbors.

Worship this weekend:  5:00 pm. Saturday in Chapel

8:30 a.m. Sunday – Traditional Worship

10:30 a.m. – Contemporary Worship
Joel 2:12-13, 28-29

Key Verses: “Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.” Joel 2:13

Time: About 430 B.C.E.

Since Last Week: Having been freed from Babylonian exile by the Persians, the Israelites returned home and began to rebuild. Ezra and Nehemiah report that during this time the temple was rebuilt, the Torah was reestablished as the law and the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt.

Background: Joel contains strong imagery to paint a picture of Israel’s destruction and renewal. Many of these images call to mind the saving work of God in leading the people out of slavery in Egypt during the time of Moses. God uses the natural world to exercise power and promise for the people.

During Advent we reflect on the emptiness of the world and anticipate the coming of the Christ child. Joel’s reading is relevant for us today, as a call to repentance and renewal of faith and action.

Community: How is your community of faith preparing for Christmas? What difference will your preparations make in the larger community around you? What can you do to bring hope and renewal to people in need?

At Home: What in your life requires repentance and renewal? Who in your life needs hope? How can you bring hope to those who need it?

Read This Week:
Monday: End of Babylonian Captivity, Ezra 1:1-11
Tuesday: Lament over the Ruined Country, Joel 1:1-12
Wednesday: Call to Repentance and God’s Response, Joel 1:13-20 (or 1:13-2:32)
Thursday: Dedication of the Temple, Ezra 6:13-22
Friday: Ezra Restores Torah as Law, Nehemiah 8:1-12
Saturday: Dedication of Jerusalem’s Wall, Nehemiah 12:27-43 (or 12:27-47)

Next Week: Isaiah Announces Liberty, Isaiah 61:1-11