Sunday marks the beginning of Advent, four Sundays of preparation and joyful anticipation of the birth of Jesus.

Sunday we begin to light our Advent wreath.  If you, or your family, would like to help out with the reading for the lighting of the candles, please let me know.

Worship this weekend – Saturday 5;00 p.m. – Worship in the chapel with Holy Communion
Sunday 8:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship with Holy Communion
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School, Adult Bible Study, Coffee and Fellowship
10:30 a.m. – Contemporary Worship with Holy Communion

A prayer for the season:

AN ADVENT PRAYER

Lord Jesus, master of both the light and the darkness,

send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!” Amen.

– Henry Nouwen, 2001.

It will be a very special Sunday at ELC as we gather for the dedication worship for our new addition.

There will be one Sunday morning worship with Holy Communion at 10:00 a.m.

Bishop Bruce Burnside will be with us to bring the message.  We’ll have music from the Senior Choir, Youth Choir, Cherub Choir, and Sunday School, as well as songs led by the Praise team, and traditional hymns sung with the organ.

Following worship there will be a lunch served in the fellowship hall.

Come celebrate with our church family, walk around the new addition, and visit with friends.

If you’re still around at noon and are concerned about missing the kickoff, stop down and watch the game in the Zaccheus room.

There will still be Saturday worship at 5:00 p.m. with Holy Communion

Saturday morning a group of 30 youth and adults will be packing meals for “Feed My Starving Children” at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Madison.  The goal is to pack 100,000 meals on Friday night and Saturday, with volunteers from the area.

The attached photo is of the “Faith” room in the new addition.  This space around the corner from the offices is designed for  small meetings, conversations, and counseling.

We’re looking forward to our Dedication worship on Sunday, November 18th.

Worship this weekend:  5:00 p.m. Saturday in the Chapel

That seems so simple, but that phrase, and more importantly that outlook on life, can profoundly change so much about our days.  Here’s one reminder that scripture gives:

¹⁴Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:14-15

I think it is not coincidence that peace within, and thankfulness are mentioned together.   It seems that’s something that the world around us is discovering as well.  In his online devotion, Prof. David Lose of Luther Seminary has explored some of the current research into human thought and behavior, and found that current thinkers are rediscovering truths that our faith should have taught us long ago.  He comments:

“So here’s another basic truth that it is fascinating to see explored and deployed by today’s leading thinkers: You are so much happier – and, as it turns out, far more productive – when you count your blessings. So what would our households, congregations, school, and places of work be like if we made a concentrated effort to count our blessings, give thanks for them, and encourage others to do the same? I think that such a small gesture could be surprisingly powerful. “ (read the entire post at:  http://www.davidlose.net/2012/07/give-thanks/)

So this month I challenge you to adopt thanksgiving not just as a holiday, but as an outlook on life.  In addition I’ll be placing a “Thanksgiving Book” in the narthex.  There will be readings, poems and such there, but feel free to write notes in the margins, or stick cards inside, sharing the things that you are thank God for this day.

God’s peace,

Pastor John Twiton