The Adult Advent Sunday School Class

Adult Sunday School offers a special Advent class through December 15. Join us at 10:00 am in the Grace Parlor for a video-based study by Rachel Billups, An Unlikely Advent. This Advent study focuses on the experiences of four sets of often overlooked characters in the Nativity story. We explore the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace by sharing the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Join us as we prepare our hearts and minds to welcome Emmanuel, God with us.

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Pastor’s Study: A Presentation of the Liturgical Year in the Church

Join Dr. Marsh on Wednesday mornings, December 4 and December 11 (9:30 am-11:00 am, in Room 208) for the Pastor’s Study: A presentation on the Liturgical Year in the church and use of the liturgical colors to increase our understanding and experience of Christian discipleship as a follower of Jesus Christ. Pastor Steve looks forward to this time with you. Instruction and discussion is a highlight.

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A Word from Our Interim Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh

  • Advent is about new beginnings. The First Sunday in Advent is December 1.

What is the new beginning you hope for in your life?

  • Hope is the expectation that God reigns and God’s promises will be fulfilled.

Jesus came into the world, fully God and fully man. Jesus Christ brings salvation to humans in order to reconcile all things to the Father.

  • Hope ensures your new beginning is purposed by God and not an accident.

It is this Jesus who suffered, died, and was buried for you. It is this Jesus who rose from the dead in order for you to know the most incredible new beginning…forgiveness of sin, everlasting life, and purpose for living.

  • Read the benediction below (benediction, in Latin, means, “good word”) written by the late Richard Halverson, Minister of Word and Sacrament (PCUSA), and Chaplain to the United States Senate (1981- 1994).

You go nowhere by accident.

Wherever you go, God is sending you.

He has a purpose in your being there.

Christ who indwells you has something he wants to do

through you wherever you are.

Believe this.

And go in his grace and love and power.

Amen.

  • Remember, nothing in your life and Grace’s is life is an accident. That is the promise of Advent

On the journey of Christian discipleship and spiritual formation with you, I remain faithfully yours,

Steve

The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh, Interim Pastor

Operation Holiday

Operation Holiday

For more than 60 years, HumanKind Ministries has brought the community together for Operation Holiday—helping our region’s most vulnerable residents get through the year’s coldest (and most expensive) months. And we can help. Grace is a drop-off location for the drive. Please bring your donations NO LATER than Sunday, December 8.

Operation Holiday Needs:

  • New or like-new children’s coats
  • New or handmade blankets
  • New or handmade children’s winter accessories
  • Non-perishable foods such as soup, proteins, peanut butter, and cereal
  • Matching body wash and lotion sets (men’s and women’s)

 

 

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Grace Holiday Schedule

A lot is happening during December.  Below are some dates of activities for you to participate in and changes in church hours.  All dates are for December unless otherwise noted.

  • Sunday, December 1 – First day of Advent
  • Monday, December 2 – Angel Tree gifts need to be returned to the church by 6 PM
  • Saturday, December 7, 9 – noon, Hanging of the Greens – come enjoy getting the church ready for the Christmas season, and bring your favorite soup to share.
  • Monday, December 9 – 6:30 PM Silent Night Service – a time to remember those Saints that have gone on before us.
  • Sunday, December 22 – Christmas brunch between services. Bring your favorite holiday food to share with all.
  • Tuesday, December 24—Christmas Eve services at 5 and 7 PM. Five pm is our Praise Band service, which is great for families, and 7 pm is our traditional Candlelight service.
  • Wednesday, December 25, Christmas day, the church is closed.
  • Thursday and Friday, December 26-28, the church is closed.
  • Wednesday, January 1, the church is closed.