During this Advent Season, we are called to support the Christmas Joy Offering and to open doors for those we might not be able to meet face to face with but who need the support that our gifts provide. We receive this offering at Grace on December 18.

We support the potential of students of color who become our leaders, and we seek to come alongside them, to encourage them, and to open doors for them. And we support church workers and their families who have critical financial needs, and we come alongside them to assist them — we open doors for them. We thank God for being “with us” through the gift of Jesus and for joining us together as the Church and, through our gifts, with those who have need.

The story of God, as we tell it, is not about a barrier, but about a gift. It’s not about the separation, but about the gift of “being with.” Please give generously to the Christmas Joy Offering, in celebration of God’s perfect gift to us. Give because it brings us together, to open doors of relief and opportunity, and to relationships that are part of God’s story, a part of God’s perfect gift to us.

Our gifts reflect our generous God. Our gifts support leaders in our Church and world — past, present, and future.  – PCUSA Special Offerings

On Sunday, December 18, the choir at Grace presents three carol settings at the 11 am service. This composition, entitled “A Star in the East,” was written by the brilliant Gwyneth Walker (b. 1947). She wrote this work in the winter of 2020, among all the challenges Covid-19 presented to churches, musicians, and the world. This work incorporates organ, brass, and percussion to accompany the singers. I am very excited to have Kelsey Wise on the organ, members from Intrepid Brass, and Bryce Mulkey on percussion work with the Grace Chancel Choir on this project.

The three carol settings include:

1. “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella” is a traditional French carol.
2. “In the Bleak Midwinter” is a text by Christina Rossetti.
3. “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow” is a traditional African American Spiritual.

We would love to see you on December 18, when we will share this energetic and melodic work with you!

Blessings,

Tyler Morris

Director of Music Ministries

Christmas Brunch is just around the corner! Join us in the Great Room on December 18 from 10 am-11 am. It’ll be great to take some time from the hustle and bustle, relax, and visit with your Grace friends. This is a potluck, and sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board by the coffee bar. The categories are egg dishes, meat and cheese, fruit, bread, and pastries.

This year’s theme is “O Tannenbaum,” so if you’re creative or want to be, this is your chance to practice your “tree” making skills! Dishes can be delivered to the kitchen any time before 10 am on December 18.

Keep an eye out for Mary, Joseph, and their donkey as well as the Three Wise Men.  They are all traveling around our church, making their way to Bethlehem.  Each week in Sunday School, our children’s class moves them closer to the manger.