21 December 2018 – Advent Announcements

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Dec. 23 – Bob Serpas. Note that there will be NO Sunday School or Bible Class on Sunday, December 30.

Thank you from Wilmington: We received a lovely thank you note from the Marshall family in Wilmington. We have included this family in prayers on Sunday since Hurricane Florence. A close friend of a member of the congregation wrote the note on behalf of her parents who lost their home and all their belongings during hurricane Florence. Donations received at the Men of Advent Retreat were used to purchase gift cards and the Care Committee also contributed a gift card. Thank you! Your generosity is making a difference in people’s lives.

Advent Services: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)” Matthew 1:23. Join us for our Advent worship series, “God with Us.” Each week will focus on a different word picture of the coming Christ found in the poetic and prophetic words of Isaiah and will reveal how Christ continues be present with us even now. Light Supper at 6:15 p.m., Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Sunday, December 23: Our Guide (Isaiah 2:3): God is with us as our Guide, who leads us according to his Word.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Monday, December 24 – Pre-service Music 6:45 p.m., Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. The prophet Isaiah foretold, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). Join us for Christmas Eve to celebrate the great Light that has come into our world to dispel the darkness of sin forever. Candlelight, carols, Scripture, a homily and prayers reveal the Good News that our Great Light has dawned: Jesus Christ is born; let us rejoice!

Christmas Day Services: We will not be having a Christmas Day service. Area Lutheran churches that will be having services include:Grace, Durham – 10am; Our Savior, Raleigh – 11 am; Resurrection, Cary – 10am.

Hurricane Relief – Helping Our Neighbors:

Christmas Sharing Tree: Your gifts for children in Lumberton were delivered on Tuesday, December 18. Thank you for your generosity! Pictures and more information will be posted in the Narthex.

Gift Cards: We continue to collect Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement gift cards or cash each Sunday through December and will send your donations to Pastor Williamson in Lumberton at the end of the month. Contacts: Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong.

Continue a Christmas Card Tradition: You are invited to bring (or send) a Christmas card to share with your Advent family. We will hang your cards on the “Sharing Tree” in the Narthex.

Readings for Sunday, December 23, Fourth S. in Advent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Isaiah 2:1-5, Ephesians 4:1-6, John 14:1-6.

May the HOPE of salvation, Jesus Christ, shine through you.
May God’s PEACE be made known in you and in our world.
May the JOY of knowing Jesus be in the words you speak, the songs you sing.
And, may the LOVE of God overflow in your heart.

Wishing you all a Blessed Christmas!