As we move through this season of Advent, I pray you are finding time to rest, pause, reflect, and worship. Our church school children have received an Advent calendar highlighting the different biblical names used for Jesus. Your pastors are posting daily devotions on social media using the same theme.
One of the names the Bible uses for Jesus is Emmanuel, which means “God with Us”. Be sure to take time this month to stop, rest, and reflect on what that truly means. The God of all creation cares about you. He has shown up for you. The all-powerful and all-knowing God gave his Son for you. The God who made you and all that exists walks together with through the joys and sorrows of life. It truly is an amazing reality.
This God, filled with love and grace, is worthy to be worshiped. It is within worship that God shows up for you in word and sacrament. Within worship, God shows up and speaks his powerful word of grace.
So, yes, take time to rest, pause, reflect, and worship. It will bring a blessing to your soul.
Upcoming Worship Opportunities:
Saturday, December 9, at 5:00 p.m. we gather for the Service of Hope and Remembrance. During this reflective time of worship, we have the opportunity to remember, and honor loved ones who have gone before us and hear the promises of hope and eternal life in Jesus Christ. Jesus meets us in Holy Communion at this service.
Sunday, December 10 at both the 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. services, our choirs, orchestra, and musicians present the annual Advent Cantata as part of our worship together. We pause and allow God’s word of hope, faith, peace, and love to speak to us through music and Scripture.
Wednesday, December 13 – Wednesday Church School Children’s Christmas Program: 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 17 – Sunday Church School Children’s Christmas Program: 3 p.m.
The full Christmas Eve worship schedule:
Saturday, December 23
- 5:00 p.m. (Full Christmas Eve Worship with candlelight and Holy Communion – Pastor Tim preaching)
Sunday, December 24
- No 9:00 a.m. Service
- 10:30 a.m. (carols, candlelight, and Holy Communion – Pastor Heidi preaching)
- 2:00 p.m. (children and family emphasis – Pastor Sarah leading)
- 3:30 p.m. (livestreamed at gloriadeisf.org/live, carols and candlelight – Pastor Tim preaching)
- 5:00 p.m. (carols and candlelight – Pastor Tim preaching)
- 9:00 p.m. (carols, candlelight, and Holy Communion – Pastor Chris preaching)
*Please note, there will be only one worship service on Sunday, December 31 at 10:30 a.m. and it will be livestreamed at www.gloriadeisf.org/live.
See you in worship,
Pastor Tim
