What’s New At Incarnation?

Friends at Church of the Incarnation,

You do not want to miss the next two Sundays.   December 13 is the Third Sunday in Advent and we light the pink Joy Candle.

Be prepared for joy, as the Incarnation Kids and Youth at the 10:15 a.m. Worship Celebration will be presenting a special Christmas program:  “The Great Christmas Broadcast.”  Travel back to 1940 and gather around the radio to join the children in a search for Christmas! The memories of past times will put a smile on your face and the joy of finding the true meaning of Christmas will put a smile in your heart.   This is under the direction of Carol Larson, Christian Education Director, and Danny Moore, Youth Director.

December 20, 10:15 a.m. is the Choral Cantata, “Celebrate the Season” which is full of the spirit of Christmas!  This is directed by James Brownold, Choir Director.

Thanks to everyone who made the Boutique and the Soup Kitchen such a success.  We raised more money this year for Habitat for Humanity,  $1600 was donated.  We also raised more money for our PADS ministry through the Soup Kitchen.  I understand we are ahead in selling Christmas trees this year which will help us to pay our mission giving (apportionments) and other commitments for 2009.  Just a note that our Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings are designated this year for our mission/outreach through the United Methodist Church apportionment.  Your gifts, and many hours of work (and fun!)  made all the difference!  

Thanks to all who participated in the Meadows Christmas Party with our friends.   A good time was had by all ages and abilities as we sang carols together in the spirit of Christ’s love!

Looking ahead:   December 17 & 18 at 8 p.m  (Thursday and Friday) New Beginnings Concerts in the Sanctuary. 

December 21, 7:30 p.m. is a Service of Healing and Hope,  The Longest Night Service.  Come and invite a friend.

December 24, 7:00 p.m.  Christmas Eve Service of Carols and Candles, with story of the “Gift of the Magi” for the Children, and living nativity

Beginning January 1,  We invite you to join in 40 days of Prayer and Reflection using the book,  “Welcome Pastor.”  This is for personal prayer and reflection, with 4 dialogue sessions with pastor and people beginning Wednesday, January 13, at 6:15 - 7:25 p.m.  Pick up a book before January 1.,   Joel Hartland and Pastor B.J. will be leading the dialogue. 

It is not even Christmas, and the baby is born! Thanks for all the congratulations and prayers at the birth of Jerry and my first grandchild,  Seneca Marie Lyonsmith, born to our son and wife, Daniel and Angela Lyonsmith, December 4, 2009.  I will get a picture soon! 

I will be on a few days Spiritual Retreat this week,  Tuesday, December 15 - Thursday, December 17,  If an emergency need for a pastor should arise,  please call the pastors at First UMC in Arlington Heights. 

May the Peace of Christ be with you.

Your Friend and Pastor, B.J. Birkhahn-Rommelfanger

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 17th, 2009 at 10:30 and is filed under Pastor's Word. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.