Today's Advent Devotion
Friday, December 11
John 1:6–8, 19–28In his own words, John the Baptist has said that he is not the Messiah, Elijah, or the prophet (1:20–21). The opponents on the scene latch onto what John has said—gotcha!—and question what business he has baptizing people (1:25). More will be said by John about baptism as the Gospel of John continues. But for now he declares that the Coming One—still unknown to the opponents— is already present on earth, and the time of his earthly ministry is about to begin. John says more about the Messiah. He is great, so great that John cannot do such a menial task as to untie even one of his sandals.
As the season of Advent continues, we are getting close to celebrating the coming of Jesus, Son of God, son of Mary, into our world to carry out his earthly ministry. If yesterday we emphasized our preparation for his coming, now we turn attention to the one who is to come. We are humbled by the panorama of God’s grace, which comes to its highest point of revelation in Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, grant to us the grace to know your Son, whose sandals we are unworthy to untie. Amen.
Today's text from John 1 is also our gospel text for Sunday. A reminder that our 2020 Advent Devotional, “O Lord How Shall I Meet You," provided by Luther Seminary, is available for our daily use this season HERE. Note that you can download either a regular or large print version, and you can subscribe to have the devotional emailed to you daily.
Advent Midweek Services
The second of our three Advent worship services was livestreamed on our YouTube Channel on Wednesday afternoon, with some equipment issues delaying the planned noon start. Our theme for these services is "Arise and Shine", and this week's sub-theme was "Reflected Light." There will be one more Wednesday service next week, December 16, when our sub-theme will be "Healing Light" (Malachi 4:2): With repentant joy we anticipate the birth of our Savior. We listen to his Word and live according to it until he comes again. If you haven't viewed Wednesday's service, you can still do so HERE.
Fellowship Team Christmas Dinner is On
After some brief hesitation, the Fellowship Committee has decided that they are going to make the Christmas dinners this year! The Team is confident that this Christmas Eve ministry can be carried out safely. If you know of someone that that would like to receive a Christmas dinner contact the church office or Minetta E. We will need the persons name, address and phone number. For delivery purposes this is only for people that live in the Bellevue School District. The deadline to place your order is December 16th, 2020.
Christmas Decorating
Christmas decorating will be minimal this year, and will be completed this weekend. Cathy and Dale Owens are taking the lead on this, and will call on a few others for needed help.
Christmas YouTube Service
As described last week, we are planning a recorded Christmas Eve worship service which will be uploaded to our YouTube channel. Recording and uploading will allow Heather to edit the video to include words for the carols while the organ is playing the accompaniment, and at least two special music numbers. Recording and uloading will also allow better audio and video quality. We are sure that this YouTube service will be an inspiring addition to you Christmas celebration.
Kristen working on big red book
In recent days, Kristen has been working on updating the congregational permanent record book of pastoral acts, sometimes referred to as the big red book. In recent years, these records have been kept on the computer, but not transferred to the permanent record. The records include baptisms, confirmations, weddings and funerals.
Organ tuning underway
GT Organ Associates has been working at the church this week to do the semi-annual tuning and service of the organ. GT referes to Glenn Taller, the founder and owner of the company. At the tender age of 33, Glenn has already has years of experience in organ maintence and performance. His performance special is theater organ, which became apparent as today he tested out his maintenance work by playing a few strains of White Christmas and Let it Snow. Thanks to Paul who schedules and coordinates Glenn's service calls, and serves as his assistant, thus reducing the congregation's cost for this important service to keep the organ in tip-top and tuned.
New Knees for Pat
Pat Olsen is scheduled to have both knees replaced on Monday, December 14. Following surgery, she'll be quickly to the rehab unit where she'll stay for five to six days. Pat, you are a brave soul, and you will be in our prayers!
Bishop Daniel's Weekly Email
In this week's email, Bishop Daniel talks about Advent hymns, and how he's missed singing them this year, which I have as well. You can read Bishop Daniel's message HERE.
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