Greetings to all in this 2024 Advent season,

I am thankful beyond words that I don’t have to sit and wait and wonder if the Messiah is coming to save us. I am grateful for this tradition of following Jesus Christ, God made flesh and dwelling among us. I’m grateful that this faith tradition survived the Roman Empire. I am thrilled that this faith tradition has survived all the empires for the last 2,000 years.

Paul tried to tell us in Romans 8:38-39:
“In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. I’m sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Common English Version).

And because nothing can separate us, we must be certain to make the way clear and smooth for those who are oppressed and marginalized in our society. There must be a clear path to God’s love, visible in our actions in this world. We know that this is a story older than storytelling, the story of oppression. We also know that love always wins.

We have a lot of events happening at our church over the next few weeks. Beginning this Saturday morning, we will be decorating the church. The fun will start at 9:00 AM. Brian and Danny are going to do the heavy lifting this week, getting everything out of storage and putting the Christmas tree up. The rest needs to be completed by people with “artistic skill,” per Brian and Danny. I may have to work at the hospital on Saturday and so will be unable to attend. If I am not working, I will see you there at 9:30.

This Sunday and every Sunday until the Christmas show, the children will be practicing their Christmas presentation. If you have small children or even preteens, please make sure they’re in church on Sundays at 11:00 AM.

Other events are as follows:

• Thursday, Dec. 12th @ 11:30 AM: Ladies of Saint Matthew Luncheon
• Friday, Dec. 13th @ 6:00 PM: Annual Monreal Sisters Enchilada Dinner @ St. Matthew. A sign-up sheet will be available Sunday morning to reserve your spot. The cost is $12 per plate, $20 per couple.
• Sunday, Dec. 15th @ 2:30 – 5:30 PM: Christmas Open House at the Brennan Home.
• Saturday, Dec. 21st @ 6:00 PM: The Christmas Concert with dinner and Santa
• Tuesday, Dec. 24th @ 6:00 PM: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

As we finish another year together, I pray for peace and blessings in your life.

Mary