Please remember this. I will ask you this Sunday.
The number is 10.

ADVENT

Yes—the four-week countdown to Christmas begins this Sunday. The colors go all purple, and the music gets sweet and tender—all for the Baby Jesus. Mary will preach on Advent 1.

We will light that first candle.

The Class—Discovering God

Did you see my little article this week on God’s intervention in our lives? That was a voice from an unseen presence. But what about physical interventions in the created order? That’s what we will talk about in class this week. Should be interesting.

Class at 9:45—breakfast after.

Speaking of Breakfast

Yep—Winston is up to bat this week. (Bring something if you wish.)

Food and fellowship at 10:30, followed by worship.

Christmas Schedule

I’m working to get ready for our Christmas Open House at my place on Sunday, Dec. 15. We’ve had some badly needed work done recently, so the house is a mess. That has got to change pretty quickly. And I will need to get my tree up earlier than usual.

+++ We will need some of you to help with the refreshments. +++

The purpose of this event is just to give us a time of Christmas fellowship. And you may find the house interesting. Everything in it is pretty old—including me.

That’s from 2:00 to 5:00 on December 15.

Our Christmas concert is late this year due to our singers’ schedules: Saturday, Dec. 21, at 6:00 p.m.

But!!—you will be glad to hear, Christmas Eve remains on the 24th. Some things do NOT change. That’s also at 6:00 p.m.

God Bless,
MB

Please remember this: The number is 10.

Thanksgiving Worship

This Sunday will be Christ the King Sunday as well as our Thanksgiving Service—a double celebration and always a big deal!

We are providing the meal—thanks to those who signed up and anyone else who wants to help. The menu includes both turkey and ham, so any side dishes that go with those will be perfect.

BUT—you do not have to bring anything to eat.

What we really want is for all of you to join us for both worship and dinner.

The Class—Discovering God

This week’s topic is conversion experiences. You’re welcome to join at any time.

• Class starts at 9:45 AM.

• Light breakfast will follow.

Speaking of Breakfast

This Sunday, we’ll enjoy a light breakfast of pigs-in-a-blanket and donuts, with orange juice and coffee available. To keep things organized, the breakfast table will be at the south end of the fellowship hall to avoid interfering with dinner preparations.

• Food and fellowship: 10:30 AM

• Worship: After breakfast

• Thanksgiving dinner: Following worship

Christmas Schedule

• Christmas Concert: Saturday, Dec. 21, at 6:00 PM. This will also include our Christmas dinner and a visit from Santa for the kids!

• Open House at the Brennans: Sunday, Dec. 15, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

Advent begins the first Sunday after Thanksgiving, with Mary preaching that day.

God Bless,

MB

The number is 10. Can you remember that this Sunday? I’ll ask for a show of hands from those who know it. The number is 10.

I have no words of comfort concerning the next four years. The winners are dangerous.

I remember the title of a book about women being complicit in their troubles in an abusive marriage: The Bed Was on Fire When I Got in It.

Over 50% of Americans have taken all of us into the fire. They could see it. Yet they chose it.

And most of those Americans are Christian. Conservative Christian.

That’s the important distinction. Conservative Christianity, with its angry, vengeful God, is a different religion from the one I preach.

And it’s different from what Jesus taught.

Jesus rejected vengeance of any kind.

Conservative Christians have now put a man of vengeance in the highest office in the land.

Something is wrong with the conservative church. And always has been.
Because their primary commitment is to the Bible with its many different images of God.

And the only image that counts is the image we have in Jesus Christ: a God of unconditional love for all humanity.

Now, people we love are in danger: women, gay people, immigrants, the poor, all minorities.

Education is in danger.

Freedom of speech is in danger. Our national security is in danger.

But I do have a word of comfort after all: God is not dead. And neither are you and I.

It’s not over. It’s never over. But some of you have a witness you are not using.

Help build that part of the church which stands with Jesus Christ.

And do it now.

Start this Sunday.

Saturday’s Concert

THIS Saturday—at 6:00 p.m.

Sandwich supper afterward.

Some of you will need to help with sandwiches or actually anything that would go with sandwiches—beans, potato salad, whatever. (We have chips.)

It’s been a hard season lately. Let’s have some fun. Mel Creason, Blake, Shannon, and Julian will all be singing. We will take an offering to help with our budget.

Let’s gather—Saturday at 6:00.

The Class—Discovering God

We truly are learning things we have not known. And the class gives us time to look carefully at what God is saying to us through experience. We have had some quite remarkable sessions.

You are welcome at any time.

Class at 9:45—followed by breakfast.

Speaking of Breakfast

This is a “Winston” Sunday. Expect a really good meal. You are also free to bring food.

Food and fellowship at 10:30, followed by worship.

This Sunday

The sermon Sunday: Trust God.

I hope Blake is feeling better. Our choir may (or may not) be singing Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. And hear this, choir: Blake wants to begin rehearsal this week at 9:00 to make up some lost time.

God Bless,
MB

P.S.—Got a nice e-mail from the president of Brite Divinity School in response to a recent Friday’s Word. I will share it with you Sunday.

REMEMBER THE CONCERT SATURDAY!!!
And remember our big Thanksgiving service and dinner on Sunday, Nov. 24—a week from this Sunday.