November 28, 2007
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We hope for a world where neighbors live in peace. . .
where the rich share with the poor, where the strong protect the weak, where with joy and love we all help each other thrive.
"Maranatha!" which means in Aramaic, "Lord, come!"
Advent is here! The night is past and gone, our sins are forgiven, the light of Christ shines ever more brightly. Look, listen, the Word of God is bursting forth from the womb of Creation.
Rejoice! From
past to future, Christ is present. Seeking the light, we find it. Even
to these
dark days, he comes.
Let us prepare the way of the Lord.
And with joy in our hearts, let us
celebrate his birth. Come let us worship God!
The Celebration will be filled with awe and wonder … and a good deal of fun:
Dec. 2 10am Sunday Worship
Theme: Hope (Communion)
11:40am Adult Ed. Forum
Bob Mckenzie and Marilyn Chilcote: "The Debut of Christ in the Four Gospels"
Dec. 9 10am Sunday Worship
Theme: Peace.
FEATURING Vivaldi's Magnificat with Christine Brandes, St. John's Choir, and Instrumentalists
11:40am Adult Ed. Forum
"The Debut of Christ II"
Dec. 14 6 pm Sanctuary and Center decorating party (Cider, Pizza, lights) NEW TIME/DATE!
Dec. 14 6:30pm Kids' pageant dress rehearsal and cast party
Dec. 16 10am Sunday Worship
Theme: Joy AND THE St. John's Christmas Pageant
11:40am Adult Ed. Forum
"The Debut of Christ III"
Dec. 23 10am Sunday Worship
Theme: Love
11:40am Adult Ed. Forum
"The Debut of Christ IV"
12:30 p.m. Christmas Caroling to some who are unable to come to worship
Dec. 24 5:30pm Candlelight Lessons and Carols
- - - - - - - - - - - - -The season of Advent marks the beginning of the Church's new year; a time of expectation, of new birth. Each of the four gospels gives us a different take on what to expect as we enter into this Advent season. The church has domesticated what, in fact, are visions of radical new beginnings in the gospels. It is a time of good news and bad news - good news to all who despair of the way things are and bad news to those who profit by the exploitation of their neighbors. For many of us, Advent may come as a little of both good news and bad news. It is time to be clear about what this season is meant to be for us, the church and the world. We will gather after coffee hour for the next four Sundays to consider these matters. Bring your Bibles or take one from the pews as we gather in the Fireside Room at 11:40am for an hour. — Bob McKenzie
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Please turn in your financial pledge commitment for 2008. . .
to Treasurer Lynne Royer. Session will be finalizing the budget in December and needs to know how much pledge income we have to work with. So far, the church has received 31 pledges for $85,000. In 2007, our pledge income will be approximately $190,000, so we are quite a bit short for 2008 so far. You can email your pledge to Lynne or call her or simply put it in the offering plate next Sunday. Thanks!!
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The first
meeting of the small group "Water into Wine"
will
be
held Saturday, December 15 from 5-8pm at Lynne Royer's
house. The event is being coordinated by Lynne
Royer,
Martha
Perdue
and Linda
Bostjanick.
Spirits and hearty
appetizers will be served and good company provided. If interested,
please call
Lynne, Martha or Linda. Ho Ho HO!!
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Third Saturday Walking Group
Dec 15 meet at the church parking lot at 10am, bring a bag lunch, water, walking shoes, binoculars and bird book. WheelChair accessible birding trails. Rain cancels. Sign-up at church or for information call Fred Goff or Karma Dewitt
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Christmas Pageant on December 16
The children and youth will present their Christmas Pageant for 2007, "Christmas, Nevertheless!" in our 10:00am service, Sunday, December 16. Rehearsals will continue every Sunday morning at 8:50am with breakfast until the day of the pageant. Our dress rehearsal and cast party will be Friday, December 14 at 6:30pm. Every young person is invited to take part. We will be adding new cast members until the day of the pageant. For information, call Fred Harvey.
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Women's Bible Study
Can the Holy Spirit work wonders through us even though we have a bad attitude? Read Jonah 3 (Lesson 4 in our study book) and come to the Campbell Reception Room on Thursday, December 13, noon to 2pm. Bring your Bible and your lunch. Barbara Taylor.
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As the weather cools, we have more requests for warm clothes.
Please bring clothes such as jackets, socks or sweaters for the clothes barrel. These can be clothes for men, women, or children. We also ask for non-perishable immediately edible food. This means food that has a long shelf life and can be opened and eaten immediately, such as tuna with a pull-off lid, granola bars, etc. — St. John's Deacons
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From Mission and Justice . . .
We will continue our support of local organizations that give gifts to families during the holidays, such as the Berkeley Women's Daytime Drop-in Center . These organizations only accept new items to give as Christmas gifts. Contact Alice Bodnar for more details, or just bring donations by the church office. The Daytime Drop-in Center accepts donations at any time. Their current wishlist is available at http://www.womensdropin.org/wishlist.htm.
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Network Ministries is a good place to donate calendars and date books
which come to you in the mail. They will be distributed in many places to people who need to keep track of their appointments for help and rehabilitation. Calendars may be dropped off at the Presbytery office in the East Bay .
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Memorial Poinsettia Orders
Poinsettias may be ordered at church or by calling the church officeor Karma Dewitt .
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If
you're wondering what's become of the St. John's
History
prepared
during our centennial year, keep the faith! It's written but stuck in
the
design corner of creativity, which has extended production time longer
than we
had hoped. Nonetheless, God willing and the creek don't rise and the
earth
don't shake, you will have your St. John's memories in hand early in
the coming year!
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St. John's December Meetings
Deacons Sat, Dec 8 at 8:30am
WMA Tues, Dec 4 at 3:00pm
Grounds & Facilities Thurs, Dec 13 at 6:30pm
Center Tues, Dec 18 at 4:00pm
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Prime Timers’ Schedule
Dec. 4 11:00 Margaret Winslow will do a Show and Tell "My creative Life"
Dec. 11 10:30 Blood Pressure check with Dr. Helen Christensen
11:00 Vicki Pierotes will tell us about her experiences in the Peace Corps
12:00 LUNCH WILL BE SERVED; Birthdays will be celebrated
Dec. 18 11:00 Ray Monson and friends will present music and sing-along. Bring cookies and we'll serve punch for a mini holiday party.
Dec. 25 The Center will be closed
Jan 1 The Center will be closed.
Happy Holidays!
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