The theme of the third Sunday of Advent is rejoicing in hope. Advent is a time for joy, not only because we are anticipating the anniversary of the birth of Jesus, but also because God is already in our midst. Christian joy does not come from the absence of sorrow, pain or trouble, but from an awareness of the presence of Christ within our souls.
We hope to see you Friday at our Cookie Bake/Pizza Party on December 11 (see below) and greening the chapel onSunday, December 20 at 7:00 pm. And be sure to be a part of our Christmas Eve/MidnightMass celebration with a special musical guest, harpist Phyllis Ensher-Peters
Please take the time to read the articles and information in this week’s “GOOD NEWS” including clicking on our prayer list and pray for the requests there. Feel free to forward this newsletter to a family member or friend, or share it on your facebook page or twitter by using the “like” and “share” icons at the top of the page.
This weeks readings and question of the week:
Take time to mediate on God’s word and prepare for worship this Sunday. And as you meditate on them, consider the Question of the Week:
How can I answer the Gospel question “What should I do?” in a way that shows my heart “beats in time” with God’s?
Zephaniah 3:14-18
Responsorial Psalm: The First Song of Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18
Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace of mind is something that we all want. We all want to be able to rest, to not have to worry, to feel free to enjoy life, family, friends, work, church, hobbies, entertainment, etc. We want to be able to enjoy ourselves and not be burdened down with worries that rob us of vigor, life, and purpose.
Sometimes when we can’t find peace of mind, we get depressed. We often get angry and lash out at God or someone else near to you.
What do you do to get peace?–I mean real peace in your life. Where do you start? What do you do? Well, the best place to start is with God.
God wants you to have true peace by having you not worry about anything (act of thinking).
2.God wants you to have true peace by praying–about everything (act of doing).
3.God wants you to have true peace by meditating on what is holy (act of thinking).
4.God wants you to have true peace by putting into practice what you have learned. (act of doing).
These things are written to you so that the God of peace will be with you–not simply peace . . . but the God of peace will be with you. Ultimately this is about God dwelling with you. He wants you to be holy, pure, right. Will you trust Him and not worry? Will you pray about everything in your life? Will you meditate on the Word of God? And finally, will you practice, will you do, what God calls you to do?
About The Author
Matt Slick is the President and Founder of the Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry.
COOKIE BAKE AND PIZZA PARTY
Friday, December 11
6:00 pm– PINE ROOM
Bring your favorite cookie recipie ready to be rolled, cut, or scooped and baked & decorated! We will bake the cookies, eat pizza, and have other Festive FUN! Join us one and all!!!
CHILDREN’S EDUCATION THIS SUNDAY
December 13 and 20are this month’s Children’s Ed Sunday! So we invite your kids and grand kids to join Joan for Children’s Ed after church this Sunday!
STILL TIME TO GET YOUR HOLIDAY GIFTS!!!!
BUY PRODUCTS FOR YOURSELF: Can use this link to buy candles, gifts, wrapping paper, centerpieces, and so much more! 40% will come back to ALL SOULS! When you click on the link, you will see a “START SHOPPING” box in the lower corner. Put the All Souls Group # in the box 99006893 the click “start shopping”. https://www.yankeecandlefundraising.com/home.htm
SPECIAL GUEST HARPIST FOR CHRISTMASMIDNIGHTMASS
We welcome
Phyllis Ensher-Peters
as a guest musician for our ChristmasMidnightMass.
Phyllis Ensher-Peters, a graduate of the harp class of CARLOS SALZEDO at the Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia, has been performing as a professional harp soloist since concluding studies there in 1957. Since then she has performed as a soloist and been in orchestras all over the U.S. and the world.
Ms. Ensher-Peters is currently principal harpist of the Binghamton Symphony Orchestra, the Binghamton Pops, and the Tri-Cities Opera, Binghamton, New York.
Christmas Poinsettias
Donations are now being accepted for the poinsettias that will be displayed in the chapel during Christmas. Donations can be made in honor of or in memory of a loved one. The list of names will be published in the Christmas bulletin. When making a donation for the poinsettias, please use one of the Christmas flower envelopes.
HOSPITALITY COORDINATOR AND HELPERS NEEDED!!!!
As shared at the annual meeting, we are looking at hospitality coordinator or co-coordinators and helpers. This is for the fellowship hour after the Sunday services but also for pot-lucks and other social activities we might have. There were a lot of great ideas presented and we would love to have people to help out; plan; coordinate etc. If you want to be part of this team please see Wendy or any board member for more information or to volunteer!
Web-Site Review Team
Is our website effective? Are there ideas to make it better?
Do you have an eye for detail? Have any technical skills?
If you want to be on a short web-site review team, please see Henry, Kimmie, or any board member.
Advent Prayer
Come Lord Jesus,
come and be born into my heart.
How are you doing answering this past week’s
question of the week?
What twists and turns for I need to let God untangle in my life? What rough edges smooth out? What mountains of pride bring low? What valleys of indifference and neglect fill with mercy for others?
