4th Sunday of Advent; The GOOD NEWS from All Souls
The weekly Newsletter of
ALL SOULS ECC
A Welcoming Family of Faith!
Come Lord Jesus, Come!
Wow how time flies! Advent is almost over and its almost time for the Christ Child’s arrival. We hope you will join us for our midnight mass!
Thanks to everyone who came out for the COOKIE BAKE last weekend. We had a great time, made some tasty treats, and enjoy time as the All Souls family.
We will not have our normal 1 pm service on Christmas Day – but we will have our 1 pm service on New Years Day, January 1. We invite you to share your blessings from 2016 and your hopes and dreams for 2017! We will pray over these and each other as we start the new year. Please join us for this special service.
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 listed 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:
The angel spoke to Joseph: “Do not be afraid!” Who in my life needs to experience from me compassion and tenderness?
Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 24:1-6
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-24
Psalm 24:1-4
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
As God stands related to all mankind as their Creator and Governor, David, from this consideration, magnifies the special favor which God manifested towards the children of Abraham, in choosing them to be his peculiar people, in preference to the rest of mankind, and in erecting his sanctuary as his house that he might dwell among them. He shows, at the same time, that although the sanctuary was open to all the Jews, God was not near to all of them, but only to those who feared and served him in sincerity, and who had cleansed themselves from the pollutions of the world, in order to devote themselves to holiness and righteousness. Moreover, as the grace of God was more clearly manifested after the temple was built, he celebrates that grace in a strain of splendid poetry, to encourage true believers with the more alacrity to persevere in the exercise of serving and honoring him.
CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT MASS – December 24
11:45 pm – Music
12:00 Midnight Mass
Reception Celebration to follow.
Christmas Eve Recital
Do you sing? Do you play an instrument?
Or know someone who does?
We are currently seeking musicians who would like to be a part of our Christmas Eve Recital. This will start at 11:30 pm ahead of the candlelight service. We need musicians to simply play or sing one song.
If interested please see any board member.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Do you have opinions? Suggestions?
The board is always seeking feedback on liturgy, ministries, how we are communicating, and more.
But we also understand that not everyone likes to talk face to face or can come to a board meeting. So we have a survey that you can download, complete, and then turn in anonymously (so don’t put your name on it).
These were handed out at the Annual Meeting and have also been available at each the service. But if you didn’t get one yet, you can download it using the link below.
Please tear off the last page. This page is about how you can volunteer and maybe get involved in other areas of All Souls. So with the last page – tear it off and please put your name on it, so we can contact you.
Please return all surveys and ministry forms by Christmas Eve. THANK YOU!
Bishop Francis’ Advent Message
https://vimeo.com/192554551 (Spanish)
https://vimeo.com/192279691 (English)
CLEAN YOUR SOUL AND YOUR BODY with ALL SOULS HANDMADE SOAP!!!!
Only $5.00 !
COLORS of ALL SOULS
Other scents include:
Almond, coconut, cucumber melon, lavender, lemon bliss, milk & honey, espresso truffle, Incense, key lime mint, lavender patchouli, rose, rosemary mint and peppermint.
Purchase some this Sunday after service!
Order Forms available for Christmas Gifts!
How are you doing answering this past week’s question of the week?
What kind of Messiah does my own life’s witness to Christ proclaim? One with fire and brimstone ready at hand, or one of whose comfort and healing I am an instrument?