Dear Friends and Members of Emmanuel Church,
First off this morning, I want to thank everyone for your enthusiastic support (financial and otherwise) of the recent Christmas letter that we sent out. I want you to know that we are working very hard here in the office and on consistory to be faithful stewards of the gifts you have entrusted to us in 2012. We look forward to more opportunities for mission in Jesus’ name during the upcoming year. So, thank you!!!!!
This weekend begins our Christmas celebrations as follows:
Sunday, December 23 is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. We will be celebrating this Sunday, whose theme is love, with the Christmas Cantata–“Behold That Star” offered by the choir. This will be a special musical Sunday because we are going to be having several special musical offerings throughout the service–during the children’s time, the offering, the prelude. Our bell choir will be playing a few numbers as well. We will also be celebrating with the Dulaney family as Aria Lynn is baptized!!! So, dress up in your finest Christmas sweater, get ready to hear (+sing!) some Christmas carols, and prepare to be inspired by the music program this Sunday.
Monday is Christmas Eve. We have two services–7 p.m. and 11 p.m. We will have candlelight and communion at both services. 7 p.m. is the family service and the theme is “The Journey to the Cradle . . . ” 11 p.m. is a little more low key and contemplative–the theme is “When the world was still dark. . . .”
We wish you all many blessings this Christmas time and we look forward to working with you and your family in the spreading of the Gospel in the upcoming year!
Blessings.
Pastor Joseph
“Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light,
And usher in the morning;
O shepherds, shrink not with afright,
But hear the angel’s warning.
This Child, now weak in infancy,
Our confidence and joy shall be,
The power of Satan breaking,
Our peace eternal making.”–German Christmas Carol by Johann Rist, 17th Century
Emmanuel Reformed Church of the United Church of Christ 