Now on the eve of winter, we watch and wait as our ancient forbears did for an indication that light and warmth will return. Remembering that watching and waiting you are invited this Sunday, December 22 and on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24 to bring candles to cover the altar with light – tea lights, pillar candles, tapers in candleholders, or even a modest-sized candelabra. The altar will shine with light through worship on December 29.
May you grow still enough to hear the small noises earth makes in preparing for the long sleep of winter, so that you yourself may grow calm and grounded deep within. (Brother David Steindl-Rast)
Intergenerational Labyrinth Walk
Our intergenerational labyrinth walk on Sunday will coincide with the first full day of winter. Our text for the walk will be Susan Cooper’s “The Shortest Day. Walkers of all ages are welcome on this Yule walk at 9:00 am Sunday.
Thank you
Our first experience of Breakfast Church was delicious and spirited last Sunday. Special thanks are extended to the Church Council for all that wonderful food.
This is the tenth year members of the Mayfield community have shouldered major responsibilities for wrapping at the Salvation Army for Toys for Tots. Thank you to everyone who brought gifts for teens, who made bags at church or at home for our marathon wrapping day, and/or who was there to wrap. The efforts of many made a significant contribution to this community effort.
JAMS Notes
Remember that our Advent Mission Project this year is for Lina’s tuition for the next school year which begins in the winter. This annual collection totals $800. Mark your gifts in the offering plate or by mail for JAMS. Thanks.
Upcoming Worship
- Sunday, December 22 — Advent 4 – Hope Dwells Generation to Generation – Advent Wreath Candle of Love. Please bring a candle or several candles to cover our altar with light for worship from now through the days of Christmas. Additional poinsettias will be welcome too.
- Tuesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve Worship – Special music begins at 5:00 with fifteen minutes of harp and fifteen minutes of carols – our service of story, music, and light will follow at 5:30 pm – Nested in Hope – Following worship, our refreshment and conversation time will be a Bethlehem (House of Bread) Table. Everyone is invited to bring a special holiday treat to share.
- Sunday, December 29 – First Sunday after Christmas – Hope Beyond the Immediate Facts – Hope requires a long term commitment in and out of every circumstance that we will face.
Is there someone you might invite to worship with us during this festive holiday time?
2020 Annual Meeting – Sunday, January 12, 2020 after worship
The memo will take a holiday break next week. The next memo will be sent out later in the week that begins on December 30.
Throughout the Year
- We have whole hog sausage available for sale at church. $5 per pound, bulk and patties.
- We support the work of the Northern Illinois Food Bank in addressing the needs around hunger and food insecurity in thirteen northern Illinois counties. Food Bank gifts can be given in the food bank box or the offering plates.
The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for.
And the most you can do is to live inside that hope. Not admire it from a
distance but live right in it under its roof. (Barbara Kingsolver)