Advent – A Time of Anticipation
“A voice cries out:
Isaiah 40: 3-5, NRSV
‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
5 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’”
The season of Advent begins on this coming Sunday (11/29). As with so many things this year, Advent will be celebrated in a different way by our congregation. How will the lighting of the Advent candles take place? What about the Christmas Eve program? Answers are forthcoming for these questions as we continue to plan worship services.
Generated via a suggestion of the chair of the Department of Christian Education, Ms. Helen, we will be sending out a family Advent project to the families of the children of Lakeshore (members and friends). Ms. Yvonne has put together the materials and instructions for the project. If you have children who attend Sunday school and you do not receive a packet in the mail next week, please let us know.
Also for the Advent season will be a series entitled, “Songs of the Christmas Story.” The four lessons for children will be based on familiar hymns of Christmas. The videos will be available each week via a link that will be sent in an email message. The materials for the lessons will be sent in a separate package that should be received in the coming week.
Finally, beginning this coming Sunday (11/29), the daily email will contain a reflection for Advent written by members and friends of Lakeshore. The voices are varied and we hope that this resource will help, although we are apart, help keep us close to one another as we move and live through this season in anticipation of Christmas.
“People, look east and sing today: Love, the Guest, is on the way.” (Eleanor Farjeon)
Blessings,
Pastor Carolyn
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST
Please continue prayers for Mikki and family as they grieve the loss of her nephew.
Upcoming ZOOM Fellowship Opportunities
Saturday
10:00 AM Time for Prayer (time of thanksgiving and song)
Sunday
8:45 AM Forum (We will listen to and discuss an Advent sermon by Doug Avilesbernal, Executive Minister of the Evergreen Baptist Association).
10:00 AM Worship (Pastor Allison preaching)
11:45 AM Adult Bible Study
Monday
7:00 PM Youth Gathering
Tuesday
6:00 PM No Soup, but Study
Wednesday
10:30 AM Prayer and Bible study (same as Tuesday)
Thursday
10:00 AM Ministers Council
6:00 PM Together in Spirit – (we will take a break from the book of Judges and do a special series for Advent)
Looking Ahead (via ZOOM)
Saturday, December 5, 1:00 PM – Forever Young (includes Christmas carol sing)
Sunday, December 6, 3:00 PM Self Care Workshop – This workshop will be led by our own Mariel Paul (USC, MSW; UC Santa Cruz, BA Sociology & BA Feminist Studies) “During our Self-Care Workshop we will have space for honest conversations around the topic of self-care, practice mindfulness and other positive coping strategies, and create individualized self-care plans.”
Sunday, December 13, 2:00 PM – Blue Christmas Service