Advent and Christmas 2009

“Expecting the Unexpected”St. John’s Lutheran Church

Sunday Worship in AdventWorship on the Sundays of Advent will focus on howGod is at work in ways that are unexpected.Experiencing the unexpected is a big part of our Adventjourney. Through scripture, song, proclamation andprayer we will celebrate God’s love for us demonstratedin the sending of God’s son to live among us. Familieswill begin our worship by lighting the Advent wreath.The 10:30am service Children’s Message will present“Messengers from God”. Weekly devotion and prayercards will be distributed each week.

Prepare ye the Way of the Lord!*****

“Celebrate the Bethlehem Baby”Advent Bible Study with Pastor Kathy

Tuesday MorningsDecember 1, 8, 15, 22

10:30am – 12 noonand

Thursday EveningsDecember 3, 10, 17 and 22 (Tuesday)

7:00pm – 8:30pm

A weekly Advent Bible study will be offered by PastorKathy entitled “Celebrate the Bethlehem Baby”.Two options are scheduled. One is scheduled forTuesday mornings and the other for Thursday evenings.The content of the study will be the same for themorning and evening group. Both daytime and eveningstudies will be held in the Fellowship Hall.

This four week study invites us to explore how we arecalled to be as welcoming as possible to Christ at workin the world. The Bethlehem Baby teaches us that Godis present with us in Jesus Christ. This group will talkabout what that really means by reflecting on God’spromises in all circumstances of our lives.

Need a ride for either the daytime or eveningAdvent Bible Study? Call the church office orPastor Kathy at 410-848-6402. Questions?Call Pastor Kathy at the office or at home at 410-374-4130.

Mark Your Calendar!

Sunday School Christmas ProgramSunday, December 20th at 9:15am

In the Social Hall

*******BLUE CHRISTMAS

Worship Service at St. John’sMonday evening, December 21st at 7:00pm

Service of Holy CommunionGuest Preacher: Pastor Stacy Marsh

Blue? Yes, blue as in the blues. As in "I am feeling blue”.Not everyone is up and cheery for the Christmasholidays. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facinglife after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of ajob, living with cancer or some other disease that puts aquestion mark over the future, and a number of otherhuman situations make parties and joviality painful formany people in our congregation and community.

This Blue Christmas Worship Service offers anopportunity for people who are blue at Christmas tocome to a sacred space, for a service which is, acceptingwhere they really are, and holding out healing and hope.Our guest preacher will be Pastor Stacy Marsh whoserves Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Westminster.

Do you know of someone who might benefit fromattending this service? If yes, contact the churchoffice and well send the person an invitation – or invitethem yourself and come with them.

Please contact the church office if you would like toattend this worship service but need transportation.We will arrange for a member to pick you up and takeyou home.

CHURCH OFFICE: 410-848-6412