IT’S FRIDAY AND ADVENT IS COMING

Thanksgiving has passed, leaving only leftovers–forgotten in some households by the consumer madness called Black Friday.  This weekend starts a very special time in the church year called Advent.  Advent is the season of preparation leading up to the celebration of the Birth of Christ called Christmas.  In both of our worship gatherings this Sunday we will anchor ourselves to ancient traditions that have inspired Christians for 2000.  Advent in our church includes the lighting of the candles of the Advent candle.  This week we will light the Candle of Promise. Dick and Ann Hagan will share with us at 8.15 as they light the candle and Lori Jones at 10:45.

Throughout Advent and Christmas our pastors will be sharing a sermon series called “The People of the First Christmas.”  We will be looking at the stories of people whose lives intersected with the story God was writing in the birth of Christ. Dr. Steve will be sharing the story of Isaiah, whose part in this Great Story began 400 years in advance in a message called “Ancient Voices and Eternal Hope.” How would you live knowing that what you had invested your whole being in would not appear for more than five centuries?  Join us and hear how Isaiah has blessed us.

Today, at 2:00 pm, we are celebrating the homegoing of Earl Hummel.  Earl was a long-time member of the Church of God of Landisville, a man with a gentle and encouraging spirit.  Please keep his wife Doris and his family in your prayers.  Pastor Barry and former pastor, Robert Bistline, are officiating.

Sunday night Dr. Steve is leading a special 2-hour class called “Worship 101″. It focuses on the purpose of worship, why we do what we do in worship, and understandings for those who lead worship.. It meets from 5:30-7:30.  You can still sign up on Sunday.