Peace Sunday in Advent

On this, the second Sunday in Advent, children during the Time of Wonder placed a manger, a sheep, a donkey and a a bird on the simple stable that is a focal point in the sanctuary. More figures will appear in the weeks to come.

Peace is the theme for this week in Advent. A second banner is hung in the sanctuary, and we sing, "peace is a ribbon that circles the earth.." as two candles are lit.












The Tree of Warmth has sprouted scarves, hats and mittens this week! The group of women who are forming the new Prayer Shawl Ministry decided to focus this month on items for the tree and at least four new hand-knitted scarves have appeared since Thursday! Items will be donated to Isaiah 58 for clients who can use them.



Upcoming items of interest:

• Christmas special offering will be received on December 14 and 21. This offering helps support the ministry of our Mid-America Region of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. More information will be shared in worship on these dates.
  
• Tuesday, December 9, 7 p.m., Soul Care for Advent.
• Thursday, December 11, 6:30 p.m. Chicken and dumpling supper and gingerbread house making.
• Sunday, Dec. 21, 5-8 p.m. Pastor's open house.
• Wednesday, Dec. 24, 6:30 p.m., Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship and caroling on Flora Place, followed by cider and goodies at the Kreugers.
  

• Elders Circle will not meet this month. In a special called meeting today, the elders voted to donate $6,000 from memorial funds they control to the Compton Cares Campaign when a CD matures later this month. Thank you, elders!

One final note: During 2008 Compton folk raised $420 toward a $50,000 pledge by the Christian Churches and United Churches of Christ in our Southeast Gateway Area to support a missionary couple in Haiti. A link to the blog by Patrick and Kimberly Bentrott is on the right side of this blog, just below the link to the Advent Devotional. Take some time to read the blog posts by Kimberly, a physician, and Patrick, who is working at the local seminary and teaching English in the school. When they left the U.S. this fall, they expected it would take them almost a year to absorb the culture, learn Creole, and become effective in their mission. NOT! A cursory read shows they are already in the thick of things and already making a difference. The blog is honest, about the ups and downs of being in a foreign culture, facing incredible poverty, and trying to do something with almost nothing. In 2009 we will have additional opportunities to support this mission financially, but for now, read the blog and if you are so moved, leave a comment on it, or e-mail the Bentrotts on the link they provide. I can imagine that being so far from home and yet knowing that people here are following their story, praying for them, and giving them feedback would be the best Christmas present this young missionary couple could receive!