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Flourishing in hope, peace, joy, and love.

Greetings

Message from Pastor John

Here we are in Advent again, and it feels like we are rushing toward Christmas at an unusually rapid pace. It is clearly visible that people’s calendars are overstuffed with parties and events (including church). There is shopping to do, decorations to hang, and preparations to make for trips to visit family. I can see the stress on people’s faces and sense the anxiety that the holidays bring. The pastoral part of me wants to say to all of you: STOP, TAKE A DEEP BREATH, AND LET IT GO.

Remember that Christmas is not about presents, it’s about presence!

At Christmas, we remember that God gave us the gift of God’s presence in the birth of Jesus. Imagine that the Almighty entrusted human parents to bring into the world God in the flesh. This tiny child is a sign that God trusts us with the holy work of being human, of caring for family, of loving one another. At Christmastime, let’s take the time to stop and recognize Christ’s presence in our lives. Each and every day, the Lord is with us even when we are too harried to stop and notice. Let’s celebrate the presence of God with us, Emmanuel, and know that Christ’s presence will bless each day.

Worship Fully • Spend Less • Give More • Love All

This time of year, I always remind you of the four foundations of the Advent Conspiracy (adventconspiracy.org): Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, and Love All. This is how we can make Christmas more about God’s presence and less about the presents.

May the Prince of Peace rule in your hearts this holy season,

John

ADVENT AND ChRISTMAS Events

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Services on TUESDAY, December 24

11am • Christmas Eve Family Service and Pageant*
8pm • Christmas Eve Candlelight Service*
10pm • Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with Communion

*Event will also be live-streamed.

The joyful season of Christmas is upon us

Help us to celebrate by sponsoring our sanctuary poinsettias!

As we prepare to celebrate our Lord’s birth, you are invited to help decorate the church by sponsoring a poinsettia. Envelopes for poinsettias can be found in the pew friendship register folios and in the Welcome Center. Orders may also be placed online. 

The deadline for ordering is Sunday, December 1. Poinsettias are to remain in place until after the 10 pm worship service on Christmas Eve. Kindly leave the plastic saucer and cross your name off the list on the chancel steps if you choose to take your plant.

Salvation Army Angel Tree Program

Angel  TreeThe Outreach Ministry invites you to adopt a child or senior in support of the local Salvation Army Angel Tree program. You can make Christmas Day memorable for someone less fortunate. The success of the program depends on people like you adopting an Angel and buying gifts for that child or senior. In that way, we demonstrate the meaning of Christmas and share God’s gift of love with them. In Stevenson Hall, you will find a Christmas Tree, decorated with Angels, and instructions. Plan to stop by and take one of the angels. Gifts should be returned by Dec. 9 to the Salvation Army or WPC. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Margie Ambrose, Ellen D’Orsogna or Sarah Avellar.

Thank you for your generous and loving support.

Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

spread comfort and joy as a bell ringer!

The Christian Outreach Ministry is sponsoring an opportunity for members to spread comfort and joy by reaching out to those in need. You can make a big difference in the lives of local citizens by volunteering as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign on Wednesday, December 11, Saturday, December 14, Wednesday, December 18, and Saturday, December 21. Locations will be at the Walmart Supercenter on Rochambeau Drive, and the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Casey Blvd. Sign up for one or more one-hour shifts using the link below.
Questions? Please contact Tom Moul.

Yes! Sign me up to ring!

Prepare the way. Isaiah 40

Every year at Christmas time we are reminded of God’s precious and loving gift. We wait in hope and thankfulness. And every year in December our church supports the special offering called Christmas Joy –which also brings hope and thankfulness. Congregational gifts provide life-giving assistance to church workers who are facing unexpected and critical financial need. Christmas Joy Offering also supports schools that equip communities of color–helping students to pursue higher education and also helping them grow in mission and service.

In this season of hope, please prayerfully consider giving generously to this special offering. May our gifts help many to find peace and hope.

If you have any questions, please contact Judy Austin or the church office. Envelopes will be available at church services in December. Checks may be made out to WPC with “Christmas Joy” on the memo line – and be sent directly to the church office or placed in an offering plate. You can also give online by clicking the button below. Thank you so much for your continued support of this caring mission.

The Gift of Christmas

Beginning December 1

Money TreeThe Gift of Christmas is a wonderful way to experience the true spirit of Christmas by supporting one or more of the 19 highlighted programs during the Christmas season. Your support of one or more of these programs can be a Christmas Gift in honor of your relatives, friends or neighbors. If you choose, you can receive an angel ornament or card (or both) to acknowledge both the gift and the recipient. You may also make a donation in memory of a loved one.

Alzheimer’s Association * Avalon–a Center for Women * Colonial CASA * Community of Faith (COFM)–Emergency Winter Shelter * Dream Catchers * Edmarc – Helping Families with pediatric illness, loss and bereavement * Williamsburg Faith in Action * Families of the Wounded * FISH * Grace Inside Prison Ministry * Grove Christian Outreach Center * Presbyterian Children’s Home of the Highlands * Hospice House of Williamsburg * Lackey Clinic * Literacy for Life * Meals on Wheels–including Summer Meals for Kids * Providing Indoor Plumbing for Everyone (PIPE) * Saint Francis Service Dogs * Salvation Army

Look for details in the December 1 Worship Bulletin and also visit the Gift of Christmas table Dec 1 or contact Karen Annoni* for more information.

Thank you!

*Contact information for all individuals is available through the WPC online directory or by contacting the church office at 757-229-4235.