Dec 1, 2013 Announcements

Sermon:   “Jesus is in the House!”

Scripture:   Matthew 24:36-44;   Psalm 122

We enter into Advent in a spirit of hopefulness, and our scriptures today proclaim a special presence of God/Christ that is coming into our individual and collective lives.  What does it mean for Jesus to be present in your personal life?   What does it mean to be prepared for Jesus coming to visit?!   Do we really hope for these special moments where clarity is suddenly upon us, or times when we know (unexpectedly perhaps) that “all will be well”?  I invite you to read these passages with a sense of expectation, in preparation for this week’s worship experience.

Join us for worship on Sunday, December 1st at 10:30 a.m. and for coffee and fellowship after the service.   We will celebrate Communion on this first Sunday of Advent.

Coming soon:  Advent Meditations Booklets!
Every year we look forward to reading the meditations written by members and friends of the church as they reflect on the daily scriptures during Advent.  Make sure you get your copy.

We will once again be sponsoring two families for Christmas,
purchasing presents for them.  Our families this year are living in a shelter.  Look for the mini-tree in the back of the sanctuary this Sunday, which will have slips of paper with gift suggestions, along with instructions.  If you have questions, or need more information, contact Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com).

Decorate the Church for Christmas
Sunday December 1st, after coffee hour, we will decorate the church for Christmas. Join us and help to make the exterior of the building and the sanctuary ready.

Men’s Bible Study:
Wednesday, December 4th at 6:30 p.m. at Panera Bread at Porter Square.  Please contact Kevin, Josh, Solimar or Pierre for more details.

Thursday, December 5th, 7:30 p.m. : Nave Gallery Music Series: New Music of Viola D’Amore.
Marco Fusi and Davide Ianni.  World premiere of a new work by Davide Ianni.  U.S. premieres: “un uori con dentro un dentro (2013) by Clara Iannotta.  “Cinque notturni da braccio” (2013) by Federico Gardella.  For more information see https://www.facebook.com/events/213659032149065/.

There will be a prayer meeting
on Sunday, December 8th right after coffee hour in the Green Room.  Jesus said, ‘When two or three are gathered in my name, I am there.” Bring your prayers about whatever joys or concerns you may have on your mind and in your heart. All are welcome.

Session
will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9th.

Horizons Bible Study
will meet on Friday, December 13th at 3:30 p.m. at the home of a church member.  For more information, please contact Salam (salamlebbos@hotmail.com).

Advent Fellowship Potluck
Please join us on Saturday,  December 14 for a trip to Zoolights at the Stone Zoo followed by a potluck dinner. Zoolights is a winter wonderland of tree lined paths decorated with holiday lights. In addition to being able to see some of the animals of the Yukon Creek section of the zoo, there is also Santa’s Castle, along with fairy tale characters and dancing plush animals.
Tickets cost $7.00 for non-members and $6.00 for zoonewengland members. Children under 2 years old are free. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.zoonewengland.org/StoneZoo or at the zoo. It is recommended to avoid long lines buying tickets online.
We will meet at the Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA at 5pm. After enjoying Zoolights we will travel to the home of church members for the potluck portion of the evening. Feel free to attend one or both parts of the evening. For those who are attending the potluck only please meet us at the home of church members  at 6:30pm and bring a main dish or appetizer. For those attending Zoolights first, please bring a dessert or item like a salad that will be ok sitting in a car.  For more information, or if you would like to carpool, please call Ruth at Ruth.rhoads.allen@gmail.com. See you there!

Sunday, December 15th – It’s a Wrap!
party…join us during coffee hour after the service, as we wrap Christmas gifts for the families that we are sponsoring from Somerville Early Head Start.