Weekly News

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

And, so it begins all over again! God has led us through the doorway from one church year to another, and this weekend we mark that new beginning in worship as The First Sunday in Advent. Historically, Advent has very little to do with Christmas; it is a season designed to help us remember our mortality and God's promise of coming to make all things right in the world. Remembering our mortality is a very apt way to begin a new church year, for it helps to set the tone for the year: God is God, and we are God's people, but we aren't God (it's good to be reminded of that from time to time!). The liturgical color of this first season is BLUE, a symbol of hope, both for now and the age to come. The wreath with four candles is a visual aid to help us mark the time in this four week season. Our worship lessons for this weekend call us to stay alert and watch – watch for the daily and final coming of Christ, all the while remaining alert to the needs of those around us.

 

In Christ's hope-filled joy,

Gary

 

THE REAL LUTHER REVEALED!

This Sunday, November 27 – 9:30 a.m. in the parish house blue room: watch clips from the movie Luther, and play a game of "Lutheran Jeopardy". No previous Sunday School experience necessary!

 

ADVENTURE AWAITING

Join us this Sunday for our annual "Adventure Awaiting" celebration! Food, music, holiday craft activities, and our Silent Auction. The auction is a major fundraiser for our year-long Adopt-A-Family program. This year, we have adopted 19 families. Come and enjoy the start of a new year!

 

THEOLOGY ON TAP

Our public faith discussion at Chappy's Tap Room and Grille will be held on Monday, November 28, 6:30 p.m. This month, our discussion topic is the theology of St. Paul's "for the common good" and partisan politics.

 

CALLING ALL LUMBERJACKS

"I'm a lumberjack, and I'm OK . . ." With apologies to Monty Python, we are out of firewood, and we will be harvesting some of the dead trees on the north hillside on Saturday, December 3. Arrive at 8:30 a.m. (or whenever you can), and bring chainsaws, woodsplitters, gloves, goggles. If you don't want to cut wood, we can still use people to haul wood. And, if you burn wood at home, you are welcome to take some home.

 

HOLY TERRORS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Come make a gingerbread house and join in reindeer games on Sunday, December 4, 2:00 p.m. at the church. Parents can share in a cookie exchange (bring 60 of one type of cookie). Please RSVP to Rachel Lammi by December 1 (293-1147 or rachel@oursaviordayton.org).

 

ST. OLAF CHOIR SIMULCAST

The St. Olaf University Choir Christmas Fest simulcast is playing at the Hollywood 20 Cinemas at the Fairfield Commons on Sunday, December 4, at 3:00 p.m. Our own Kira Fenstermacher is a member of the choir. This event features 5 choirs and the St. Olaf Orchestra.

 

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS

It's time! Order forms for Christmas Eve poinsettias can be picked up in the narthex, cloister hallway, and by the chapel. Cost is still $7/plant. This year we have ordered the marbled variety (red and white). Deadline is Monday December 12 for your completed form and $7 to be in the church office.

 

COUNCIL NOMINEES SOUGHT

We are seeking 4 members to serve on the congregation council, term running 2012-2014. If you are interested in serving with an energetic, faithfully committed and fun-loving group of church leaders, contact Wendy Halverson or Jim Worley. The congregational meeting to elect new council members will be held on Sunday, December 18, 11:45 a.m.