Don’t forget that tomorrow, in order to be ready and on time for worship we need to “spring ahead.” Before retiring for the evening, we should set our clocks forward one hour. Tomorrow’s service, based on Luke 21:34-38, relates to the idea of time, “Knowing our time is limited, Jesus calls us to live with a sense of urgency.” The title of my message is, “It’s About Time!” Norman, Earle and the Chancel Choir have prepared inspirational music for the 9:30 worship service and the Praise Band has four uplifting songs prepared for our 11:45 café service.
 

Pastor John

We continue to hold the people of Newtown in our thoughts and prayers, just a little more than a week after their devastating loss. We should pause in our rush to get answers to the questions: “Why did he do such a thing?” and “What do we need to do to prevent this from happening again?” We pause to think about what these days must be like for those who will experience Christmas without their loved one. How their hearts must be aching, how angry they may understandably be at God. Let’s take time as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, to lift up in prayer those suffering in the midst of this terrible tragedy.

“Dear God of all compassion, Father of all comfort, we pray for the many who are grieving in Newtown. We pray that they will find a refuge in your presence and love. We pray that you will strengthen their bonds with each other. We pray that on Christmas Eve and Day they will truly experience your comforting presence. May they know that you, our Lord Emmanuel, truly are with them and may they feel your Spirit strengthening them even as millions of people who care hold them, the people of Newtown in prayer. We ask these things in the name of Jesus, who came to save us from our sins, our own and those committed against us. Amen.” Thank you for caring. Thank you for praying, people of South Church.

Pastor John

With a heavy heart, I join you in living

In Service to Christ,
Pastor John

p.s pass this on to whoever you feel might be helped by it as well as the comforting thoughts of our Bishop.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I am in deep sorrow and grief over the tragic killings which occurred in Newtown, Connecticut today, and I know you are as well. I encourage all of us to pray for these precious children, families, teachers, public service and town officials, and for all those affected by, counseling, and responding to this devastating situation. We know that so many are and will be struggling with grief, fear, and questions for some time, and so may we pray for God to grant them the strength to bear the loss and pain which is so unbearable.

In the wake of such senseless violence and loss of innocent life, including the lives of little children, I find myself turning to the words of the psalmist, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” (Psalm 46:1). May we pray for this comfort and strength for our brothers and sisters in Connecticut. May the God of love and truth surround this community of Newtown, and help us all find our way to making the world a place of peace and safety for all of God’s children.

In Christ’s love,
Bishop Suda Devadhar