Dear Friends

Please join us this Sunday for our third Sunday of Advent. Thank you, Machiko, for lighting the Advent candles last week. It was such a sweet reminder of how we have lit candles every year. Thank you, Rowe, for delivering the bags with the ingredients for our church Chrismon Tea Party, which will take place this Thursday. In addition, we will have copies of the December reading group book (A Christmas Carol) at church to pick up starting Thursday. (See below for more details on the Chrismon Tea and the reading group.)

Just before we gathered last week for our service, Rev. Jim had to go to the ER for a possible infection. They ended up admitting him to the hospital to get a better handle on his medical situation. Rev. Jim posted on Facebook Tuesday to let people know what is going on with him and to ask for prayers. I know all of you have been praying. It has been heartwarming to see how hundreds of people from all over the country and all over the world are praying for him and are lighting candles. Love is infusing his heart and his body, helping him to recover. We will keep you updated on any developments. If you need to connect with Rev. Jim, please wait until he is out of the hospital, if possible, or connect with me or one of the Board members.

As we are nearing Christmas, I pray that we all find places of hope, of peace in the midst of unsettling times. I look forward to seeing you if not this Thursday then on Sunday morning.

As Rev. Jim says: With love as we wait in hope for Christmas,

Kindly,
Rev. Elisabeth Middelberg