DECEMBER: "Sleepover at the stable"

Dear friends and members of RLC

As we enter December, I want to call your attention to our upcoming Kids' Christmas Program: Sleepover at the Stable. In this program, our children and youth will “become” the animals that were present in the stable at Jesus' birth. We will hear the story from the perspective of these humble ones--present, but often overlooked.

This seems especially appropriate as we remember the story of this humble family: Mary, Joseph and Jesus. And as we remember the ones whom this Jesus continually held up as precious to God: the unseen, the unheard, the discarded, the despised.

The gift that God gave to the world was a helpless baby who needed others to survive, who grew up poor, who died young—and yet, was the means through which God saved the world from all which separated it from life itself, including death.

In response to this incredible gift, we give gifts to one another, including to those whose needs are great. This year, our children are invited to give gifts of animals through the ELCA World Hunger program to people around the globe whose lives can be changed by the reception of a goat, some chicks, honeybees or a piglet.

The children received “God's Global Barnyard” banks at Sunday School in November (if they have misplaced them, there are more available in the narthex) along with a list of the prices of various animals and other gifts they can offer. I am asking that the children fill these banks before the December 22nd Christmas Program and bring them as their offering at the Program.

If any of you reading this wish to make a contribution toward animals for poor families around the globe, you are welcome to participate. We will see what kind of menagerie we assemble at the Christmas Program on December 22nd!

Another way you can offer gifts to local folks who need help with the necessities of life is to provide gift cards for me to share: gas cards, Pick'n'Save, Walgreens and Walmart cards are most needed.

Christmas is a time of year that holds memories for most of us-many of them beautiful, some tinged with great sadness and longing. I wish you the love of others, light in the darkness, the presence of God's peace and joy.

You are invited to participate in worship on both Thursday, December 19th at 6:30 when we have our Longest Night Christmas Service as well as on Tuesday December 24th at 5:30 when we hold our service of Lessons and Carols. Holy Communion will be served at both of these worship services.

Whatever your circumstances this particular year, know that you are loved with an everlasting love by the God who creates, saves and guides us out of darkness into light.

Peace,
​Pastor Mary