Dear Sisters and Brothers,
   A blessed season of preparation to you!  Many of us will be sending Christmas cards, choosing gifts for our loved ones, attending Christmas celebrations, coming to Advent and then Christmas worship services, and so much more.

   I want to find a  way for you to experience the spiritual wonder of the season, too, without adding to the stress of this already busy time.  I think the key may be simplicity.  It may not be fully successful, but I do think that it is faithful and I ask your participation.

  Our Sunday morning services will focus on the themes of the Gospel Lessons which are all brim full of anticipation.  We will do our very best to plan these services to easily fit within the hour and therein to have space for silence and stillness.

   Wednesday evening worship will begin at 7:00 p.m. with quiet, the tone will be restful.  In simplicity the Eucharist will be celebrated, the word spoken, prayers prayed, and songs of hope sung.  After a 1/2 hour or less you will be sent out to rest and then on the 'morrow to serve.

   The other Advent/Christmas piece is the attached brief order of Daily Prayer for every home.  Each day is richer in grace, deeper in hope, and perhaps more peace-full when we set aside a short time at the beginning and ending for Daily Prayer.  Here is a simple order for  morning and  evening.  I encourage you to gather your family, or at least yourself to pray.  Open your spirit to the Holy Spirit, and already the Advent prayer, "Come, Lord Jesus" will have begun to be answered.

   A blessed Advent and Christmas to you! 
                                             Pastor John

90 % of youth who do 4 mission trips remain active as adults in the church.  Is there an idea here for our youth ministry?

   If you would like to join in this ministry, you may or may not tell Pastor or Jacki that you are doing it.  Give your offering marked "World Hunger" to ALC.  Just put it in the offering plate properly marked, and our treasurer will send it in regularly.

Thank you for your efforts for those in need.

  At a time when we are showing our love for our families and friends with the purchase of Christmas gifts, would you consider a special Christmas gift to the Christ Child for the children of the world?  We invite you to give this gift to Lutheran World Hunger through our congregation.