'...when you see
these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near...' St
Luke 21.31
We pray in the Lord's Prayer,
"Thy kingdom come." With the dawning of Advent this Sunday, we once again
are hit full force with the temporalness of this world. As caught up as we
are in Christmas preparations, this first Sunday in Advent reminds us that there
are bigger fish to fry. God's kingdom will come, of that we can be
sure. In the meantime, what kind of lives do we live that offer people a
glimpse of God's kingdom? Hint: it's about justice, righteousness,
peacemaking, and love.
DEATH AND LIFE: The Redeemer
family mourns the loss to death of Walt Deetz, Debi Williams' father. Walt
died in the early hours of Friday. Our hearts go out in love to Debi and
her family. And with her, we remember that in Jesus Christ, death means
life, and loss means gain--the kingdom of God in heaven for Walt.
SPECIAL ADULT CLASS
THIS SUNDAY: We invite all adults to hear Rev. L. Alan Brown, Chaplain for Hospice
Care of the Northwest. Rev.
Brown will be our guest as he speaks about the philosophy of hospice care and
answers our questions about hospice and end-of-life issues. Please join
our combined adult class in the Commons Room at
8:50am.
MANYULOVA FAMILY TO SING AT WORSHIP:
Many of us from Redeemer worked on the Thrivent Habitat House for this
family, and heard them sing last Spring after one of our worship services.
They will return to sing again on Sunday, December 10, and offer their thanks for our
contribution to their new home.
ADVENT
BEGINS! Advent, the season of preparation for
Christ's coming, begins this Sunday, Dec. 3. As is our custom, we will
offer special Midweek Advent Vespers each Wednesday,
Dec 6, 13, and 20, at 7pm, using the lovely Holden Evening
Prayer. These special midweek vespers will
be preceded by a Soup, Bread, and Dessert Supper at
6pm. Please help provide for these suppers
by signing up on the sheet posted on the bulletin
board.
ATTENDANCE: Sunday morning
attendance is definitely looking up! 99 this past Sunday, after two
successive 100 plus Sundays. Let's keep it up!
PERSONAL
NOTE: Thank you for asking about my mom and dad.
They have reached the point of needing Assisted Living, and Diane and I will be
arranging for them to move into that area at Country Meadows in Woodburn, their
home for the past 3 years. We are grateful for your love and concern, and
your prayers.
'How can we thank God
enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of
you? May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and
for all...and strengthen your hearts in holiness...' 1 Thessalonians 3.9,
12
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