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Restore us, O God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. Psalm 80:3
The Psalm we read this Sunday has this refrain throughout. The Psalm is one of lament. Things are not going well and it even feels like God is punishing or has abandoned the people. Even so, or maybe in spite of that feeling, the writer continues to pray to God, asking that the people be restored. The writer has faith, that even though things are tough, the light of God's face will make things better; that God will show the people how to live and they will be saved from what they are facing.
I think sometimes we think the all-seeing, all-knowing God will swoop down and immediately change things. Sometimes circumstances in our lives change quickly, that's true. However, more often, I think, it is we who change in some way so that the circumstances feel different. We see them differently and are then able to do something in a different way.
Some of us, for instance, do not know how to accept help. We put ourselves in difficult situations because we tell ourselves we must do everything by ourselves. When we shift that thinking, our minds open up to all of the help available around us.
During this time of Advent. During this season of the year, we ask to be restored. We ask for our minds to change. We ask to see God's light more clearly. In doing so, we know we shall be saved.
Love,
Rebecca+
Announcements
Please include the following in your daily prayers.
Wendy, Jim, Marie, Tammy, Tootser, Wendy, Zoey, Heather, the Hernandez family, Kierra, Laura, Ken, Stephanie, Gary, Jason, Ann, Father Warne, Fran, Josh, Arthanel, Caverly, Marie, Bob, Julie, Marion, Joanne, Shelby, Will, Terrance, Lyndsay and the family and friends of Jesse Sutch.
The community level of Covid in Perry County is low. Masks are optional for our service.
Today we will decorate the church for Christmas after the service followed by a Potluck lunch.
Collections for Neighbor Helping Neighbor Food Bank
We will be collecting one specific item each month for the Food Bank. In December items will be Birthday kits - cake mix, frosting, candles. A can of Sprite can be used in place of the eggs and oil. Darlene will leave some in the basket along with notes about using it to prepare the cake.
Help fill our community food pantry!
Items that seem to be taken first include canned pasta meals, soups, and macaroni and cheese. Vegetables don't seem to get taken. Also, please don't use this as an opportunity to clear out your pantry if at all possible.
Save the Date! Ruth and Esther | Epiphany 2023
The Good Book Club will explore Ruth and Esther, books that explore the faithfulness and courage of two remarkable women. The stories of Ruth and Esther have much to teach us about the Hebrew concept of chesed, which means sacred kindness, as well as the willingness to be in sacrificial relationship with loved ones and our communities. Mark your calendars to join the Good Book Club with daily scripture readings, reflections, and teachings, from Epiphany, Friday, January 6, to Shrove Tuesday, February 21, 2023.
Volunteers Needed to Help with Money in Your Pocket Free Tax Prep Program
Volunteers are needed to offer free tax preparation to help working families receive the federal and state tax credits they are eligible for. The service is offered through the Money in Your Pocket (MIYP) program, a community partnership led by United Way of the Capital Region that is committed to the economic stability of local families. No previous experience is required and training is provided. Volunteers are also needed to serve as greeters. For more info, contact Heidi Neuhaus at 717-724-4055 or hneuhaus@uwcr.org
