News, announcements,

and a word of encouragement.

Friends,

This week I had the opportunity to share the Christmas story with children from our preschool. They helped me tell the story by moving Mary, Joseph, shepherds, magi, and all kinds of animals from one flannel board to the “Bethlehem" board.

While with a class of three year olds, we lost the flannel star that led the magi to Jesus. When a little boy discovered it hidden behind the flannel magi, his face lit up. We celebrated with cheers and laughter.

Sometimes, we need to be reminded of the wonder of this season. This Sunday we’re continuing with our Advent theme of Songs of the Season, while focusing on peace. In the midst of the busyness of this time of year, may you find time and space for wonder and peace.

Pastor Dave

Advent Devotionals Available

If you have not picked up a copy of our Advent devotional booklet, more copies are available in the Narthex and in the church office. Please take some for friends and family as well. These lovely devotionals contain a page for each day of Advent containing a story, prayer, and scripture reading. Our thanks to everyone who wrote a page, to Kristina Virtue for the cover art, and to Jo Zimmerman and Ruth Grey for editing and formatting!

Please note: A meeting of the congregation has been called for Sunday, December 15, at 10:30 in the Sanctuary (immediately following the 9:30 service). Purpose of the meeting is to elect new elders and deacons. All are welcome.

Alternative Christmas Market Sunday, December 8

Give a gift this Christmas that will be life changing for others in our community and around the world! Shop the Alternative Christmas Market on the Courtyard on Sunday, December 8 between services, and support our mission partners while gifting those who are hard to buy for. Thank you.

Service of Hope & Remembrance:

Sunday, December 8, 5pm

The holidays are not always joyous. If you are mourning the loss of a loved one, please come to this quiet service of music, readings, and prayer led by our pastors and Stephen Ministers. Stay after the service for refreshments in the Fellowship Center.

Advent Adult Christian Formation Class Continues

How might a house look for Christmas based on what each Gospel says about it? Let's take a fresh look at the artistry in the Bible. Join Rev. Joanne Oemig in the Library on December 8, 15 and 22 for this class based on Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes by Cynthia Campbell. Everyone is invited!

Children are encouraged to be a part of the Christmas pageant to be presented at the 5:30 service on Christmas Eve. Tuesday afternoon rehearsals (4:30 to 5:30pm), December 10 and17. Dress rehearsal Sunday, December 22.

Children’s & Family Ministries (818.889-1491 extension 139).

December Wonder and Joy Women’s Gathering Event

“Unwrap a Victorian Holiday”

Stagecoach Inn Museum

Sunday, December 8, 1:30pm

Unwrap a Victorian Holiday is “a celebration of the traditions of Christmas and Hanukkah with beautiful decorations throughout the museum complex." Admission is free

Meet at the entrance at 1:30, and tour the museum (self-guided) with other WPC women. Friends are welcome! Contact Kathy Spielman.

Digging Deeper Questions for December 8 Sermon

One of Jesus’ beatitudes is “blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” What does a person have to do to be a “peacemaker”? Why is it important for us to constantly work for peace in today’s world?
Reflect on Luke 1:57-80.

Why is the birth of John the Baptist an important part of the Christmas story?
How does “Zachariah’s song” connect the past, present, and future?

Thursday, December 5

2pm CVYO - Fellowship Center

7pm AA - Community Outreach Center

7:30pm GA - Youth Lounge; Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room

Friday, December 6

9am Parkinson's Support Group - Fellowship Center

9:15 Moment for Moms - Oakside

12pm AA - Community Outreach Center

8 pm AA - Sanctuary

Saturday, December 7

8:30 AA - Community Outreach Center

9am Poetry Workshop - Fellowship Center; Choir rehearsal - Choir Room

10am Al-Anon - Community Outreach Center

6pm AA - Community Outreach Center

Sunday, December 8

9:30am Worship Service - Sanctuary

10:30 Alternative Christmas Market - Courtyard; Coffee Hour - Courtyard

11:15am Worship Service - Fellowship Center

5pm Service of Hope and Remembrance - Sanctuary

6pm High School youth group (SYF)

Monday, December 9

12 pm AA - Community Outreach Center

1pm Monday Bible Study - Library

7pm Boy Scout Troop 485 - Community Outreach Center

Tuesday, December 10

9:30 La Leche League - Oakside

11am Worship planning - Library

4pm Property committee - Trailer

4:30 Pageant rehearsal - Sanctuary; ACF committee - Library

6pm Middle school youth group (JYF) - Youth Center

6:30pm Congregational Life committee - Courtside

7:30pm GA - Community Outreach Center

Wednesday, December 11

9:30am Koffee Klatch - Oakside

4:30pm AA - Oakside

6pm Shelter Meal - Community Outreach Center

7 pm Session - Fellowship Center; AA - Balcony Room

Thursday, December 12

7pm AA - Community Outreach Center

2pm CVYO - Fellowship Center

7:30pm GA - Youth Lounge; Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room

Friday, December 13

9:15 Moment for Moms - Oakside

12pm AA - Community Outreach Center

8 pm AA - Sanctuary

Saturday, December 14

8:30 AA - Community Outreach Center

9am Choir rehearsal - Sanctuary, Choir Room

10am Al-Anon - Community Outreach Center

6pm AA - Community Outreach Center

Sunday, December 15

9:30am Worship Service - Sanctuary

10:30 Coffee Hour - Courtyard

11:15am Worship Service - Fellowship Center

5pm Christmas Concert - Sanctuary

6pm High School youth group (SYF)

Sunday Morning Schedule:

9:30 Traditional Service, Sanctuary

Sunday school, Classrooms

10:30 Coffee hour, Courtyard

11:15 Contemporary Service, Fellowship Center

Read the Advent 2019 Communicant here:

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