Boy Howdy! It’s cold! Earlier this week, we woke up to find snow on the ground. I don’t know how many inches we got, somewhere around 8 inches I imagine. My first thought was “It’s just the beginning of November! I’m not ready for this!”

 

The temperature has been staying below freezing – in the 20’s. I’ve not seen any of my critters in the backyard. I wonder if they were as surprised with the snow as I was. I hope they’re alright, snuggled up and keeping warm wherever it is they will spend the winter months. I hope they’ll have enough food to get them through.

I’m not a big fan of winter as you know. And it’s still officially a month and a half away! We’ve not even gotten to Thanksgiving yet.

 

Yet Advent is on the way, too. It’s my favorite season of the church year. The time when we anticipate the coming of Jesus into our world. Who comes as God among us.

In worship, we light a candle of the Advent wreath each Sunday in Advent. We celebrate the Hanging of the Greens by hanging ornaments on the Christmas Tree in the sanctuary. The Giving Tree goes up in the narthex, where we’re given the opportunity to bring mittens and warm hats and other presents to be put under the tree. They are given to children who many not live in a home where the family can afford to buy Christmas presents.

 

I may not be fond of the cold of winter, but I am looking forward to Advent and the warmth of this season – of caring and sharing and the anticipation of the greatest gift ever given. Christmas, God made flesh in Jesus.

 

Yours in the journey,

Pastor Kristen

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                                                  Announcements:

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Oh My It's PIE DAY, this Sunday, November 16th. Bring in a can or box of a non-perishable food item and stay for a piece of pie. All are invited to attend. 

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Poinsettias can now be ordered till Sunday, December 14th to decorate the altar for the Christmas Holiday. Cost per flower is $9.50 each. Colors available are red, white, or pink. Order forms are available on the wooden table as you enter the Sanctuary. 

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Our Thrift Shop is open on Saturdays, from 9-3p, @ 1321 Main Street, Crete, IL. 

 

PENNY-PANTRY SUNDAY is the fourth Sunday of every month. From October to December, we will be collecting for the Pastor's Helping Hands Ministry. 

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Save the Date for two upcoming Christmas Events: December 6 & 7, during Crete Country Christmas:

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Saturday, December 6th for our Annual Arts and Craft Fair, from 9 to 3p, in the lobby.  

                     If a vendor and wish to join the Craft Fair, click the word doc below to download and application.

                                Send completed application to

                                  1321 Main Street,  Crete, IL 60417

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Sunday, December 7th for our Annual Sing-a-long Christmas Concert, in the church Sanctuary, beginning at 3p.

 

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