In this season of Advent, the prayers and the readings look to the coming of Christ and Kingdom of Peace and Justice. The tragedy in Connecticut reminds again of the brokenness and pain in life. Please pray for those who were killed (including the shooter), and pray also for those closely impacted (the children, the teachers, the families). I would also ask your prayers for all the children that we might do better by them and that they may come nearer the Kingdom of Peace and Justice than the adults of this generation. This Sunday in worship, please take a moment of silence to remember those killed and for the healing of the violence in this nation.

  

O God, whose beloved Son took children into his arms and blessed them: Give us grace to entrust those killed in Connecticut to your never-failing care and love, and bring us all to your heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
 
God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

  

Bob+

All are invited to come and sing through the halls of Mahelona Hospital on Sunday, December 16, at 6:00 pm.  Members of All Saints' will be caroling in the Long-term Care Unit, bringing some holiday cheer to the patients there.  A previously scheduled practice in the church for this Sunday after the second service has been cancelled, but the youth will be in Memorial Hall prepping bottles of lotion to share with patients, and some informal singing to warm their voices up may be taking place!  Feel free to join them!  For more information, call 651-7773.

The All Saints' Christmas potluck party is coming up on Sunday, December 23, beginning at 5:00 pm in the gym.  Lots of fun, food and fellowship is in store as we celebrate the birth of our Lord! Immediately following the party at 7:00 pm, the beautifully animated movie Polar Express starring Tom Hanks, will be shown in the gym.  Bring your lawn chairs, folding mattresses and make yourselves comfortable as we enjoy this Christmas classic together.

  

  

  

  

  

  

HOW TIME FLIES!  Hale Lani Christian Store is celebrating its 6th Anniversary all month long, with everything in the store on sale!  If it's not marked, it's at least 20% OFF, with some items marked down 75%! Tons of new merchandise has arrived with something for everyone--- from infant to elder, and new items are still arriving every day, so come back to see the new fabulous products, all with that "heavenly" touch!  A special thank you to all of the Hale Lani store volunteers who have selflessly dedicated themselves to this ministry that serves our community and church programs!  God bless you!

There's something for everyone---sports themes, Abba Oils and candles, toys, new t-shirts, notebooks & journals galore, housewares, jewelry, and even manicure sets and lipstick cases---all with that heavenly touch!