PASTOR'S  CORNER

READINGS

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, December 9, 2012, the Second Sunday of Advent (Year C)

• First Reading Malachi 3:1-4
• Canticle Luke 1:68-79
• Second Reading Philippians 1:3-11
• Gospel Luke 3:1-6

THE ADVENT WREATH

One of the beautiful traditions of Advent is the lighting of the Advent wreath. The wreath is a circle of evergreens with four purple candles around its edge and a white candle in the center. From the first Sunday in Advent to Christmas Eve, the wreath grows in beauty and light as it helps us recall the hope, peace, love, and joy that come to us through God's gracious gift of Jesus Christ.

Each part of the wreath has a special meaning:

• The round shape symbolizes the eternity of God. It is a reminder that God lived before there was a world; God lived in Jesus; God lives now and always will live.
• Evergreens are used for the wreath because they live all year and never lose their needles. They testify to the continuation of life and remind us that we often see Christ in the simple and common things of nature.
• The candles remind of the good news of Isaiah 9:2: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shined."

Traditionally, the four Advent candles are purple, although sometimes a pink or rose colored candle is used for the third Sunday.

First Sunday- The Candle of Hope reminds us of the hope found in Christ's birth and in the promise of his return.

Second Sunday- The Candle of Peace reminds us of the peace found in Christ through acts of repentance and service.

Third Sunday- The Candle of Love reminds us of the amazing and unending love of God.

Fourth Sunday- The Candle of Joy reminds us of the joyful news that God is with us and encourages us to have joy in working with God to restore all creation.

MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

  

BOUNTIFUL BAGS

 

Partnership with MDPC, Shallowford Church and Indian Creek Elementary

 

Food Packing will be held on Thursday, December 6 at 5:00 pm in the Jim Guess Building. Please call Dil at the church office 404-292-8212 to volunteer or sign up by clicking on the link below.

 

Bountiful Bags - Sign Up

 

 

HOLIDAY BOXES 

 

This is a long standing and vital mission for the church and the community and everybody is encouraged to get involved.

 

Each box costs $35.00.  Any amount that you donate is appreciated.  Checks can be made payable to MDPC and notated Holiday Boxes.

 

We will be packing and delivering the Holiday Food Boxes on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 8:30 am in the Jim Guess Activities Building. Please sign up to volunteer.

  

  

CHRISTMAS AT MDPCCP

  

Our families are ready to begin holiday celebrations here at MDPCCP. With the birth of Christ as our guiding star, we have planned several family activities to share the Christmas story and Christmas family traditions.

Beginning December 7th with our Holiday tasting , the children will experience the holidays using all five of their senses. They will taste favorite holiday foods prepared by our families for the Holiday Tasting at 6:00 pm on Dec. 7th. They will enjoy the sounds with Mr. Jones in music,and share those sounds with family and friends at our annual holiday program on Dec. 13th at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary. During class time the teachers have planned many art and discovery activities to encourage creativity and sharing.

The children began the celebration by sharing through the Samaritan's Purse shoebox ministry. The boxes were picked up by one of our church members, Mrs. Gloria Moss. Several of the children helped to put the boxes in her car so Mrs. Sue Cameron could deliver them to the distribution center this week.

 

 

 

AMIS

 

AMIS is in need of host families for Christmas International House the weeks of Dec. 18-26 and Dec. 26-Jan. 2. For information go to www.christmasih.org or call the AMIS office at 404-846-4395.

  

 

Elder Training on December 8th - 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
North Decatur Presbyterian Church 
In partnership with N. Decatur Presbyterian, Columbia Presbyterian, and Emory Presbyterian

  WORSHIP SERVICES

 

  

POINSETTIAS

Ordering Deadline: December 11 

AN ARTFUL EXPERIENCE OF ADVENT

Come and explore a fresh perspective for yourself during this Advent season using art materials in an intuitive way. Soul Journers Studio is offering a four week group workshop to explore the four themes of advent. This will begin November 25 and go through December 16. The actual time will be determined by the group. The workshop will meet at the Soul Journers' Studio in the Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. Paint, clay, collage, and journaling will be used to discover what Peace, Hope, Love, Joy will mean to each of us this season. We will be loosely using the book, Christmas Gifts That Don't Break by James W. Moore and Praying in Color by Sybil MacBeth. It is not necessary to purchase these books to participate, nor do you need prior art training. To have a space, please call Sandra Tate at 404 455 8530.

 Birthdays

and

Anniversaries 

  Tuesday, December 4          Beth Roberts

  Tuesday, December 4          Augustine Kamara

  Thursday, December 6        Jerry and Gloria Colley's Wedding Anniversary

  Friday, December 7            Sawyer Gregory Coon

  Saturday, December 8        Carol Cromley

  Friday, December 14           Maresa Tate

 

5140 Memorial Drive

Stone Mountain,

GA  30083

404-292-8212