E-News from Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

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Weekly E-News

December 13, 2012

PASTOR'S CORNER

How faithful you are to the mission of this church. Your commitment is commendable, continue and don't get discouraged. Put your trust in God, live as God's family, continue your good work of mission to the community and the world. Stay alert to the needs in your midst and celebrate the good that God is accomplishing through you.

Now open your Bible and see if you can't find out where this comes from.

You can start in the Epistles of Paul and work your way through the 2nd Peter. Find it yet? I realize, of course, that you are not going to start looking until you finish this note and so let me save you the trouble. These sentences won't be found together in the Bible; they come from the imagination of the Presbyterian Women's Bible study group. The PW Bible study group is studying Paul's letters -also known as Epistles - and they were asked to write their Epistle to Memorial Drive. Look at some of the words that they use to describe our church: faithful, committed, trusting, working in mission. Look at their words of exhortation: trust in God, don't be discouraged, stay alert to the needs in our midst, and celebrate the good that God is accomplishing through us! They may not carry the same weight as the blessed Saint Paul, but their words are as inspired by the Holy Spirit as anything he ever wrote. For the gift of our women, thanks be to God!

In Anticipation of the Coming Christ,

George

Tuesday, December 18 at 10 am

Read: Acts 18-20

Write: The things that stood out for you in the readings.

Come: To the church library at 10 am on Tuesday to discuss.

READINGS

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, December 16, 2012, the Third Sunday of Advent (Year C)

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 13 at 6:30 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

Join us for our Annual Holiday Program on Dec. 13th at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary.

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.

MDPC will host Christmas International House students for lunch on Saturday, December 22 at 11:30 am. We need volunteers to supply soup, sandwiches or cookies. All are welcome to attend. Please call the church office 404-292-8212 or Doris Hoenig 770-469-5984 if you can provide food or wish to attend. It's fun.