Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!!

I seem to have missed posting a thought in November. My apologies for missing that. November was very busy and eventful in the life of the church.

Thanksgiving was a blessing to so many. David Asaad, Sandy Crull and I assisted Valley Life Church in putting on the 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Community meal on Thanksgiving Day at Punkin's Restaurant. Wednesday before Thanksgiving, David and I assisted the group in preparing turkeys, hams, and pies in getting ready to be consumed the next day. Sandy volunteered her time during the day on Thursday to help with serving the meal to those attending. What a wonderful thing that the community does.....to come together and offer a meal of thanks to any who would like to attend.

Our church hosted the Annual Thanksgiving Community Service on Sunday evening, November 18th. It was very well attended and Brock Carlile from Crossroads Church presented a wonderful sermon. This was another grand event in the life of Pauls Valley and the Ministerial Alliance.

Advent is shaping up to be a very special time here at the church. On November 25th, we had the Hanging of the Green during our regular worship service and then several members stayed after church to help decorate the sanctuary in preparation of the upcoming Advent season.

Last Sunday, Dec 2nd, was the official beginning of Advent with the lighting of the Hope candle on the Advent Wreath by John Brewer and his daughter, Jenny Cook. The wonderful theme of Hope was carried out for the day and we had a great attendance at church with several of our church members who had been unable to attend in prior Sundays, due to illness, being there for Advent.

The 9th will be the Sunday of Peace and two purple candles will be lit on the Advent Wreath by Terry and Jane Hefley. The next Sunday, December 16th, will be the 3rd Sunday of Advent.....the Sunday of Joy....where we re-light the two purple candles and then light a pink one. This will be done by D.J. & Becca Patton. Then, on December 23rd, the 4th Sunday of Advent, the candle of Love will be lit by Lisa Pratt and her mother, Reba Jo Ward.

Also on December 16th will be our annual Christmas Program followed by our Christmas Fellowship meal and a visit from a Jolly Old Elf at some point. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. and the meal is slated to begin around 6:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve we will be having a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service that will begin at 6:00 p.m. This will be a special evening of music, scripture, communion and the lighting of the Christ Candle on our Advent Wreath, followed by the entire sanctuary being filled with the light from individual candles being shared around the sanctuary. Christmas Eve is always a magical and spiritual service to attend and we invite all who read this, whether you are a member of our congregation or not, to bring your family and share in our celebration of the true meaning of Christmas.....the hope, peace, joy and love of acknowledging the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

My hope and prayer for each of you during this season of anticipation and happiness is to be thankful for your many gifts you have received....not just from friends and family....but from our God who brought salvation to the world. I pray that you find hope if you have lost it....peace within your heart for anything that is troubling you...joy in the simple things in life and love wherever you go. Remember that we not only are celebrating the birth of a Savior, but also the birth of many opportunities to give back to those who have given to us and to share God's love and Good News wherever we go!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!

Pastor Elaine Howsley