Sunday, December 22nd

Sunday, Dec. 22nd,  Rev. Tim McKenzie will bring us the sermon, “The Obedience of Faith” based on the Luke 1:46-55 and Romans 1:1-7 texts.
After service, we will enjoy a robust fellowship hour filled with Christmas delights and conversation after the service.  All are invited to stay and be refreshed.  From 3:45, all are invited to reconvene at the Sack`s to go Christmas Caroling (see below for details.)
******************
UPCOMING FUN!  We will be Christmas Caroling at Nozomi no Ie and Choyo Gakuen (two orphanages in our neighborhood) on December 22nd.  We will meet at the Sack`s at 3:45 (contact wtucrev@gmail.com for directions.  After caroling we will gather at the Sack`s for a simple and delicious chili supper.  Looking forward to singing and fellowshipping with you!
After our Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols service, 6:30pm on the 24th, we will have our traditional “Christmas Cookie Exchange.” Please bring a plate of your favorite Christmas treat to share with others!  We look forward to enjoying each other`s yummies.
Please let Pastor Teresa know if you are going to be in town on the 24th and attending the service.  We would LOVE to integrate your gifts into the service!
***
    CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CORNER (we value your prayers & involvement in this vital ministry)  Contact Carrie Bennett for ES, Julie Rogers for MS, Amy Harbaugh for HS or Pastor Teresa at wtucrev@gmail.com with any questions.
All classes will resume in January.  The children`s child care held during the service will also resume in January.  For those with children, we LOVE children of all ages in our worship.  Please at any time in the service get books and coloring materials from the cupboard at the back of the room.  Your whole family is welcome at WTUC.
***
West Tokyo Union Church women have been a integral part of the 57 year history of the Women’s Conference.  The 2014 conference will be held January 31st – February 2nd at Amagi Sanso – one week later than usual.   Give yourself the wonderful gift of this special fellowship!  The theme is Through the Valley and the keynote speaker is renowned author and educator Sharon M. Draper.  For more information, please see the website at http://wocon.net
***
Interested in becoming a member at WTUC? – please talk to Pastor Teresa about the upcoming membership classes.
***
Upcoming Preaching Ministry
December 24    Pastor Teresa, Christmas Eve Service – 6:30pm, please bring a Christmas treat to share
December 29    Pastor Teresa
January 5          Pastor Teresa, Epiphany, Communion
January 12        Pastor Teresa, Steering Committee meeting
January 19        Rev. Jim Sack, Communion
January 26        Rev. Jim Sack
***
SNACK SIGNUP Sign up for snacks for fellowship time with Ann or on the list on the white board.  We greatly appreciate your contributions to our community life!
***
WTUC  Announcements
*Any questions or concerns?  Feel free to email wtucrev@gmail.com anytime.
*Please enjoy and refer our website and FB page (West Tokyo Union Church) to others.  Please make any suggestions for additions to the Pastor Teresa and/or Steering Committee.  https://wtuc.net/
*If you’d like to be added to the WTUC church email list, please contact Gene Witt ewitt@asij.ac.jp
*If interested in joining the WTUC Prayer Chain, let Pastor Teresa or Prayer Chain Coordinator, Kayo Ozawa, know of your interest. Please submit prayers to wtucrev@gmail.com or Kayo Ozawa.
***

Mary’s Song
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

Mary’s song continues to echo through the ages.  It sounds whenever a wrong is righted, a heart is healed, a life takes another step toward wholeness.  Our hearts fill with praise, just as hers did, when we realize that we are the ones who have been lifted up and filled with good things; we have been looked upon with favor by a loving God. There is much to trap our attention during this season, but we can choose to focus on the light that penetrates our darkness; the glory of Immanuel-God with us; the joy that fills us when we “prepare him room.” In return for the gift of a Savior, serve as God’s agents of grace and instruments of peace.  Let the joy overflow to others.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *