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University Lutheran Church
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ULC E-Newsletter
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December 24 - Christmas Eve December 25 - Christmas Day From the Pastor Hello from University Lutheran…. This week’s commentary has a decidedly dual focus for us: first, to remind us all that “the fat lady has not sung yet” on the Season of Advent…and secondly, to send out an early Birth Announcement for Sunday evening, as we celebrate the Miracle of the Incarnation of Our Lord! The Fourth Sunday of Advent and our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service fall on the same day, with both opportunities for worship significant ones for the church. We hope all of you who are in town, especially our Resident Membership, will make an effort to attend both Liturgies: 11 AM and 6:30 PM. Finishing up Advent…as I re-read the Old Testament Prophecies that come alive this Season of the Year, I am impressed with the number of times the term “land” is used and that a “place” for Israel…and US…is such an important part of the promise of God. Gad wants us to “be somewhere” and to settle in to a land, or a community or to be a part of a neighborhood where we are able to reach out to one another and share the good news of God’s gracious presence. The term “Come Emmanuel” is an invitation for God to come and dwell with us. How can that happen if we have not found that place that is OUR part of the promise to Israel? The miracle of Christmas is that God does indeed make his home among us: first as a child growing up like each of us…and then as a Man come to die for us and to save us from our sins ..and then as our Lord Resurrected from the dead This Sunday, our Advent focus is on the Virgin Mary as she sings the Magnificat and praises God for the promises that will change the landscape of Israel forever, for God will indeed pull down the abusive from their thrones and exalt those of low degree. You can count on that! Speaking of Land as well as Advent….I have noticed in my neighborhood an interesting strategy for selling homes during an uncertain housing market. Signs are appearing on front lawns saying “FOR SALE…SOON.” The addition of the tem “soon” is a clever one as people call the number listed wanting to take advantage of a possible bargain before the home hits the market. That “Soon” term is an important part of Advent as well. Christ is coming “soon.” The promise of God will raise valleys and level mountains “soon.” So please join us on Sunday for both Liturgies as we take advantage of the “soon-ness” of Jesus’ coming into our hearts and into our dwelling places…and to claim our bit of real estate. Pastor DUUU From the President Dear families, friends, and members of University Lutheran, You are an extraordinary church. This summer, when Pastor Dohrman was so sick, so many of you stepped up and helped with choosing the Sunday readings, helped with getting the Sunday bulletin ready, cleaned and readied the church for worship, worked on the grounds, provided food and refreshments, as needed. Thank you so much. But, you did not stop there, you organized the tailgate suppers and helped to provide food for them, and came and served and were hosts for the events. You helped to build a Habitat for Humanity House. You helped to feed the workers at the Habitat site. You fed the residents and refurbished a room at the Hope Community. You have provided for the needs and very humble pleasures of a family in need, and last, but foremost you very generously contributed to the Christmas, year end , gifts for the Pastor and the staff. I am awed by your dedication and generosity to University Lutheran. Our wishes (Meredith's and mine) for all of you, are for a blessings filled Christmas Season that will last through all of 2007. God's blessings,Elsa McKinney UUU CHGRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Please join us for a quiet service of readings and carols as we welcome the birth of our Lord. 6:30 PM Please bring friends and family. We’ll be finished in time for you to have your own late dinner and Christmas Eve traditions as you return home to continue your Incarnation Celebrations. UUU For Student Only There is room for two FEMALE students in the ULC Residence for this coming term. If you’ve had that “roommate from hell” this past term and can get out of your lease or housing contract, please call for information 850-443-7588 UUU Congregational Meeting Members of the University Lutheran Church and Student Center will meet following worship on January 14th to approve the 2007 Mission and Ministry Plan (Budget). You may view the current proposed 2007 Mission and Ministry Plan on line by going to www.universitylutheranchurch.us/news/docs/2007Proposed.xls.Comments on the 2007 spending plan should be sent to Elsa McKinney, ULC President at president@universitylutheranchurch.org. UUU |
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