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View this email in your browser What's Happening at Advent! Sunday, December 10, 2023 Second Sunday of Advent 10:00 AM – Worship with Holy Communion  11:30 AM – Council Meeting WORSHIP LIVESTREAM WORSHIP BULLETIN We give thanks for those assisting with Sunday's worship: Pastor - The Rev. Alex P. Stall, Jr; Assisting Minister - Gerry Fuller; Altar Guild - Esther Day; Greeter - Esther Day; Usher - Jones Day; Cantor - Nancy Jairrels; Organist - Eric Sparks; Videographer - Shane Gainer; Social Hour Host - Rick Hawn; Counters - Desiree Jessimy and Nancy Jairrels. From the Pastor's Desk - Week of December 04, 2023 On Saturday, December 2, a group of folks gathered here at Advent to decorate the church for the Advent and Christmas seasons. We had a good crowd and a good time! Everyone pitched in with gusto and creativity as we got the lights and greenery in place to help set a celebratory mood for our members and guests. The fellowship was warm (and so was the pizza) and the results are splendid. All who visit will enjoy this place in the days ahead. Thanks so much for helping out!   Our drive to collect children’s winter coats for Lutheran Social Services continues. The box in the narthex has been filled by coats that people have gathered and brought in. We’ll take the initial load to LSS this Wednesday to be processed, and we’ll take anything that comes after that to the LSS event at Bethlehem Lutheran on Sunday, December 10. Once again, thank you for your enthusiastic generosity.   This past Sunday, December 3, the 1st Sunday of Advent, was extraordinary on so many levels. To begin with, the number of people in attendance was GREAT – we had nearly 40 people in the sanctuary. We actually had to print additional bulletins. There were 4 children who came, including Leandre, the Little One recently born to Katie and Kemar Oakley. It was wonderful having the kids in service! Finally (and certainly not least), we welcomed 5 new members into our family of faith. Welcome to Shelly and Chris Haar as well as Katie, Kemar, and Leandre Oakley. It is indeed very good to have you with us, and we are blessed by your presence!   Beloved of Advent, even as we watch and wait for the Lord’s coming during this reflective season of Advent, we remember that Jesus calls us to do more than sit still – we are called to be active in God’s vineyard. We certainly wait in hope, but as our texts will say this week, we work to “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Mark 1:3, NRSV). I pray that you are feeling the energy of this season – the anticipation and the joy – and that you are able to balance the busy-ness of the Holidays, with the “awake-ness” of those who wait for the Lord. Come out on Wednesday evenings in December to join us for Holden Evening Prayer – it will be worth your time!   Grateful always, Pastor Alex URGENT Children’s Coat Drive! Advent meets the call!  THANK YOU for your overwhelming response to help the youngest clients of Lutheran Social Services. Donations will be accepted through Sunday but in a little more than a week, we collected 53 coats! This is a “let’s do it” congregation! Gifts of Hope throughout Advent The alternative gift-giving program is the perfect way to remember a friend or relative at Christmas. By donating to a vetted beneficiary organization in their name, you can transform the lives of others in need while honoring your friend or relative. Order forms are available in the Welcome Center. Learn more. Midweek Evening Prayer Wednesdays @ 7 PM Join us on Wednesday evenings for a simple, reflective service that lasts 30-45 minutes and uses a traditional evening prayer format and the beautiful music of Holden Evening Prayer by Marty Haugen. Service is 7 PM on December 6, 13 & 20. Come for calm and reflection during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Lessons & Carols Christmas Eve, 10 AM On Christmas Eve morning we say farewell to the season of Advent and hear the story of the promise of the coming Messiah. You are invited to hear the words and sing the songs as we eagerly await this greatest gift! Candlelight Service Christmas Eve, 6:30 PM In the evening, we celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world with scripture, communion, and special music. Our celebration begins with a half-hour of organ Christmas music, followed by fellowship and homemade cookies.  Prayer Under the Stars Weather permitting, we will light luminaria on the outdoor labyrinth where you are invited to come for prayer “under the stars” before or after the Christmas Eve Candlelight service.  You and your family are cordially and joyfully invited to join us in this beautiful time of worship!  Share the News! Members and friends, we invite you take Advent postcards and invite your friends and neighbors to come to the top of the hill for Christmas worship. There is a place for them here! Beware, it's a fake! Families and friends of Advent, this seems to be a too-common occurrence these days: We've had reports of emails & texts supposedly sent from Pastor Alex Stall asking for help or money. Pastor Alex will NEVER reach out by text or email to individual members to ask for money. If you get an email, please report it to the church office, but DO NOT RESPOND TO THE SENDER. Have you returned your stewardship card? Even if your contribution of time, talent, or treasure isn’t changing, please let us know. It helps us more effectively plan our ministry together! Facebook Website Email Office Email Pastor Alex Support Our Ministry Copyright © 2023 Advent Lutheran Church, All rights reserved. * Our mailing address is: 2222 S. Arlington Ridge Road, Arlington, VA 22202 Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 11 am - 3 pm Phone - 703-521-7010

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