This week at Hope 12/14/2020

This week at Hope 12/14/2020

Yesterday in worship we marked the Third Sunday in Advent with the lighting of the Rose candle for Joy Sunday. And we certainly have much reason for joy in the Lord. As we heard through the prophet Isaiah, the Anointed One, Christ our Lord brings good news to the poor, and binds up the broken-hearted, and releases captives and prisoners, and plants us as Oaks of Righteousness. When we realize our desperate need, the reality of our sinfulness, and our inability to rescue ourselves, Jesus comes with forgiveness and healing and liberation. Then he carries us forward to share all this with the world so that righteousness rolls on. Rejoice in the Lord today and always!

 

Our third and final Midweek Advent service is this Wednesday, December 16, at 11:30 am. Again, no fellowship meal this time around. With the theme of “Prepare Ye” this week’s focus is Praise. We will celebrate the upcoming arrival of our Savior through songs and shouts of praise as we prepare for Him. Elizabeth, in her greeting of Mary, provides a benchmark for rejoicing with others over the good news of salvation in Jesus. If you cannot attend in person, the service will also be livestreamed and available for later viewing.

 

Hope Men’s Group convenes this Tuesday at 6:00 pm at Luby’s (1410 E. Anderson Ln.). Come out and enjoy some holiday cheer and good fellowship with the brothers.

 

Our own Alena Gorina has recorded a concert, ”Enchanted Strings”, with music by Bach and Beethoven. You are invited to enjoy this online at https://youtu.be/pVbjz5JRMsU and http://musicalconnections.net/?audiotheme_gig=enchanted-strings.

 

Our friends at Concordia University are presenting their twelfth-annual “Service of Lessons and Carols” online at www.concordia.edu/lessonsandcarols2020. This includes new performances this year along with special selections from the choirs of the last five years. It is well done and meaningful, worth your time for Advent and Christmas reflection.

 

Upcoming Worship Schedule: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6:00 pm; NO Christmas Day service; Festival of Christmas celebrated on Sunday, December 27, at 9:00 am.

 

Scripture readings for Sunday—2 Samuel 7:1-11; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38.

 

Birthdays—12/14 Abdala Songolo

Anniversaries—12/15 Ed & Alice Baumann

 

“I surely rejoice in the Lord; my heart is joyful because of my God, because He has clothed me with clothes of victory, wrapped me in a robe of righteousness” Isaiah 61

 

Pastor Heckmann