Pastor Tim’s December Column

A new church liturgical year has begun with the onset of Advent, a season of hope and expectation, as we eagerly await the coming of Christ, both his birth (which we commemorate after 2000 years) and his future – or second – coming at some point in the future. We yearn, as always but particularly these days, for the inbreaking of God’s kingdom of justice, righteousness, and peace.

We have an eventful and joyful Advent season lined up this year at St. Philip. To begin with, we have received 63 financial pledges totaling $345,000 so far. This will enable us to accomplish much mission and ministry here in a world hurting and in need of accompaniment and provision. Thank you for your generosity. If you have not already done so, we invite you to submit an “Estimate of Giving” card soon, to join us in our service to our neighbors and community.

We have a New Members class scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 am until noon. Please join us if you have decided to formally become a member here OR if you are simply curious about our history, future, and ministry opportunities. There is no obligation to formally join us. We will introduce ourselves to each other, tour our campus, and have various ministry presentations. We anticipate a group of perhaps five to ten individuals, and we would love it if you were among them.

We look forward, also, to the wedding of Pierce Alexander and Mary Elizabeth Furr this month, as well as the baptism of Gavin Bratcher. We rejoice with the family, friends, and loved ones of these individuals. What an honor it is to accompany and celebrate our members as they experience these life-giving occasions.

We are very excited about our upcoming Christmas Interactive Theater and Dinner, on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4:30 pm. We will reenact the Christmas story and the birth of Christ in some fun and meaningful ways, followed by dinner and fellowship afterwards. This is a wonderful experience for all of us, particularly our extended families. Please join us!

We will have two Christmas Eve services on Wednesday, Dec. 24: a Family service at 4 pm, and a Traditional service at 7 pm. They are always well-attended every year, and they are beautiful, peaceful, and sublime worship services. Please join us for either (or both!) of these worship opportunities.

“For the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son.”

Merry Christmas, friends.
Pastor Tim