Happy Advent! More on that later. But first, here are some of the things we’ve done since the last newsletter:
On Reformation Sunday we had a really great youth Sunday school class – the middle school and high school groups met together, and we learned about the armor of God. If that doesn’t sound like fun, that’s because you’ve never had Becky Christian as your teacher for this lesson! We had a blast, and learned stuff, too – ask the youth from that day to tell you about it.
We had our second annual Potato Bake on Sunday, November 21. It was after a combined worship service and congregational meeting, and it was great having the whole church together! We had really tasty food and amazing company, too. The event was also a fundraiser for our mission trip this summer in Charleston, WV. Many thanks for your presence and support!
We were very busy this November, but we did manage to meet the deadline to sign up four youth (plus me) to attend the LYO retreat in January. We can’t wait to spend the weekend at camp, and even though our numbers are a little low this year (it’s a tough weekend to fit into schedules) we have a great group going.
As we move into Advent, we’ll be busy, but we hope to take time to enjoy the season, too. There will be four Wednesdays in Advent, so we’ll use them to worship, pray, reflect, and prepare in a Family Night series especially for the occasion. Why not take some time amid your busy December to enjoy Advent with your church family? As always, we start with a potluck at 5:30 (no fancy cooking required – we like take out or stuff from the store as much as anything time consuming!), then have a casual worship service at 6:00. At 6:30 we split up – you can go to Exultation Bells, or Pastor’s Bible Study, or stay downstairs for family activities. (Note: “family” means “church family” – children and adults of all ages are welcome.) We’re going to have lots of fun together!
In youth territory, we’ll have a table at the Christmas Bazaar on December 5. I have lots of fair trade products on hand, and a shipment of delicious Divine Chocolate on it’s way. We have plenty, but it can go quickly, so be sure to come and get your favorites. Fair trade products make great gifts, and you’re supporting two great causes at once. (Also, the chocolate is really good!)
The other date to circle on your calendar is December 19, when we will present our children’s Christmas Play during the 10:30 service. We’re learning our lines, preparing our props, and getting ready to share a part of the Christmas story with you. It’s definitely a Sunday you don’t want to miss.
That’s a selection of November and December, but we’re always doing more than I can talk about here! If you’d like to be fully informed, you can get on the youth mailing list by giving me your email address (youth@firstlutheranspringfield.org).
