“The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 3:2
Sunday, December 8
8:30 a.m. Early Worship
10:00 a.m. St. Nicholas Breakfast
11:00 a.m. Worship
11:15 a.m. Children in Worship
12:00 p.m. Gift of Hope Sale
12:15 p.m. Jubilate Choir Rehearsal
Honored at the St. Nicholas Breakfast is a bishop known for his kindness to people in need and to children. He gave many gifts to others in secret. The generosity of Saint Nicholas reminds us of God’s love and the many good gifts that God gives to us. In St. Nicholas’ spirit of giving, each child is asked to bring a small unwrapped gift, either purchased or homemade. They can be gently used or new toys and games, toiletries for children, books, or socks (adult or children sizes), etc. These gifts will be shared with people in the community. All children should also bring one of their own shoes. Perhaps St. Nicholas will bring gifts to fill that shoe. This intergenerational celebration will include a story, games, songs, and crafts along with a breakfast of pigs in the blanket and eggs.
In the Gathering Area, you’ll find the Gift of Hope Sale, featuring products from the women’s program of the Haiti Foundation Against Poverty available for purchase. Mallery Neptune writes, “Your purchases matter. We know the power your purchases can have, because we see the change in the lives of our very own employees and artisan partners. We see the stability and pride it gives to families who were on the brink of collapse. We see mothers whose poverty caused them to contemplate leaving their children in an orphanage turn their economic situation completely around with a steady job. During this time of crisis these beautiful, talented families need your empowerment more than ever.” Samples of the products like the bracelets in the image below can be viewed at giftofhopehaiti.org.