John the Baptist told everyone that the Lord was coming to chop down the unfruitful trees and throw them in the fire. Pretty fire and brimstone! Until John was in prison and Jesus was just going around doing nice things for people like healing them. Was John wrong? Was Jesus really the one? How could God’s chosen prophet John even doubt? Do you ever doubt? Do you ever wonder whether Jesus is the real deal? If a guy like John can wonder, and still be saved by Jesus then there’s hope for us too! And that means some rejoicing this weekend of Gaudete!
Gaudete is the “Joy!” Sunday of Advent and we observe it by lighting the third candle on the Advent wreath, the rose (pink) candle! So don’t forget to WEAR YOUR ROSE/PINK to church this weekend and we’ll “Gaudete” it up!
Also this Sunday, at 1pm, we take that Advent and Christmas joy to some of our homebound members nearby as we go CHRISTMAS CAROLING . We’ll leave from church shortly after 1pm so join us as we visit and bring joy through music!
Please help us remember a family that is in dire need this holiday season. One of Zion’s own is struggling mightily with mortgage, utilities, basic necessities and gifts for the children. Let’s overwhelm this family with our generous help! You can grab an ornament from the Giving Tree in the narthex and buy something to bring back to church or give cash or checks (made to “ZAP”) to go toward needed expenses. Most of the ornaments have been claimed and there’s just a few left! Thanks, Zion for being awesome in helping your neighbor!
Next Sunday, December 23, after worship, we’ll have our ZION FAMILY CHRISTMAS PROGRAM. Stick around for Christmas hymn singing, the telling of the Christmas story, and some fellowship around hot chocolate in the gym afterwards.
Our Christmas and New Year’s Worship Schedule is a follows:
Christmas Eve – 3pm; 7pm; 11pm
Christmas Day – 9am
New Year’s Eve – 7pm
Please note there will not be service on either Wednesday, December 26 or January 2.
Gaudete! Rejoice! Let’s rejoice together this weekend in the Divine Service. See you there!
In Christ, Pastor Buetow
Download this week’s Bulletin, Daily Devotions, NewsNotes and Volunteer Schedules from our website here:
