|
Dear <<First Name>>,
Last week, we began Advent talking about hope, as we know God is even now coming to save us. This week, we hear what God brings: comfort and peace. We hear God's voice through Isaiah, "Comfort, comfort, O my people!" along with a promise to end suffering and deliver peace.
I don't know about you, but that is a welcome message as 2020 comes to an end. While there is earthly hope with good news for vaccines, the comfort, hope and peace God brings will endure beyond all else.
I hope you took time this last week to build your own Advent wreath, using materials you have at home. It's not too late! You can still join on Sunday. The Liturgy for the Living Room, prepared by Jared, is linked in the purple box below, along with ideas for making your own Advent wreath at home.
Take note below, also: news of the return of in-person worship, the choir, outdoor carol singing, and a very short survey about Christmas Eve.
Faithfully,
Pastor Jennifer
|
|
Click here to learn more about the Advent wreath, and find "Liturgy for the Living Room," prayers for the season.
Click here for a funny video of ideas about how to make an Advent wreath out of what you have at home.
|
|
|
|
Worship in Person -- Resumes Sunday, 6 December
The end of lockdown allows us to gather in person again this Sunday, but our online service will continue for those staying safe at home. (Details below.)
All our previous COVID Secure protocols remain in place: you must preregister below, you must be free of symptoms and not be required to self-isolate, you must wear your mask at all times, no congregational singing is allowed.
This Sunday, 6 December, will be much like our autumn services, with a soloist and short service.
Singing returns! Sundays 13 & 20 December
The AIC Choir and director Scott Stroman will be back to sing for us on these Sundays. The congregation is not allowed to sing indoors, but outdoor carol singing (with 2m distancing) is permitted! So, after our worship service, we will adjourn to the front of the church for 10-15 minutes of carol singing for all, led by Scott and the choir.
Communion will be served on Sunday, 20 December.
|
|
|
Christmas Eve Service
We will host an in-person Christmas Eve service, as long as government guidance does not change in the coming weeks. However, we are trying to figure out various options, and it would help a great deal to know how many people from our AIC community might plan to attend, depending on what is offered. Can you take two minutes for the short survey?
|
|
|
Worship Online Anytime
Sunday Worship for December 6 will premiere on YouTube and Facebook at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, and be available anytime after.
Last Sunday's service from the First Sunday of Advent is below, with the lighting of the Advent candle of hope, music from Jonathan Eyers and a hope-filled sermon from Pastor Jared.
|
|
|
Giving: Your generosity matters more than ever.
As we come to the end of this challenging year, we are more grateful than ever for the generosity of our AIC community, which has seen us through. The first few months of 2021 will remain difficult, and we ask you, if you are able, to consider making an end-of-year gift to keep our ministries thriving. In addition, as we prepare our 2021 budget, we would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to let us know of your plans for giving in the coming year, with this simple form.
You may give via bank transfer with the following information:
Beneficiary: The American Church in London
Sort Code: 40-05-16
Account Number: 81651498
|
|
|
|
|
Tune in on our YouTube channel each Friday afternoon for Bible Story Time! One of your AIC staff will read a Bible story to our children along with some curious questions to spark our holy imaginations. Last week's link is above, a new one will be shared on Friday afternoon on our YouTube page.
|
|
|
|
Our Pause for Prayer, now available every Wednesday, offers an invitation to stop from the hustle and bustle and spend a few minutes with God. During November, we will have a mission focus each week, this week with the International Justice Mission.
|
|
|
|
