Christmas Blessings!

You may have noticed that there are two distinct Christmas seasons: the secular and the religious. I celebrate both, but tend to prefer one over the other. The secular season starts with a bang the day after Thanksgiving. This is when the lights and the decorations come out and the Christmas merchandise moves to the front of your local Target (more recently, Target Christmas has started right after Halloween). In contrast, the religious season of Christmas is preceded by four weeks of quiet, subdued preparation (Advent) and starts on December 24th at sundown. While secular Christmas has run its course by December 26th, religious Christmas continues on until January 6th. Yes, we have 12 days of Christmas, just like the song says. But secular Christmas tends to overshadow the religious season and by now many people are ready to move on, even if our liturgical calendar is still lumbering through these holy days.

So, if you are wondering why this week’s service features Christmas hymns, now you know. We are still contemplating the gift of light that Christ brings into the world and into our lives. We will also be celebrating communion, which is like opening a gift given by God. Our faith lives follow a different pace and tempo from the world around us. It is slower and more thoughtful, but its gifts last longer and expand further throughout all life.

Enjoy the season of light!

Jen

Scholarship reminder

Brad & Dorothy Naegle Scholarship

To St. Andrew’s Members,

We are so fortunate that Brad and Dorothy Naegle, long time members at St. Andrew’s, upon their passing, left a generous donation to our church. As part of their legacy, they allocated funds for a postsecondary scholarship to be awarded to a member of St. Andrew’s. This year, we expect this award to be in excess of $7,000.

This scholarship is being administered through the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. Therefore, any member interested in being considered for this funding must apply through the Foundation and the Foundation will make all decisions regarding the awarding of this scholarship. In accordance with the Naegle’s wishes, preference will be given to a student seeking to study education, music, or a church/seminary related field.

Please be aware that the deadline for applying is January 15, 2021. Applicants must complete the online General Scholarship Program application. Applications are available at www.sbscholarship.org. For additional information, contact the Scholarship Foundation at (805) 687-6065 or info@sbscholarship.org.

January 3

Coffee Hour for 1/3/21

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