Greetings friends!
This Sunday marks my first worship service as pastor of St. Andrew’s. It is also the second week in Advent and we will be celebrating communion together as well. A full service indeed! Dana Monk will read the Scripture passage Isaiah 40:1-11, a message of hope for a community that is experiencing isolation and hardship. We hear of God’s love and compassion for the people of Israel and can rest assured that God’s promise of light and salvation is as real for us today as we face our current challenges.
The service opens with Chris Davis’s performance of Brahms' “Waltz in A-flat Major.” Michelle Hertig and Mona Wise light the second Advent candle, calling us to be courageous in our waiting and hoping. Erin McKibben and Konrad Kono will lead us with two hymns and will close with the Taize song “Wait for the Lord.” Unfortunately, Erin’s daughter was not available this Sunday to repeat her joyful liturgical dance, but I hope that the memory is still a vivid one for all.
Most of the service was recorded in the sanctuary. It is my prayer that the sight of the colorful windows brings comfort and inspires you with the knowledge that even as we are distanced from each other, God is still among us in this season of waning light.
Yours faithfully in Christ,
Jen
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