From the Pastor's Pen

 Perhaps it’s a function of age or a reflection on the world in which we live, but the clocks and calendar both seem to move with increasing speed. We are all busy inundated with tasks and an endless to-do list.
As we look at church activities, hanging the greens will take place on Nov. 27th which is the first Sunday of Advent. We will light our customary Advent candles each Sunday culminating with a Christmas Eve service and worship on Christmas morning. Please join in the Advent activities and invite a friend to join you.
I am considering offering a brief bible study starting the week of Nov. 28th and ending the week of Dec. 26th. Days and times to be determined.
Reading together the basis is from Luke 1:1 – 2:40 provides the text for our discussion.    We begin with the Angel visiting Zachariah and Elizabeth foretelling the birth of John. (the baptist). Next the Angel visits Mary. Mary then visits her cousin, Elizabeth, and we hear “Mary’s Song”.
Elizabeth gives birth to a son, they name him “John” ,as the Angel instructed, and we hear “Zachariah’s Song’. Next is the trek to Bethlehem and Jesus’ birth. The final event is Jesus presented at the temple following Jewish custom.
If there is interest in this discussion, I would suggest possibly 10:00 Am Mondays and /or evening at a convenient time. I would consider doing both times if there is interest.  This will be a zoom meeting to allow for both darkness and inclement weather (it is December).
Recognizing everyone’s busy calendar, although some have all their Christmas shopping and wrapping done, cookie baking and family time are important, particularly during this joyous season.
To participate in a zoom call, I will need each person’s e-mail address in order to provide the link necessary for the zoom call.
Please don’t feel obligated to “one more thing” to please the pastor. 

I truly understand our overcommitted existence.  
Blessings and Peace and Love,  

Pastor Dave      

dbatemanlbrn@aol.com