Waynesboro Church of the Brethren Newsletter
December 11, 2022
The Pastor's Pen
Today we light the candle of joy. A couple of weeks ago we looked at what the Bible had to say about thanksgiving; I mentioned that a thankful heart was directly connected to feelings of joy. By saying this we confirm that we choose our attitudes. Do we embrace life with an attitude of joy and thanksgiving? Or, do we live the gloomy existence of grinding through life one disaster at a time? Joy is a condition of our hearts. In the Christmas story, Mary is a poor, unwed teenager who becomes pregnant. This isn’t exactly a predicament that would bring much joy. However, the Angel Gabriel has visited her and told her she would give birth to the promised Messiah, the Son of God. When Mary drinks this in she certainly has questions, but she rejoices in being part of God’s plan. She chooses to be joyful. In fact, in her song in Luke 1 she begins, “My soul magnifies the Lord”! Mary doesn’t see her unborn child as a choice or a problem but as an opportunity to serve God. Life’s full of adversity. As I’ve said many times, “in life you are either the bug or the windshield, and more times than not we are the bug”. So, what can we do about this? In most cases nothing. But let’s remember that God didn’t spare His Son times of trouble and uncertainty. In fact, Mary’s pregnancy with Jesus was, by today’s standards, far from normal. In the time before Jesus’ birth the holy family had to scramble for shelter and the world’s Savior would end up being born in a cattle stall. Nothing about Jesus’ conception or birth would provide the average expectant mother with joy. But Mary is far from average. She is prepared for Jesus as any human being could be. Mary has a constant relationship with the Lord, and when the news comes that she’s part of God’s plan she rejoices. As Christians, are we joyful at Christmas? Or, is it just another day when things are expected of us? When given the choice of our attitudes, choose joy. – Pastor John
Serving You Today
Pre Sunday School Greeter
Wendy Metcalf
Pre Worship Greeters
Bob & Sandy Koziel
Worship Leader
Jacksen Baker
Acolyte
Jacksen Baker
Sound Technicians
Terry Flegel
Denny Bittinger
Visitor’s Center
Mary Jean Bechard
Church Directory
If you have any updates (names, phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, committee members), please let Sally know in the office asap. We will try to have final copies ready for those who requested and on the website for others by Jan. 1!
Christmas Dinner
All Church Christmas Carry-in dinner is Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 1pm. in Fellowship Hall. Please bring either a HOT OR COLD dish to share with others. Fried chicken, drinks, and place settings will be provided.
4 - Matt Baker
4 - Penny Stitely 6 - TJ Cox 7 - Laken Rouzer 9 - Jonell Bittinger 9 - Curtis Myers 14 - Robert Snader II 17 - Barb Hickman 18 - Audrey Smith 20 - Justin Rinehart 21 - Mary Jean Bechard 30 - Logan Sampson In the News
The November issue of “Messenger” (available in the church library) includes a news item about our church’s 100th anniversary celebration. In the same issue, there is a noteworthy article on “Building Community Through Books”. “Books can draw people close, giving rise to respect, empathy, and acceptance.”
“Just Sew Sew”
This sewing group meets on the 3rd Sat. of each month from 10-5. If you would like to join the group call Diana Castle at 301-788-3555.
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Undershepherds for December
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