PASTOR'S MESSAGE AND HERITAGE HAPPENINGS FOR DECEMBER 9
In one of my devotionals for Advent there is a story how a well-known African proverb originated about our souls catching up with our bodies. The story is about vacationers on an African safari. Excited to get going with their African guide and porters, they rose early in the morning to begin their adventure into the jungle to see the wild kingdom of Africa. At dusk, they camped for the night then rose early the next morning with eager anticipation to set off for the day. They waited for their guide and porters to join them. They waited some more until finally with frustration mounting asked the guide why the porters were not ready to go. "Their guide informed them that they had gone too fast the first day, and that they were waiting for their souls to catch up with their bodies."
A good lesson this Advent season as we rush to get ready to celebrate the first coming of Christ at Bethlehem. We go so fast (this time of year and any time of the year) that we often get ahead of the Spirit and not wait for God to lead the way. God is always leading the way to the second coming if only we would slow down to follow. This Sunday we will do our best to wait upon the Lord and let our souls catch up with our bodies.
Soul-waiting with you,
Pastor Karen
The story retold from Songs for the Waiting: Devotions Inspired by the Hymns of Advent by Magrey DeVega
Christmas Eve Services
7:00 p.m. Children, Carols & Candles with children’s dance.
11:00 p.m. Carols, Candles & Communion with the Heritage Singers
IT’S BIRTHDAY SUNDAY time to celebrate all of the birthdays in December. For anyone having a birthday this month, please bring a treat to share during fellowship time.
2019 GIVING ENVELOPES are available to pick up in the narthex.
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT rehearsals are on Sunday mornings and the pageant will be presented in worship on Dec. 23rd at 9:30 a.m. All children and youth are invited to participate.
POINSETTIA DEDICATIONS now being received in honor or memory of loved ones and to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas. Envelopes are available at the usher stand. Each poinsettia is $10.00. Place envelopes in the offering plate or return to the church office by December 16th.
DEACON’S MEETING is this Sunday, December 9th after worship.
NIGHT OF LIGHTS to remember loved ones will be on Sunday, Dec. 16th. Come anytime between 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Bring a candle in a glass jar to light and place in the prayer garden. Prayers will be offered at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary and hot cider will be served.
THE ANNUAL SOCKS & UNDIES DRIVE donation this year included 241 pairs of socks, 38 t-shirts/tanks, and 101 pairs of skivvies totaling 52 lbs. of socks and undergarments! Thank you to all those who so generously gave to this year's mission.
NEW OUR DAILY BREAD devotionals for Dec./Jan./Feb. are now available on the information table.
CHARITABLE TAX CREDIT contribution forms for HABITAT FOR HUMANITY are on the table in the narthex. You no longer need to itemize your charitable contributions to be eligible and the credit reduces your overall Arizona income tax liability. Married couples can contribute up to $800 and single taxpayers up to $400. Send your check with the form or write “Heritage Presbyterian Church” in the memo line so your contribution goes toward our next build with the Presbyterian Coalition.
COME ALONGSIDE a child, youth or an adult to help with reading, writing, math, or homework assignments after worship. Just a few minutes of your time can make a life-time difference in someone else’s life. See Beverly Fletcher for more information.
TUTORING is held at 10:45 a.m. Tutors are to gather in Heritage House after worship.
THE WIRED WORD meets at 10:45 a.m. to discuss current events alongside the Bible. ADULT BIBLE STUDY meets at 10:45 a.m. Both classes meet in Heritage House.
COFFEE sign-up sheet is on the table in the narthex to order JUSTO CAFÉ from a coffee farm co-op in Mexico to support workers and their families. Each bag is $10.00 and includes cost of shipping.
WHAT’S ON TAP TUESDAY? Men’s fellowship meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Dubina’s Brewery, 67th Ave., just north of Bell Rd. Bring your Bible. Next meeting is Dec. 11th.
BIBLE & BRUNCH meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Next meeting is December 12th at 10:00 a.m. Bring a dish to share. All are welcome.
BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN, a grief support group meets the first Thursday of the month. The next gathering is Thursday, January 3rd at 11:30 a.m. in Heritage House. Bring a dish to share for a light potluck lunch.
THE PRAYER SHAWL GROUP HAS A NEW LOCATION at PuraTea Water, 3515 W. Union Hills Dr. #101 (SW corner of 35th Ave. & Union Hills). They will continue to meet every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. to knit, crochet items for those who need to be wrapped in prayer. Beginners are welcome.
RESIDENT PHOTOGRAPHERS needed to take photos of events at Heritage throughout the year. Send your photos to heritagepres@gmail.com as events at the church occur. Mention to those in the photo the picture may be used in the annual report and should one not want their photo used, please delete it.
EYEGLASSES NEEDED for the Lions Club Foundation Eyeglass Program. Look for the box in the Narthex to make your donation.
