SUNDAY SERVICES:

Do you believe in angels? I mean, like the angels we read about throughout the Bible? Especially at Advent and the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus, angels appear everywhere. We sing carols about them, see them on Christmas cards, and in pageants. But are they real today?

This Sunday at the 10 AM service, I want to share with you how I came to believe that angels were and still are real. We will discuss who they are, how many there might be, what God calls them to do, and share several recent angelic encounters that cause me to say, "I believe!" Hope to see you Sunday!

Larry

We begin Advent with the familiar Gospel of Matthew on the second coming of the Lord instead of his first coming which seems more logical for Advent. The point would be to highlight the importance of understanding both comings as mutual meaningful and fulfilling; this is a very strong, unbreakable relationship similar to the one we see between the Old and The New Testament.

Thanksgiving is always an opportunity. It isn't thanks-taking or thanks-taxing.

The calendar may schedule it, the Pilgrims and Native Americans may model it, but you can eat turkey, even pumpkin pie, without it. Manners or situations may expect it, but no one may demand it.

This past week, the Thursday small group spent some time looking at the Psalms of Thanksgiving that are sprinkled through the Psalter. Examples include Psalms of individuals like Psalm 18, 30, 31, 32, 40, 66, 92, 116, 118, 120 and Psalms for the community like Psalm 65, 66, 107, 118, 124, 129. (Here is a helpful chart that describes how these psalms are structured.)

Holding hands is huge, isn't it? From the reach atop the Sistine Chapel to two lovers walking down their lane, to symbols of unity, caring, victory: holding hands means a lot, conveys a lot, says a lot.

The other Sunday morning our grandson Emmett reached out for hands on the first note of the Lord's

Prayer. Barbara saw it and later shared it with me. We both thought it was huge because we saw it as an outward and visible sign that the Sunday morning liturgy was shaping, training, forming, and "recreating"* his soul. And that is huge!

What do All Saints' Sunday, the Baptisms of Three Bravo Siblings and the Upcoming Presidential Election Have in Common?

Sounds like the start of a corny joke, doesn't it? Few people would argue about the positive effects the saints' lives have had on our eternal progress as Christians. The same holds true with the baptisms. We at least cognitively grasp that the decision to follow Christ and the subsequent submersion in water of each of the Bravo children constitutes a rebirth into the family of all believers.

Tracking numbers are great to help you know the route your package from Oregon is taking on its way to your house. They are great if you want to know when to be home to sign for something. You can take some measure of comfort while things are moving from place to place. They keep you "in the know." They assure you that your item is "en route."

Originally sent to parish via email 10-21-16.

Are you ready for a challenge? Here are four ways to take 1 STEP as a Next Step.

One. Join us tomorrow morning at 11am as we celebrate the ordination of Mark Kiesel to the Sacred Order of Deacons. Bishop William will ordain Mark and Archbishop Kolini will be preaching. New Covenant is blessed to have these opportunities to host ministry partners from here in the US as well as our partners from around the globe to participate in the mission of God in the world.