Dear Friends,

It's the third Sunday of Advent when the candle changes from purple to pink. There is good reason. The color represents joy rather than penance, and calls on God's people to rejoice. The late comic Robin Williams once used a pink stole (a woman's wrap really) to pretend that he was a dancing Rabbi. His impromptu routine brought down the house. I don't anticipate the house coming down here at 2 south Main this Sunday. But if there is an extra helping of joy in your steps, if not in your heart, that would be OK with me.

The Scripture for Sunday's worship begins in Isaiah 12:2-6 and concludes in Philippians 4:1-7. The central admonition is Paul's command to rejoice always. The jarring irony is how he writes this from his prison cell. What could ignite one's joy in such circumstances, but being grounded in Christ through Baptism? The sermon title is "Let No One Steal Your Joy". The choir sings an anthem entitled, "Advent Canticle" and the hymns include, " Good Christian Friends Rejoice", "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear", and "Away in A Manger". Children from the church school will sing under the direction of Christopher Kline. Did I say somewhere that Sundays at 10:00 is the most important hour of the week? Be here!

A meeting of the congregation has been called following worship for the purpose of electing officers. All active members, including the 11 young people confirmed in the spring are eligible to vote. It should not take long, so plan to stay.

Also, Sunday morning includes the all-church brunch sponsored by the Fellowship Committee in the church Dining Room. Special thanks to Kristin White Wilson and crew for giving the rest of us a chance to break bread and enjoy one another's company. That follows the congregational meeting.

Two events which are happening in advance of Sunday are the all church caroling celebration which gets underway this evening (Friday at 5:00 pm). Saturday from 11:00 until 1:00 is Lunch With Santa. $5 per child with lunch, crafts, games and fun.

It will be in the Rec room. Plenty of joy in the house and among the carolers. Take part! Bring a friend!

The church weeps with those who weep and rejoices with those who rejoice. We grieve the deaths of Esther Taylor and Pam Hitt, active members of FPC when they lived here. Their services of witness to the resurrection are December 28th in San Antonio, Texas for Esther, and here at FPC on April 6 for Pam. Memorials in Esther's name are welcome here at the church. More details for memorials for Pam are forthcoming. Questions? Call Shelley in the church office.

The stewardship moment for this week involves children and youth. Parents, please encourage your sons/daughters to set aside their offerings for Jesus Christ and his church. Financial support does not happen automatically. It is a practice learned and developed early in life. The children were instrumental in raising over 200 for Heart of the Hamptons. Over 1,500 was given at the Evensong service last Sunday for the music program of the Los Palos Church in Cuba. We give because we love. We love because we can give.

Prayer for the Day: Almighty God, you have made us and all things to serve you. Now prepare the world for your rule. Come quickly to save us, so that wars and violence will end, and your children will live in peace, honoring one another with justice and love; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

See you in worship!