November 24: Christ the King Sunday

The calendar year may not be over yet, but the church liturgical year is coming to a close on Sunday, November 24th. We refer to the last day in the church liturgical year as Christ the King Sunday.

This day celebrates the full authority of Jesus Christ as King and Lord of the Universe. The feast is relatively new having been formally adopted in the Year 1925. The reaffirmation of Christ's teaching and authority is as critical to the church's witness today as it was in 1925 - or at any other time in history.

As we prepare our hearts to worship God together on Christ the King Sunday, let us reaffirm our faith and our conviction that Jesus Christ is truly our Lord and King. Come and join us at the 11 o'clock hour for this special time in worship.

"Come Ye Thankful People Come" to the Cowan Community Thanksgiving Service! 

The service is planned for Sunday evening, November 24th, 5:30 p.m. at Cowan Fellowship Church. The speaker for the service will be Pastor Joshua Konrad, and the host church will lead in music and song.

Cowan Fellowship Church is located at 609 East Cumberland St.

The Community Thanksgiving Service is provided by the various churches of the Cowan Ministerial Association.

The Season of Advent calls us to prepare for the coming of the Lord. 

The timing of the season just ahead of Christmastide helps remember the anticipation of our Savior's holy birth.

Advent also helps to anticipate and prepare for the return of the Lord at the end of the age. 

Advent, therefore, is a time to pray, reflect, and prepare. As the Lord first came to us in his humble birth, so too does he comes in glory everlasting.

Come and worship together in the fellowship of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout this season of preparation. The four Sundays of Advent are as follows:

December 1 - First Sunday of Advent - Hope

December 8 - Second Sunday of Advent - Peace

December 15 - Third Sunday of Advent - Joy (also known as Stir-Up Sunday)

December 22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent - Love

"Our King and Savior draweth nigh: O come, let us adore him."

St. Agnes' will celebrate "The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord" on Christmas Eve, December 24th, at 4 p.m. This will be a traditional evening service with lessons and carols. 

After the service we will gather in the parish hall for the Werlein Memorial Christmas Reception.

"Unto us a child is born: O come, let us adore him." 

Liam Dervin is making a slow, but steady recovery from a Covid-related illness. We are glad to see him back in church on Sunday's. He asks for our continuing prayers.

Wynona Gibson asks for our continuing prayers. We have enjoyed seeing her on the Sunday's that she has been able to attend services. We hope that she can feel better and have more good days ahead.

Jarod spoke with Nancy Glenn, who sends her love to all of us. Nancy is doing well other than getting a daily surface treatment for skin cancer. Our prayers are always appreciated!

Laura Pearson McDonald is recovering from several weeks of illness and a brief hospitalization. Laura and Bob have a new home in Lansing, Michigan and will relocate in early January.

Jarod visited Linda Milligan in mid-November. Fortunately, her health has improved in recent months and she has daily help in her home.

Wes Nevels spent nine days in North Carolina helping with recovery efforts. Unfortunately, he had to be treated for pneumonia after returning home. The congregation and the Pearson family sent a monetary gift to offset his travel expenses from the trip.

Kathy Owens had minor damage to her home following Hurricane Milton. The congregation sent a monetary gift to help with repairs. Kathy gave an update in mid-November that repairs were made and the electrical service restored after a two week outage.

Jarod visited Pat Underwood at the Winchester Inpatient Rehab. Although her health and strength are slightly improved, it won't be practical for her to live at home again. Pat and her family are working out a new living arrangement. Please keep her in your prayers. Jarod will stay in touch and keep everybody updated.

December 3 – Kate Summers

December 11 - Wynona Gibson

December 14 - Bobby Gass

December 16 - Jonathan Scott

December 31 - Frances Weddington

January 18 - Wes Nevels

February 4 - Abby Garner Patterson

February 16 - Janelee Wise

February 24 - Keaton Krauth

February 26 - Georgia Scott

"Watch over thy children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand, comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and their hearts may thy peace, which passeth understanding abide all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Laura Petry, Sherry Brock, Liam Dervin, Pat Underwood, Laura Pearson McDonald, Patsy Rigsby, Clay Mitchell, Gary Gass, Buddy Perry, Frances Weddington, Teresa Peacock, Margie Henley, Gene and Kathleen Black, Nancy Glenn, Scott James, Mike Cunningham, Tony Newmann, Leanna Morris, Heather Martin, Rose Pearson, Scott James, Wynona Gibson, Marty Judd, Iris Ellidge, Mary McDonald, Roy Tankersley, and Linda Milligan.

We pray continually for Christians around the world in grave danger.

We pray especially over the crisis and conflict in Israel, Gaza, The Ukraine, the Southern Border, and other areas in distress.

We pray for the victims of Hurricane Helene devastation in East Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

We bless and commemorate Vonnie Davis who recently passed into glory.

***

"O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayer, and grant to your servants the help of your power, that their sicknesses may be turned into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

The Rt. Rev'd John C. Bauerschmidt..................Bishop of Tennessee

L. Jarod Pearson.................................................Lay Reader