Dear beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ,

This Sunday, you will hear from Mark 1:1-8 about the crowds that were going out into the Judean wilderness to be baptized by John the Baptist.  Many went out because they earnestly desired what God was giving through John–the Word of God preached to their ears and a baptism of repentance that delivered the forgiveness of sins–the removal of guilt before God through the atoning work of the Christ soon to be accomplished.

How many desire this forgiveness today–through the only means by which God offers and provides His forgiveness?  Among the crowds that went out to see John, there were some who went out with false motives.  John saw it and he called them snakes–friends of the devil: “You brood of vipers!  Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (Mt. 3:7)  There is no blessing of God’s grace and mercy without repentance.

How many from throughout the whole region heard about the prophet John and his preaching and the baptism he was providing, and yet, due to hardness of heart, chose not to go out?  How many today choose not to go to church for Christ’s Word and blessings due to hardness of heart?  This is something we all need to evaluate within ourselves.  (Even those who go to church may go for the wrong reason!  Not in humble repentance, but going merely out of pride and works righteousness or hypocritically just going through the motions.  God alone sees the heart.)

So, take this message as an invitation: a call of God’s grace to you.  Come out to His river of grace (like the Jordan)–where the waters of Baptism flow–where the Word of God is preached–and Holy Communion is administered–for the good of your soul–for the blessing of God’s forgiveness and His heaven.

In the name of Jesus; Amen.

Funeral Service for Rhiny Krampitz is Wednesday at 11:00AM here at the church.

Visitation is at Scott Funeral Home in Terryville tomorrow (Tuesday) from 6-8PM.

Please keep Nancy Krampitz, and the family and loved ones of Rhiny in your prayers.  May God comfort those who grieve.  May the Lord fill us with His hope in Christ.

Jr. Confirmation Class has been moved to Wednesday evenings at 6:00PM, beginning this Wednesday, Dec. 3rd.  We will return to Tuesday evenings in January.

Here is our Week at Holy Trinity at A Glance:

Tuesday:  6:00-8:00PM  Visitation for Rhiny Krampitz Scott Funeral Home

Wednesday:  11:00AM  Rhiny Krampitz Funeral Service

                        6:00PM  Jr. Confirmation Class

                        7:00PM  Midweek Advent I  EVENING PRAYER

Thursday:       7:00AM  Emmaus Walkers Men’s Bible Study @ Immanuel Parish Center

                       6:00PM  Bible Study

                       7:00PM  Choir

Saturday:       9:00AM – 2:00PM  Ladies of Holy Trinity Annual Christmas Bazaar

                       4:00PM  Divine Service at Shepherd of the Hills in Morris

Sunday:          9:00AM  Divine Service without Holy Communion  (Signed Service for the Deaf)

                      10:30AM  Bible Study (possible)

                        3:00PM  Christmas Town Walk

This Sunday, December 7th, there will be a special door offering taken for the Christmas Committee.

And do not forget the Annual Christmas Bazaar this Saturday from 9AM til 2PM.

Breakfast and lunch will be served.  There will be crafts, ornaments, a grand-sized cookie walk, and baked goods.  Bring a friend!

Warm Hand, Warm Hearts

Warm the hands and hearts of Terryville and Plymouth children through this community program.  Winter hats and mittens, scarves and socks of all sizes and colors are needed.  The Town of Plymouth Human Services distributes these gifts.  You may place your donations on the tree set up in the fellowship hall.  Thanks so much!

Ushers:   Brian Lassy

               Karl Lassy

Elder:      Tom Wollenberg

Altar:       Laurie Sonstroem

Acolyte:   Desiree Lafontaine

Coffee:    E/K Milish

Have a great and blessed week in the Lord!

Pastor Kotila