To all of you who are loved by God,

Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

As we await our Lord’s coming–for His grand and sudden interruption to our earthly dwelling and pilgrimage–we are mindful of how God often interrupts us as His people in the routine and normalcy of day to day living.  For me, as pastor, a late night phone call that interrupts my slumber is typically not a message of good news but of heartache, sadness, suffering, or tragedy.  The same is true for all of us who are parents or grandparents.  That late night phone call can be worrisome.  Last night, I received a phone call from our son, Peder, who was driving to Wisconsin with his girlfriend, Jessica, to visit and retrieve our two youngest boys and bring them home for Christmas break.  Peder at once told me, “Dad, we had an accident.  The car is totaled.”  They were slowing because of a major traffic stop up ahead (due to slippery roads), and they were slammed from behind by a semi!  The rear-third of the car was completely crushed.  Our son and his girlfriend were thankfully spared from serious injury or death.

God interrupts us in ways we may not realize.  Whether it is a car accident, a health scare, an injury–mild or severe, a sudden death of a loved one or a sudden brush with death, in any form of suffering, God is seeking our attention.  He interrupts us by allowing us to experience what we do in this life–to get our attention.  To call on His name and to trust in Him and His promises.  That trust also involves cries for His mercy coupled with words of heartfelt repentance.  The Lord our God is gracious and kind.  He desires that no one perish eternally.  He calls His people to lean on Him in good times and in times of severe trial and sorrow.

Words that ring true to every aspect of our lives–to meet our needs in any and every situation–are the words of our gracious Lord and God and Savior: “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20).

Would you offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for watching over and sparing our son, Peder, and his girlfriend, Jessica, from serious harm?  God interrupted their lives, along with Kari’s and mine last night.  He interrupts us often for our good.  As they figure out these next couple of days (to continue their westward trip), may they know that the gracious hand of the Lord God who loves them, was protecting them and that He is always with them, as He is with us.  Therefore, it is always well…always well…through Christ Jesus our Lord.  In His precious name; Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Hooray!  What a wonderful Christmas Bazaar on Saturday!  We rejoice and give thanks to God for the hard-working ladies of Holy Trinity, who again did such a fabulous job hosting this annual event of theirs.  Thanks to all who with them helped prepare, set up, cook soups, bake cookies and breads, made crafts and other hand-made items, Christmas sprays, donated items, etc.  Thanks to all the hostesses and servers and those who cleaned up.  Thanks especially to all who came to enjoy all that was offered.  It was a great day!  The steady flow of people showed to bring an abundance of blessings.  Praise be to God!

COMMUNITY CAROL SING at Immanuel – Bristol this Saturday, December 13th at 6:30PM.  Dear friends, let us join with our sister congregation in Bristol and prepare for Christmas in uniting in song and fellowship as they hold their annual Carol Sing.  Let’s show our support and encouragement to Immanuel in this outreach event.

Our Week At A Glance

Wednesday:  10:00AM  Bible Study

                        6:00PM  Jr. Confirmation Class

                        7:00PM  Midweek Advent II EVENING PRAYER

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

                        6:00PM  Bible Study

                        7:00PM  Choir

Saturday:         6:30PM  Community Carol Sing at Immanuel – Bristol

Sunday:           9:00AM  Divine Service

                       10:15AM Bells

                       10:30AM SS/Bible Study

Pray for Kathy Milish who suffered a fall Sunday AM and broke her left shoulder.

Pray for Darlene Lassy as she undergoes surgery this Friday, 12/12.

May the Lord give strength and healing to all who are ill and suffering in any way.

If you would like to make a donation to the Christmas Committee, you may contact or see Bonnie Hendrickson or Kathy Milish.

Thank you from Pastor for a all the kind birthday greetings and well wishes.  It’s great to be 75!  (Inside joke!)

Have a blessed week in the Lord!

Pastor Kotila