On December 1st, we turn the corner on our three-year lectionary cycle, and begin again reading the Gospel of Matthew. As you probably know, Matthew and Luke’s Gospels provide all we know about the birth and childhood of Jesus.

Our Advent Faith Forum begins Sunday, December 1st, and features a 3-session class addressing the question, “For WHOM are we preparing?” We will use, as a point of departure, The Meaning of Jesus, a book co-written by Anglicans Marcus Borg (former professor of New Testament at Oregon State University) and N.T. Wright (New Testament scholar and retired Bishop of Durham, England). 

December 2019 has five Sundays! And, as has been our practice this last year, the fifth Sunday is “something different”. We will, however, not be having Youth Sunday in December for many reasons, but December 29 WILL still be fabulous.

Towards the end of his letter to the Romans, Paul asserts his authority as an apostle. He notes his pride — but it is pride in the service of God (15.17). He points out how he has proclaimed the gospel (word, deed, signs and wonders by the power of the Holy Spirit - vv. 18-19).