Mark's Gospel begins with the familiar words, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" A new age is beginning, and it is beginning with cleansing, with repentance and with promise. The Good News of this message proclaimed in Mark's Gospel is that we can start over. We can begin again. That message is proclaimed in the person of Jesus Christ, who reminds us over and over again that we are not bound to our past and our failures or our fears. We are in the stage of new beginnings. John the Baptist is preparing the way for someone greater than himself. But we know that Jesus was already a part of that plan and that preparation. Jesus comes to us as promised. "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." (Mark 1:8)

MID-WEEK ADVENT WORSHIP

Please join us on Wednesday evenings for our Mid-week Advent Worship at 7:15 PM. Our theme for these mid-week services is “Being an Advent Christian in a Christmas Culture.” We are using the beautiful and melodic Holden Village Service of Evening Prayer, led by our youth. Make Advent a special time and join us for worship!

PLEDGE UPDATE

Based on our initial pledge response, we are enthused about the possibilities for beginning our building and facility project in 2009. Our congregational leaders, Council, committees and staff will continue to meet with B.L.D.D. to put together a wonderful plan that is both exciting and attainable in terms of our budget perspectives as well as our goals and ministry needs. We have great leadership here at St. John's and visionary people who are led by God's spirit. The mission of this congregation is “Invite and Connect people to God and one another through Christ's love.” We believe that mission calls us to move ahead in ministry into the future that God has ahead for us. As we continue to progress on our building project, we will do everything we can to keep you informed about the latest developments.

If you have not yet made your commitment or pledge to “A Church Alive!” or our Ministries Alive 2009 Stewardship Drive, we need to hear from you. Follow-up phone calls will be made on Tuesday, December 9, 2009 by members of our Stewardship Ministry Team. Make their job easy by returning your pledge to both of these needs right away so they don't have to call to remind you!

Alive in Christ,