ESUMC Cel­eb­rates Advent and Christmas

Our observance of the season of Advent and the celebration of Christmas were filled with joy and light!

On the Third Sunday of Advent, 15 December, the children of our congregation led us in the retelling of the preparations made for the coming of Christ. We heard the proclamation of the angels--"Do not be afraid!"--as they appeared to Zechariah and Mary and the shepherds, and were reminded to take courage in our faith in Christ. We thank Shelley Brauneis, Noussi Zahraman, Deborah Koll-Petty, and all the children of ESUMC for helping us prepare to receive the Christ child.

On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, 22 December, we celebrated our traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. In addition to hearing the gospel and singing our beloved hymns, we were also inspired by the musical gifts of the Koll Trio. We are grateful to Heinz, Alexandra, and Patricia for blessing us with their talents, and to all who lifted up voices of praise and thanksgiving.

Our season of celebration concluded with a special service on the First Sunday after Christmas, 29 Sunday, led by the youth of ESUMC. Four teens shared their experiences representing ESUMC at an international youth conference in Paris, then spoke eloquently about the importance of love as a discipline of our Christian faith. We thank these incredible youth for their faith witness, and again express our appreciation to Noussi for her blessed leadership of ESUMC's youth group.

Friends, join us for worship in January, as we celebrate the Epiphany and continue to rejoice in the coming of Christ our Lord.