Dear Middletown Reformed Church Family and Friends,
Advent blessings of hope!
Yes, it’s Advent and that means we have several events and happenings for you to attend in order to connect with each other and with God during this holy season.
First is worship. Always, there is worship! Come to church this Second Sunday of Advent — Peace as we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace. The Joyful Noise Choir will sing the Anthem “When Morning Dawns.” I am preaching from Joel 2.12-13, 28-29 and my sermon title is God’s Vision Board. As it is the Second Sunday of the month, we will receive our Deacons’ offering to help those in need in our community and church. After worship, come to the Education Building for our “almost world famous” Sunday brunch prepared by our faithful and fabulous Kitchen Team. And then, after brunch we will decorate and light our Church Family Christmas Tree on the lawn. Bring an ornament from home to put on the tree. What a full day of ministry we have for this Sunday!
Second, if you haven’t done so already, please place your order for our Baked Ziti & Meatballs take-out dinner on December 14 sponsored by the Dorcas Circle. The holidays are upon us and thus begins the hustle and bustle and hurrying and scurrying. Too busy for the hassle of cooking? Let us do it for you! Call 732-995-8344 to make your reservations. Pick up time is 5:30 - 6:30 PM at the back of the Education Building.
The third event is a special Sunday with our annual Children’s Christmas Pageant: Christmas on the Beach, adapted by Nancy Coffin and then a Christmas party to follow in the Education Building. Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves will be making a special appearance!
Fourth is Middletown Helps Its Own on Saturday, December 21. Like we did in November, we will deliver a Christmas meal and toys to people who are struggling in our area. If you are available to volunteer, please call 908-896-1682.
Lastly is our Christmas Eve Family Friendly and Traditional Candlelight worship at 6:30 PM. The Handbell Choir, the New Jericho Choir, and the Joyful Noise Adult Choir will be offering their gifts through seasonal music. In addition, we will have special music from Sarah Hanvey and Brian Kolins. New this year to our Christmas Eve worship will be the celebration of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. We believe that God’s table of grace is open to all people, no matter what, and view having this sacrament on Christmas Eve as a strong witness for God’s love for our Christmas guests.
Beloved, if you’ve been away for a while or have been coming to church every Sunday, I look forward to worshiping with you in this beautiful season of Advent.
With gratitude for the privilege of being your pastor and the holy call of loving you,
Pastor Trish