We will meet in the Gathering Place at 7pm on February 14 for our Ash Wednesday service, which includes the imposition of ashes and communion.
As we begin the season, let us turn inward and tune our hearts. Before an orchestra plays together, they must all tune their instruments—the cacophony of this process may be very loud and create lots of dissonance, but it’s a necessary step in the process of creating harmonies and melodies. And so, this Lent, how can you tune the instrument of your heart so that it aligns with God? 2024 Lenten Theme: Wandering Heart from A Sanctified Art
Like many of us, Peter has a wandering heart. His journey is not polished, or linear, or perfect, but he is always tethered to the love of God. When you look closely at Peter’s story, you find Jesus at each step along the way—offering him abundance, catching him when he begins to sink, challenging him when he stands in the way, washing his feet, predicting his betrayal, and offering him agape love. This Lent, we’re joining Peter in figuring out faith. We’re not idolizing or vilifying him; instead, we’re hoping to wander alongside him, open to what we might learn about Jesus (and ourselves) by stepping in his shoes. More about Wandering Heart... This Lent, we are focusing on the life and faith of one of Jesus’ most famous disciples. In Peter, we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we often see ourselves. By following Peter’s journey, we watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of a very normal human trying to figure it all out—just like us. As we were studying Peter’s faith journey, the lyrics of “Come Thou Fount” came to mind. It’s as if Peter himself wrote this song. Like many of us, Peter has a wandering heart. His journey is not polished, or linear, or perfect, but he is always tethered to the love of God. In this series, we want to affirm that faith is a constant journey of steadfast pursuit, one that ebbs and flows. We want to affirm the ways Peter keeps going: he drops his nets, he walks on water, he runs to the empty tomb, he swims to the shore to meet the risen Christ. He keeps searching and yearning and loving, even after missteps or mistakes. Ultimately, in Peter’s story, we are reminded that God loves imperfect people—in fact, time and again, that’s precisely who God claims and calls. This Lent, we will look for ourselves in the stepping stones of Peter’s story. We will reflect on the stages of our own faith journeys as well as who and what has shaped us along the way. As we wander, let us tune our hearts to sing God’s grace. May we rest in streams of mercy, never ceasing. 2024 Lenten Theme: Wandering Heart from A Sanctified Art Like many of us, Peter has a wandering heart. His journey is not polished, or linear, or perfect, but he is always tethered to the love of God. When you look closely at Peter’s story, you find Jesus at each step along the way—offering him abundance, catching him when he begins to sink, challenging him when he stands in the way, washing his feet, predicting his betrayal, and offering him agape love. This Lent, we’re joining Peter in figuring out faith. We’re not idolizing or vilifying him; instead, we’re hoping to wander alongside him, open to what we might learn about Jesus (and ourselves) by stepping in his shoes. All active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood are asked to attend the annual Congregational Meeting immediately following worship on Sunday, January 21. The purpose of this meeting is to receive and review the Annual Report and its reports from various committees and to review the final budget approved by Session. Additionally, the remaining slate of nominees not yet secured at the December meeting will be elected to their offices and positions on Session, Deacons, the 2024 nominating committee, and auditor. Please join us as we take care of the business involved in continuing our ministry at FPCE. As required by our FPCE bylaws, this announcement and official notice of the meeting will be made from the pulpit 2 weeks prior to the meeting and printed in the worship bulletin
Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, which means we will have our regular morning service at 11:00AM as well as the traditional Christmas Eve service.
11:00AM - Children & Family Worship We will celebrate the 4th Sunday of Advent in a service geared toward our younger families. A team will be presenting a puppet show, a storybook will be read, and some traditional and familiar carols will take place during this service. 8:00PM - Candlelight & Communion Christ the Savior is born! We'll share in the old familiar story as told by Luke, gather around the Lord's Table for communion, and join together in sharing the Light of the World with one another during our traditional singing of "Silent Night." The following Sunday, December 31, we'll celebrate Epiphany a week early during our New Year's Eve worship at 11:00AM in a service of Lessons & Carols. The Sanctuary Choir has been hard at work the past few weeks putting together a special musical presentation for the Advent/Christmas Season. They will be performing our own adaptation of selections from the musical "How Do You Welcome a King?" by Mike Harland and J. Daniel Smith. These include choral and solo movements with scripture and poetic readings interspersed, helping to tell the familiar story of Christ's coming into the world. It takes place during our 11:00 worship service on Sunday, December 17. Make a plan to attend so you don't miss this special musical event!
The First Advent in Palestine by Kelley Nikondeha will guide us through our Advent season this year. The book is free digitally on Hoopla (app or website) with your library card.
You can participate in the discussion in two ways! Tuesday Book Group will begin discussion on November 28 in its usual free-flowing way. Or you can join in "Happy Meal" conversations Thursday nights at 6:30PM in the Gathering Place with structured conversation about the book and world events as well as hands-on activities, crafts, and prayer. However, reading isn't required to join in conversation--you're also welcome to drop in whichever weeks you are available. We invite you to bring a packed dinner or take-out as we talk and eat together. Happy Meal Schedule:
Our free community meals on the first Wednesday of the month continue in December with a twist - bring the kids to hear the story of Saint Nicholas, visit with him, and have some homemade soups and breads for family dinner. Join us on Wednesday, December 6 from 6-8PM in the Gathering Place around the back of the church. All are welcome!
Join Vocal Confluence for their annual holiday show! You'll hear our all-voice barbershop chorus, as well as several small group performances of some new and old holiday favorites! No Ticketing - Donations Accepted. Two shows - Saturday, December 9 at 7:30PM and Sunday, December 10 at 3:00PM - both in the FPCE Sanctuary.
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