I am proposing that, since Advent is the season in which we look forward to Christ’s birth, we invite the Rev. Dr. Steven Tuell to help us look at the Old Testament scriptures as they look forward to the Messiah, to deepen our understanding of the meaning of those Scriptures and therefore of the New Testament testimonies that come after. Dr. Tuell is a United Methodist elder and professor emeritus of Old Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary—and he is also remarkably personable and has a great sense of humor. The study will be lively and interesting. (The poll is yes/no, but if you have comments or questions please feel free to email me or to let me know at church.)

Finally, I am very much looking forward to this Sunday, as Cindy Cox becomes a member of our congregation—please join us in welcoming her this Sunday during our service, and for a casual reception afterward!

Grace and peace to you, and I’ll see you in church—

Becky

Prayer

Holy God, the air is brisker and the sun is still bright—what a wonderful start to the fall season! We give you thanks for this beautiful weather and for so many other gifts besides. We ask your blessing on everyone in our preschool as they start their new year—for the pleasure of learning, for learning to persist, and for making new friends. We ask your blessing on our congregation, too, that as we return to fall routines we adults can grow and learn and love as well. May we always welcome and serve the community, not from anxiety, but out of love. You have gifted our congregation richly, Lord—help us to put our gifts to good use. In Jesus’ name. Amen.