Hello everyone! I pray that the Joy of this Advent Season will fill your hearts and homes with the Love of Christ Jesus completely!

Our theme for Sunday school during Advent will focus on The Jesse Tree. Did you know that Jesus had parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents—just as we do! His family began with Adam and Eve, and it continues through all generations to us today.

With the Jesse Tree as a guide, we will meet the key people from the Bible who are Jesus’ ancestors and learn how they are a part of God’s plan for our salvation. Learning about our Savior’s family tree helps us to see how God kept His promise to redeem us all and make us His children—a promise kept and sustained over thousands of years. That is something to be excited to learn!

We have several events going on to help us prepare for the Birth of Our Savior.  The first Sunday of Advent is November 28 and our midweek Advent services are on Wednesday, December 1st, Dec 8th, and Dec 15th.  There are two services on each of these Wednesdays. The first service starts at 1:30 pm in the Senior Saints Center and the second starts at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary.  All are welcome to attend either service or both! The evening service on December 1st will focus on readings from Scripture and traditional Carols.  The evening service on December 8th we will be Unwrapping of the Manger with the PreK and Elementary Sunday school classes.  Finally, on December 15th our Middle/High School youth will recount the journey Mary and Joseph traveled to get to Bethlehem.  We hope you will be able to join us for these important services.

December 11th is the Women’s Christmas Tea from 11-1 pm. Tickets go on sale Nov. 21th at both the 8:30 and 10:45 services. If you would like to join us, please contact Jen Gatke at 503.550.9457 as seating is limited.

December 18th is our Drive-thru Nativity on Campus! We need Townspeople, Shepherds, Wise men, Inn Keepers, set up and clean up help, and so much more! We will need all hands on deck and everyone’s help to make this event shine with the Love of Christ for all to enjoy!

Christmas Eve will have its two services; first service at 3 pm followed by the Candlelight service at 7 pm. Christmas Day will have one service at 10 am with Holy Communion.

Finally, our last event of the year will be New Year’s Eve. Service begins at 7pm in the Sanctuary followed by a special Family Game night in the lower level of the church. All ages welcome! Come join us for service, games, snacks, laughter, and fellowship!

Do you have any ideas, suggestions, and questions or want to volunteer? Please reach out to me; I would love to hear from you.

Email is stpaulsaintsvbs@gmail.com or jennifergatke@gmail.com

“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven- praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:13-14

Jennifer Gatke

Sunday School Superintendent Children’s Ministry