Second Sunday of Advent
December 8th, 2024
The lectionary readings invite us to “prepare the way of the Lord” this week. Take a few moments to prayerfully and honestly assess your life and faith; consider which parts seem ready for an encounter with Jesus. In which parts of your life and faith do you think you are unprepared for Jesus? As you reflect on these questions, what feelings surfaced for you? Was your first impulse a desire to hide the “broken” or “vulnerable” parts of yourself from God? Why or why not? Did you experience any feelings of shame or guilt? Did you feel overwhelmed or spiritually scattered? Smug? Self-satisfied? Where do you think these feelings have arisen from? Do they reflect a theology about God that “makes space for grace,” or are you carrying a punitive, judgmental concept of God? Are you willing to consider changing your understanding of God’s love for you? Why or why not?
John calls on the people to turn away from systems of oppression. To turn away from systems of degradation. And we are reminded of the prophetic call “to prepare the way of the Lord.”
As we face these uncertain times, instead of feeling powerless, instead of feeling defeated, we must remind ourselves of what is ours to do. We must remind ourselves that while we might not be able to make the world entirely as it should be, we can continue to prepare the way. Prepare the way for the justice makers, prepare the way for better systems, prepare the way for safety for children, prepare the way for a better world for all of those coming after us.
How might you participate in “preparing the way of the Lord” in the world this week? In your local, national, or global church? Among your family members and friends?
Rev. Deborah
Adapted from source material https://united-church.ca/worship-liturgical-season/second-sunday-advent and https://uscatholic.org/articles/202412/a-reflection-for-the-second-sunday-of-advent
ANNOUNCEMENTS DECEMBER 08 2024
FROM THE JOINT M & P COMMITTEE
HOW ARE WE DOING?
Questionnaires have been available since Dec 1. If you need a copy, please contact the Church Office (
NEW
YARN TO GIVE AWAY: Thanks to the generosity of Yvonne Burger, there are several bags of yarn and stuffing (for bears, pillows, etc) available to anyone who can use some!, and just in time for winter knitting!! Due to arthritis, Yvonne is no longer able to knit and crochet. We thank Yvonne very much for this donation, and also for the many knitted and crocheted items she made for our church over the years, especially bears!
SUNDAY, DEC 22 STONY PLAIN SUNDAY SCHOOL: Our children will be presenting their Christmas program as part of the regular Church Service on Sunday, Dec. 22.
MEWASSIN NEWS
SUNDAY, DEC 8 : We will hold Communion during the Sunday service. The Sunday School will make cookies and cards, starting at 3 pm.
SUNDAY DEC 1 & 8 – WHITE GIFT SUNDAYS: Mewassin is collecting socks again this year, so please bring them to hang on our line. These will go to Parenting for the Future.
UNTIL SUNDAY, DEC. 15: We will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Wabamun Food Hamper. Please give what you can.
SUNDAY, DEC 22: We will hold our annual Christmas concert at 7 pm Sun. Dec 22. We hope you can join us for a very entertaining evening!
TUES. DEC 24: Our Christmas Eve service will be held at 4:30 pm. Everyone is welcome
STONY PLAIN NEWS
WHITE GIFT SUNDAYS ARE HERE! Stony Plain United will be collecting mitts, socks, toques, etc. Dec 1 and 8 (and all though December) Your donations will go to Parenting for the Future
ADVENT DINNER AND CHOIR CANTATA SUNDAY, DEC 15: Tickets are now available at the Church Office for this year’s Christmas Cantata and Advent Supper. General admission: $25.00; Children 6 to 12 $10.00 and Children 5 & under Free. Dinner starts at 5:00 pm (doors open at 4:30) and will include Ham, Scalloped Potatoes and all the trimmings. The musical portion of the evening starts with Carol Singing and Special Music at 6:30 followed by the Cantata, “This is Christmas” by Mary McDonald at 7:00 pm. Plan to stay afterward for fellowship, coffee and dessert ( “Afterglow”).
There are also Sign up sheets in the atrium for donations of grocery items and/or your time!
TUES. DEC 24: Stony Plain’s Christmas Eve service will be held at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome
CARD RECREATORS CHRISTMAS BREAK: The Card Recreators will not meet in December. They will come back to work on Thursday, Jan 9, 2025. You can still buy cards!
PHOTOS WELCOME: Your can submit photos for use in bulletins, letters, website, etc. by emailing them to
PASSING ON YOUR CONCERNS: If you know of anyone who would like a visit or needs a card, please call the Church Office (780 963-4745) or email
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Ukuleles & Choir Wednesdays: Ukes 6:15; Cantata 7:00 pm, Regular Choir 8 pm
Card Recreators: WILL NOT MEET UNTIL THURS. JAN 9, 2025 (Thursdays, 10 am)
MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Sun Dec 1 & 8 White Gift Sundays both churches
Sun Dec 8 Mewassin – Sunday school making cookies, cards 3 pm
Until Sun Dec 15 Mewassin – please donate items for the Wabamun food hamper
Sun Dec 15 Advent Dinner & Choir Cantata – Dinner at 5 pm, Cantata 7 pm
Sun Dec 22 SP – during Church – Sunday School Christmas Program
Sun Dec 22 Mewassin – 7 pm – Sunday School Concert
Sun Dec 22 Deadline for submitting your M & P Questionnaires
Tues. Dec 24 Christmas Eve Services: Mewassin 4:30; Stony Plain 7 pm