“Do not be afraid! For see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord…” For 2000 years, this Good News has brought great joy to human hearts! Sunday at Living Springs, we are excited to celebrate “Christmas in July.” It is an opportunity to focus on the gift of Christmas without all the holiday trappings – also a reminder that for half of our planet, in the southern hemisphere, the celebration of Christ’s birth is a summer event. On Sunday, we have one Unity Worship service at 10:30 am for “Christmas in July.” Pre-worship hymn sing will begin at 10:15, with favorite Christmas carols. Following worship, everyone is invited to gather for a fellowship lunch, with more carol singing and a Chrismon craft. You can bring a favorite Christmas dish or dessert to share. 10:30 worship is always livestreamed, so invite others to log in for this wonderful celebration. If anyone cannot attend the unity worship, there will be a brief prayer service offered at 8:15. We give thanks for your prayers for our 18 adults & youth who participated in last week’s Mission Trips: what powerful, life-touching experiences we shared in Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham! You can find lots of photos in your e-news. This Sunday, we offer a special blessing for all youth & volunteers participating in next week’s Lutheran GraceWorks servant event. It is open to youth from 6th-12th grade. If you have family, grandchildren or friends who would like to share in these amazing 4 days, they can still sign up. On Sunday, we hear how the angel appeared to Joseph the carpenter of Nazareth, telling him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. “For the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit – and you are to name his Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” And he shall be called Emmanuel, which means, God is with us! We look forward to being together this special Sunday to celebrate the joyful Good News of “God with us” in worship, word, sacrament, fellowship, service & life. Christ’s peace!
