Announcements - December 2016

Christmas Worship
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship - 6:00 PM
Christmas Day Celebration Worship - 10:00 AM
(No Sparktime Dec. 25th or Jan. 1)

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New Year's Day - 10:00 AM Worship ONLY
Regular schedule of 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM Worship returns on January 8th

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The story of Advent is a story of hunger: a people’s hunger for salvation, the fleeing holy family’s hunger for safety, and the world’s hunger for a new dawn.  It is a season when we await the one who will “give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death” (Luke 1:79a).  Advent hope draws us into the world as people of promise, people for whom the “shadow of death” cast by deep hunger and poverty around the world is not God’s final word to God’s people.  In Advent, we reflect on how far the Lord has led us and how far we have yet to go toward a world in which all are fed.  We prepare our hearts and minds, our community, and the world for the arrival of God’s holy presence in Jesus, ...and through Jesus, in us! As we reflect on the mystery and joy of God’s promises, not just for some but for all, we are empowered to embody that which we have been given. 

Posadas del Pueblo/Half Moon Bay Posadas
Friday December 9, 2016  Gather 6 pm @ MacDutra Park 

The City Council and Latino Advisory Council of Half Moon Bay are coordinating a special Posadas event to explore together what it means to be a welcoming and hospitable community. The Posada, which means “inn” or “shelter” in Spanish, is the traditional re-enactment of the migrant journey of Joseph and pregnant Mary searching for a place to stay for the birth of Jesus as they sing a traditional song at different houses.  There are two parts to the traditional posada song: those outside the house singing the part of Joseph asking for shelter and the family inside who responds by singing the part
of the innkeeper saying that there is no room for them here. They are rejected at 3 “houses / inns” that deny them space. The fourth and final “house” welcomes them in and a celebration follows. 

This year Half Moon Bay will celebrate Posada, the Holy Family will sing their part and tell the owners of each “house” the gifts they offer to the owner/community.  In the first 3 community “houses” (Moonside Bakery, Cunha School, and Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic Church), they don’t recognize the couple nor their gifts who is then rejected.  In the fourth community “house” (the Ted Adcock Center with Mayor, City Council and Manager present), the couple and their gifts are recognized, welcomed, and celebrated. Following a lovely ritual of reassurance and commitment, we will enjoy a meal of tamales and fellowship.  This holiday event will be a lovely and timely opportunity to stand together as a community in solidarity and support.  Hope to see you there!  Pastor Dawn Teuthorn
 

 

 

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