Warm winter wishes!  December is starting off with predictions of snow, and I am excited about it. When I see the world covered in a blanket of sparkling white snow, I am instantly calmed down and feel more at peace. The cold and snow serve as a reminder to take time to slow down, find a warm blanket, and settle in with family and friends. I hope that you will have an opportunity to do just that this Advent season!

This year, we will focus our time of waiting around Our Dear Christ Enters In from Creative Communications. The first Sunday of the month, December 7, we will celebrate the second week of Advent by reading Luke 1:5-25 which recounts the story of Elizabeth and Zachariah. Their lives were filled with blessings and hardships. We’ll look at how, even when there is hurt in our lives, we can rely on God. As this is the first Sunday of the month, we will also celebrate the sacrament of communion.

On December 14, for the third week of Advent, we will think about what is in a name by reading Luke 1:26-38. Have you had the privilege of naming someone? It’s a big job! The name that God gives to Jesus is an important one and reveals who he is and what role he will play in God’s plan.

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, December 21, we will prepare for company by recalling Luke 1:39-45. Mary visits Elizabeth and there is an unexpected celebration. We never know who might show up at our door this season.  I hope that we are able to welcome them all as Elizabeth welcomed Mary.

I know that the season of Advent can be hard and hollow for some of us. While others are celebrating and welcoming, you might be feeling the length of the nights and chill of the cold. Know that you are not alone or left out in this season. This year, I will be attending the Longest Night service at Elfinwild Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 21 at 7:00 PM in the Upper Gathering Room. If you are looking for a place to escape the holly jolly and just be, I hope you’ll join me.

On Christmas Eve (December 24), at 8:00 PM, we will celebrate the end of Advent and welcome Christmas with our traditional candlelight service. We will celebrate God’s coming into the world, dwelling among us, experiencing life as we do. We rejoice that the light of Christ can and will overcome all darkness. It is always a beautiful time of worship!

I will be away on the final Sunday of the month (December 28).  However, we will still be celebrating the miracle of Christmas with a service of Lessons and Carols to be held in the Parlor. Folks will be able to enjoy the beautiful piano and coziness of the room while hearing God’s story for us. We won’t be livestreaming this Sunday, but don’t worry! We will be posting the service from the last time we held a Lesson and Carols service so our folks who worship with us remotely will still be able to enjoy a service.

I am looking forward to sharing this special time of year with you all. It is sure to be a blessed month full of peace and joy!

Pastor Emily

Our friends at the Bread of Life Food Pantry are planning for the Christmas season. Again this year, they are going to distribute toys and gift cards to at least 45 qualified families. They would really love to have the children in the community experience an enchanted Christmas.

With this in mind, the Bread of Life Food Pantry is requesting the following donations:

• Gifts cards (in any amount) to Walmart, Dick’s, Target, Kohl’s or Five Below or any other store where parents can use the cards to purchase toys or clothing items for their children
• Boxes or bags of candy and small items for stocking stuffers
• Toys for children 1 month old through 15 years old
• Wrapping paper and gift bags
• Monetary gifts (checks should be made out to Glenshaw Presbyterian Church with “Santa Shop” in the memo line)

Please bring your donations to GPC by Sunday, December 7.  The collection box is in the narthex by the Christmas tree.  We will deliver them to the food pantry in time for their Santa Shop in mid-December.

Thank you in advance to each of you whose generosity and kindness will bring happiness, smiles, and joy to all these children and their parents on Christmas morning.

The GPC Deacons are planning to hold a Christmas Bake Sale in the church parlor immediately following worship on Sunday, December 14.  Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to support their ongoing work at GPC and in the surrounding community.

In the lead-up to this event, we are calling all our expert bakers who would love to share their holiday culinary masterpieces with the congregation.  If you have any questions, please contact Darlene Hills at 412-486-8076 or by e-mail.

Thank you in advance for your support.