The Beacon
Newsletter
December 16, 2022 Volume 64, No 51
this Sunday: December 18, 2022
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Peace
Theme: The Things They Carried: Personal Pride and Control
Together, Mary and Joseph signed on for something that was not of their own choosing and that had potential to ruin their reputations.
We will share communion this week as we celebrate Immanuel: God-with-us.
Please read Luke 1: 26-56 to prepare.
Pastor Anna Lisa Gross
Sunday, December 18
9:30 a.m. Eat and Meet
10:30 a.m. Worship
3:30 p.m. Carolers meet at Church
5:30 p.m. Farewell Party for Elizabeth & family
6:00 p.m. Sophia’s Portico: Winter Solstice
Monday, December 19
Tuesday, December 20
Pastor Anna Lisa onsite.
12 noon Lunch for those interested in
joining Beacon Heights
Wednesday, December 21
Pastor Anna Lisa onsite.
9:30 a.m. Food Bank
7:00 p.m. Blue Christmas gathering
Thursday, December 22
11:30 a.m. Worship Preview meeting
6:30 p.m. Choir Practice
Friday, December 23
Church Office closed.
Saturday, December 24
6:45 p.m. Pre-worship Music
7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service
Sunday, December 25
Merry Christmas!
10:30 a.m. Christmas Brunch & Fellowship
Remember to check the Breeze calendar for upcoming events and activities!
Weekly Announcements
You can't share what our kind cooks have prepared, but Meet and Eat is available online - gather in the "Worship and Gatherings" zoom room (the one we used for a couple years for worship) at 9:30am. You'll join those in the Parlor, discussing the Advent devotional: Simple Gifts (through Jan 1). Starting Jan 8 we'll have another program - it's a surprise for now! If you prefer casual conversation, enjoy the Fellowship Hall. If you're looking for some quiet prayer time, find two options in the South Classroom. You are welcome to move between all three spaces on Sunday mornings (unless you're joining online, then you're stuck "in" the Parlor.)
We plan to print the Church Directory in January. If you have updates to your contact information that you would like to have included in this printing, please make sure to get that information to the office by January 9th!
Statistics 12/11/2022
Worship 80
Offering 12/4/2022 $9,935.00
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Food Bank on December 14:
17 Families served
46 Individuals in families
We're collecting socks all through Advent to share holiday warmth with our neighbors. Bring new socks of all types and sizes - we'll share with YWCA, Just Neighbors Interfaith Hospitality Network, and Fort Wayne Community Schools clothing bank. Put your socks in the stocking!
Caroling with Beacon Heights
We'll share Christmas cheer with friends who cannot get out much by singing carols. Meet on Sun, Dec 18 at 3:30 in the parking lot and we'll set off on an adventure, returning by 5:30 so we can share chili and ice cream sundaes and say a bittersweet farewell to Elizabeth, Monty and Agatha (who are moving to Valparaiso at Christmastime.) You can come for just one part of the event or the other.
Blue Christmas
We will honor the grief and loss we carry -- which often feels heavier during the holiday season. All are welcome, those who have a particularly heavy loss, and the rest of us who may feel a little blue some days.
You are encouraged to bring a photo or memento of someone you particularly miss this season.
Christmas Eve and Day
Christmas morning comes on a Sunday, and we’ll gather in the fellowship hall as family and friends. Your people from out-of-town are most welcome to come! We'll gather at 10:30am in the Fellowship Hall (no Eat and Meet that morning).
Breakfast will feature homemade sticky buns and breakfast casserole. We’ll play games and trade gifts in a White Elephant exchange - This gift exchange is a great time to declutter your home as we unload some of the stuff we carry! One's clutter may be another's new treasurer. Bring a wrapped gift (in reused wrapping paper or newspaper) to participate in a fun exchange.
If you're bringing a car-full of people, you could let Mary or Dave Wysong know as they are coordinating breakfast.
Tenth Annual New Year's Eve Game Night
Everyone is cordially invited to the Tenth Annual New Year's Eve Game Night. Bring cards, games, snacks, knitting, beverages - and a smile! Beaconers and friends will meet in the Parlor from 8 p.m. to midnight. Hosted by Janet Mitchell and family.
Thank You for supporting Just Neighbors IHN
Thanks to all who provided dinners, material support, and prayers for Just Neighbors:Interfaith Homeless Network during the first week of December. Six small families were kept safe, warm, and well fed during this advent season as parents worked and children went to school. Our dinners, lunch items, and household supplies were much appreciated as these families work through this difficult time toward securing suitable housing. In 2023 Beacon Heights will again have three service rotations, with the first coming up January 8, 9, and 10. Watch for sign-up opportunities to join the Beacon Heights team as we continue this service. Also, please pray for the families and staff that they remain healthy as they continue their work.
In the meantime you can check out Just Neighbors on Facebook or you can go to their website http://www.ihnfamily.org/ to keep up with the latest news and needs.
Dunker Punks Episode 141
In this season finale episode, we hear from three generations of Dunker Punks at the Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren, who are living their faith in draft resistance, nursing, teaching, foster parenting, fire-fighting, social working, stocking shelves, and serving coffee. Listen as Anna Lisa Gross chats with Sam, Carla and Craig, and Ev and Bill to gain insights from their generational perspectives.
Christmas Eve: December 24, 2022
Theme: The Things They Carried: Simple Gifts
Wearing the gospel of peace on our feet.
Please read Ephesians 6: 12-15 and Luke 1: 46-56 to prepare.
Pastor Anna Lisa Gross
Published by Beacon Heights
Church of the Brethren
Editor: Melinda Long
Phone: (260) 482-8595
Email: office@beaconheights.net