Advent Worship Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. December 3, 10 & 17

Sunday School Christmas Program December 14, 10:00 a.m.

Christmas Eve Worship 5:30 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.

Christmas Day Worship 10:00 a.m.

Many activities are planned this Adventseason to help us prepare for Christ’scoming.

Please join us as you are able.

For details of these events, see pages 3 & 4.

Advent Celebration Angel Tree

Christmas Poinsettias Holiday Decorating

Sunday School Christmas Program Swahili Christmas Service

Wednesday Evening Advent Worship Youth Instrumentalists

RE-FOCUS________________________________________________________________________________________

A Publication of Reformation Lutheran ChurchVolume 28 December 2008 Number 12________________________________________________________________________________

HAPPY ADVENT from the Reformation Staff!

Thank you for the opportunity to servealongside you as servants of God, guided bythe Holy Spirit, to make Christ known. Wepray that your Advent season and Christmascelebrations are filled with the joy and peacethat come from the anticipation and birth ofthe Christ child. O come, O come, Emmanuel!

Jesus is the Reason for the SeasonJesus is the Reason for the SeasonJesus is the Reason for the SeasonJesus is the Reason for the Season

“For it isn't to the palace that the Christ child comesBut to shepherds and street people, hookers and bumsAnd the message is clear if you have ears to hearThat forgiveness is given for your guilt and your fearIt's a Christmas gift that you don't have to buyThere's a future shining in a baby's eyes.”

from Bruce Cockburn’s Cry of a Tiny Babe

… well, not really… well, not really… well, not really… well, not really

Maybe you have a bookmark or bumper sticker with these words – Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Foryears, my mom wore a pin with these words. I always appreciated seeing it because it gave me perspective.

Throughout college, I worked at the local mall for a national musicstore. Late November and early December were usually a delightfulrush as folks began the search for the perfect Christmas present –“How about The Carpenters Christmas or a Barbara Streisand cd formom and dad, the Metallica box set for a nephew, and gift cards for afew other folks?” It was a joy to help them locate an obscure recordingand maybe even discover some new music in the process. By mid-December though, much of the holiday cheer was replaced by thedread I felt as I faced selfish and grouchy consumers on the mad huntfor anything to cram into a stocking. When I felt my patience slipping,losing any desire to assist them in their quest, I remembered my mom’spin – Jesus is the reason for the season.

There are those who argue, with good evidence, that each passingyear witnesses the Christmas season growing increasingly commercialized. We’ve all been there. Our focusturns to what is under the tree, in our stocking, and on the table. We get sucked into the feverish frenzy to buymore stuff.

Several years ago, an attempt was made to put Jesus Christ back into the season with a series of catchyslogans. Some of the popular slogans were “Put Christ back into Christmas” and “Jesus is the reason for theseason.” While Christ is certainly central to this and all seasons, Jesus is not actually the reason for theseason. Jesus did not come for himself, but for us. You are the reason. I am the reason. We are the reasonfor the season. The stinky stable, the angel chorus, and the baby Jesus – they are all about us. We are thereason that Jesus came. He came so that all people could experience forgiveness and have abundant life(John 10:10).

Here’s a challenge as you stare down the coming month: If you aren’t working retail this season, pretend thatyou are. Imagine yourself in the aisles of your favorite music or book store, helping someone find what theyare looking for. You know what the perfect gift is. Life in Christ might be something that is on the tip of theirtongue and they need you to help jog their memory. Or, maybe the words “Jesus,” “faith,” “grace” and“unconditional love” are something brand new – a message of hope that they’ve never heard. Help themdiscover it. You – and they – are the whole reason this season is happening. God loved the world so muchthat God sent Jesus to give us life (John 3:16).

Tell the Story,

Pastor Lowell

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Sunday School Christmas Preludes Sunday School Christmas Preludes Sunday School Christmas Preludes Sunday School Christmas Preludes

Sunday School students who play musical instruments are invited to provide prelude music before the Sunday School Christmas service on December 14. Please send the student’s name, instrument, and title of the piece to Marlene Hallstrom by December 8. Practice time can be arranged ifdesired.

Sunday School Christmas ProgramSunday School Christmas ProgramSunday School Christmas ProgramSunday School Christmas Program

As we get closer to the holidayseason the Sunday schoolchildren birth to 6th grade will bepracticing for the ChristmasProgram. Our program for thisyear is titled “John the BaptistPresents: A Savior, Christ theLord.” and will be presented onSunday, December 14, at 10a.m. during the service. We willhave a Saturday dress rehearsal

on December 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in thesanctuary. There will be no Sunday school December21 and 28. Normal Sunday school classes will resumeJanuary 4, 2009 at 9 a.m.

Advent CelebrationAdvent CelebrationAdvent CelebrationAdvent Celebration

Do you enjoy Vacation Bible School?Do you wish you got to have thatmuch fun more than once a year?Then mark your calendars for theAdvent Celebration on Sat.,December 6, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.! We willhave one great day of fun andlearning as we focus on Advent, andtalk about what it means to preparefor Jesus! There will be Bible stories,snacks, crafts, games, a light lunchand lots of fun for kids in preschool

through 6th grade! There will be an opportunity for thekids in the birth to 3 year old class to hear the Christmasstory and have some fun that morning as well, beginningat 9:30 a.m. Students received registration forms inSunday School, but if you missed it, you can pick one upfrom Pastor Kristin or from the bulletin board in thehallway. Let Pastor Kristin know if you are interested inhelping that day!

Saturday, Dec. 20, 9 a.m. to noon. Come and join members of theWorship and Music Boardas we decorate the

church for Christmas. We will decorate the trees, hang the greens and banners, arrange the poinsettias, and share some Christmas goodies! Contact Marlene Hallstrom at the church if you have any questions.

It’s Angel Tree time again!Please stop by the AngelTree and select a child tobuy gifts for this Christmas.They are all children who arestaying at the Oaks andotherwise might not receivemuch this Christmas. Since there aren’t as manychildren as in previous years, if all the childrenhave been chosen, please consider buyingsomething from the “List of Items” located nearthe Angel Tree. These are items the CottageParents have indicated they are most in need of.Or consider buying $10.00 Wal-Mart giftcertificates and we will give them to each childto buy school clothes. Thanks for yourgenerosity!

Wednesday Evening Wednesday Evening Wednesday Evening Wednesday Evening Advent WorshipAdvent WorshipAdvent WorshipAdvent WorshipFaith. Hope. Love.December 3, 10, 17 at 7:00 p.m.

Faith. Hope. Love.These are three wordsthat are central toChristianity. This Advent

season, these three words will be central to ourWednesday Evening Holden Evening Prayerservices –December 3, 10, 17 at 7:00pm. Comeduring this season of waiting and prepare todiscover how such little words can pack such apunch. Page 3

Gifts of Stock at Year’s EndGifts of Stock at Year’s EndGifts of Stock at Year’s EndGifts of Stock at Year’s End

If you plan to give a donation of stock toReformation by year end, please make yourgift by December 5 to allow time for the sale ofthe stock. Any sale which occurs afterDecember 31, 2008, will be posted to yourReformation contribution record as a 2009contribution. Thank you.

All reports to be included in the Annual Reportof the Congregation for 2008 are due in the church office by January 5, 2009.

Swahili ServiceSwahili ServiceSwahili ServiceSwahili Service

Krismasi Njema!Tumwabudu Immanueli pamoja!

(Merry Christmas! Let’s worship Immanuel together!) *

Christmas Worship in SwahiliReformation Lutheran Church

December 21 at 5:00 p.m.

Please plan to attend this special Advent and Christmasservice with our East African sisters and brothers. Ledby Pastor Dean Apel, former missionary to Kenya, thisentire service will be in Swahili – Scripture, songs,prayers, and preaching. Whether you speak Swahili ornot, please come, worship, prepare and await the comingof the Christ child.

Tumwabudu Immanueli pamoja! For more information, please contact Pastor Apel: 316-722-5473.

We are now taking orders for Reformationmembers who would like to purchase apoinsettia for the sanctuary.

Deadline is December 10. The cost this year is$13.00. Envelopes for your order will beavailable in the narthex or you may call Debbiein the church office. If you would like to give thepoinsettia for a special occasion (in celebrationof... or in memory of... etc.) please indicate soon the back of the envelope.

Ministry Team Seeks Writers For Lenten Devotional BookMinistry Team Seeks Writers For Lenten Devotional BookMinistry Team Seeks Writers For Lenten Devotional BookMinistry Team Seeks Writers For Lenten Devotional Book

Advent has barely begun but for the Lenten Devotional Ministry Team, Ash Wednesday is just around thecorner.

It’s time once again to assemble a group of writers to provide meditations for Reformation’s annual booklet“Devotions for Lent.”

All devotions are written by members and friends of Reformation. If you wrote a devotion last year, you will becontacted by the team and offered the opportunity to share a message again this year. If you are a newmember and would like to write a devotion, or an “o ld” member who hasn’t written a devotion recentlybut would like to, we very much want to hear of you r interest. Please contact Dallas Cronk at 733-2454.

The 2009 edition of Reformation’s “Devotions for Lent” will feature meditations on Biblical parables. A differentparable will provide focus for each day during Lent.

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January’s Semi-Annual Meeting ofJanuary’s Semi-Annual Meeting ofJanuary’s Semi-Annual Meeting ofJanuary’s Semi-Annual Meeting ofthe Congregationthe Congregationthe Congregationthe Congregation

January 25th is our Congregation’s Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting. It willfollow the format of the previousmeeting, convening immediately aftermorning worship.

November’s Semi-Annual November’s Semi-Annual November’s Semi-Annual November’s Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting and Congregational Meeting and Congregational Meeting and Congregational Meeting and

Council Retreat UpdateCouncil Retreat UpdateCouncil Retreat UpdateCouncil Retreat Update

The Semi-Annual Meeting of theCongregation was held Sunday, November2, 2008. The results of the election were asfollows:

Elected to Church Council :Lori East, Ken Hobart, Suzanne Koch,Barbara Orsak

Elected to Mission EndowmentCommittee :Galen Blume, Jill Pletcher, Erin Sholtz

Elected to Nominating Committee :Boyd Byers, Laurel Davis, David Day, BobWeaver

Elected Synod Delegates :Galen & Karen Blume, Greg & Amy Keith

The new council met November 20, 2008and Elected Officers :President, Sheryl JohnsonVice-President, Gene BowersSecretary, to be determined Treasurer, Mikelle Fraizer

Congratulations to those who were elected.

We delayed approval of the 2009 budgetuntil the January congregational meetingwhen we have a more accurate total ofpledges.

Council Retreat UpdateCouncil Retreat UpdateCouncil Retreat UpdateCouncil Retreat Updatepictured left to right: Pastor Lowell, Ken Hobart, BobLivingston, Mary Brittain, Barbara Orsak, SuzanneKoch, Sheryl Johnson, Lori East, Mikelle Frazier,

Pastor Kristin, Gary Hoepner, Ken Lang and Gene Bowers.

November 7 and 8, the Church Council headed to thewoods of North Central Kansas for a weekend retreat atRock Springs 4-H Camp. Our time together was centeredon our mission statement – Servants of God, guided bythe Holy Spirit, to make Christ known.

Laughter, s’mores, and community building were mingledwith asking “How have we lived our mission in the past andpresent? What are our hopes for the future ofReformation?” Some of the highlights from our time ofvisioning and dreaming include:

! Faith Building – A hope to deepen our faith with Godthrough Bible study, prayer, and faithful relationships.

! Mission and Outreach – A hope that we have agreater presence and impact through creative andrelevant ministry opportunities in our community andbeyond.

! Leadership and Discipleship training – A hope forgreater skills and vocabulary for communicating ourfaith as we head into the world to learn and serve.

! Facilities – A hope to care for our present building andproperty, even as we begin to dream about possibilitiesfor the future.

! Worship – A hope for greater involvement amongchildren, youth and adults in worship leadership with anincreased variety of music and styles.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your churchcouncil. Please take an opportunity to welcome those whohave been newly elected and pray for us as we join thepastors in leading our church.

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` Dear Friends, Many thanks for the prayers, cards, phone calls and visits during Bill's stay in the hospital and at Life Care Center. A special thanks to Pastor Lowell,

Pastor Kristin, and Jette and Barbara for theirprayers and visits.

God Bless,Bill & Betty Hayenga

` Thanks for your participation in the 10th AnnualCamp Tomah Shinga Quarter Challenge! Duringthe month of October, we collected quarters (andcoins and bills of all sizes) to support the ministry ofCamp Tomah Shinga. Thanks to your generosity,we were able to send the camp a gift of $ 291.42 inaddition to our normal benevolence. Thanks forremembering this important ministry of our church,not only with your quarters, but also with yourprayers!

` The members of BTOL want to say a big ThankYou to Glennyce Reimers and Ruth Koepsel andtheir talented cast of vocalists, violinist, bell-ringersand comedians for the great program they providedfor our November meeting. It was great and evenincluded some audience participation! Your effortswere much appreciated and enjoyed!

` Thank You to all our garden cleaner-uppers! Much was accomplished by the willing work ofseveral people. Gene Bowers, Michele Groves,Gary Hoepner, Wil Johnson, Pastor Lowell andEden, Issac, and Naaman, Jan and Donna Moyer,Paul and Shari Ryding, Marsha Sears, Ed Wilksand Waldo and Lotus Gerards. We also want tothank Dorothea Rindt for caring for the geraniumsin the gardens all summer long! Thank you to eachof you for your efforts.

Yellow BagYellow BagYellow BagYellow Bag

The Food of the month for December is cannedfruits and vegetables. Thank you to everyone whobrought canned meats and other food items in November. Your Yellow Bag gifts go to the UnitedMethodist Open Door Food Ministry. There is a liston the bulletin board in the Parish Hall of all thefood items that are included in the emergency food boxes distributed by the food ministry. Anynonperishable foods are always welcome.

Women of ReformationWomen of ReformationWomen of ReformationWomen of Reformation

CIRCLE MEETINGS

Rebecca Thursday, December 11 10:00 a.m.in the church libraryHostess: Jeanne Tiller

Dorcas Wed., December 17 1:00 p.m.Hostesses: Mary Ann Mercer

Doris & Nora StegClub House at Raintree Village

Blanket Makers : will meet Monday, Dec. 1, 8 and29, at 9:00 a.m. at the church.

Monthly Outreach Ministry : We will meet at Cornerstone Assisted Living on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 3 to 4 p.m. Please join us for fellowship withtheir residents.

Prayer Shawl Ministry : will continue withindividuals working at their homes. Anyone wishingto join the effort is asked to contact JoleneDougherty, 776-2068 if you need information &/orpatterns.

Best Times Of Life (BTOL),our fellowship group forthose 55 and over, will meeton Monday, December 15at 12 noon in the Parish hallfor our monthly luncheonand program. (This month’sgathering date is on the third

Monday so our function does not follow the date ofthe Progressive dinner so closely). This month, ourprogram will be presented by the ThreadbareTheatre from the East Side Shepherd Center. Oneof our BTOL members is in the cast and it will belike watching a live radio production! It is sure tobe a great program and we hope you will join us fortasty food and warm company as well as enjoyableentertainment! Bring a covered dish to share, yourown table service and call either Pauline 744-3328or Betty 682-2030 with your reservation so we willknow how many tables to prepare. Hope to seeyou there!

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Introductory OfferIntroductory OfferIntroductory OfferIntroductory Offer

The 2009 Flower Chart is posted in thenarthex. If you would like to provide flowers forthe altar on a special occasion, please sign upfor the date of your choice. When you sign upplease be sure and complete the “Altar Flower”form indicating occasion for the flowers, dateand by whom given. Please put the form in theoffice mailbox marked “Office/Newsletter”.Cost of the flowers is $ 45.00. Your check, besure to write “altar flowers” in the memosection, may be mailed in or placed in thecollection plate any Sunday.

Remember …

Offerings and pledges , large and small,

add up for important ministries of Reformation.Pledges: The church continues to gatherremaining pledges as we set our sights on the2009 budget. Please make every effort to getyour Estimate of Giving card into the churchoffice by January 4. Extra cards are available atthe church or by mail. Year-end giving : Please be counted amongthe faithful Reformation people who supportthis congregation and its outreach for others.Warm thanks is given for each and every giftyou’ve shared in love for this Christ-centeredministry. If you have questions about your 2008giving, contact Marge Bender at the church(634-0586).

Publisher Introduces LutheranStudy BibleIn connection with the ELCA’scurrent Book of Faith emphasis,Augsburg Fortress is publishing anew Lutheran Study Bible andmaking it available at a pre-publication discount.

The new Bible features the NRSV translation(which is what we read during Sunday worship) andincludes introductions, notes, and articles writtenby more than 60 Lutheran pastors and teachingtheologians. It is designed to provide backgroundinformation and Lutheran insights. The publishersays, “Plain language notes assume little to noprior understanding of theological terminology,making it accessible to youth and adults alike.”

Cost is $34.99 in hardcover or $24.99 inpaperback. Reformation will receive a 30%discount if 10 or more copies are ordered throughthe church before Dec. 31. To order yourLutheran Study Bible, contact the church officeon or before Dec. 28. Do not write a check now. If we have a large enough order, you will receive adiscount on the price.

Recycling Is Good StewardshipRecycling Is Good StewardshipRecycling Is Good StewardshipRecycling Is Good Stewardship Before throwing any item into the trash at homeor at church, stop and think. Can this item berecycled? As good stewards we can recycle, reuseand reduce to produce less waste in ourenvironment. You can also help to control theamount of waste by buying products made withrecycled content. Recycling turns materials that would otherwisebecome waste into valuable resources. Collectingused bottles, cans, magazines, and newspapersand then taking them to the curb or to a collectionfacility is the first step in a series of steps thatgenerates financial, environmental and socialbenefits. Just a few of the many benefits of recycling are:reduced need for landfills and incineration, savedenergy and conserved natural resources for a morehealthy and beautiful environment. Super Dillon stores accept magazines, catalogs,newspapers at drop off boxes in their parking lots. For additional recycling information on itemsfrom appliances to wood and yard waste go to www.sedgwickcounty.org and click on Environmental Resources.

A special thanks to Karen Blume for picking up the church’s

recycling each week.

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High School NewsHigh School NewsHigh School NewsHigh School News

! Please meet at Churchat 6:00 on Sunday,December 7th to help serveat the Progressive Dinner.Wear black slacks or skirt

and a white or black shirt.

! Join us on Sunday, December 14th after servicefor our Annual Christmas Party. Lunch will beprovided. Bring a dessert to share. Please bring awrapped gift with a value of $10.00 for our giftexchange.

! The High School group will be holding a BakeSale on Sunday, December 14th after service. Youwill have an opportunity to purchase baked goods,calendars, Reformation coins, and jar mixes whichmake great Christmas gifts. All proceeds will beused to send us to the 2009 National YouthGathering in New Orleans.

Confirmation Advent Fun Confirmation Advent Fun Confirmation Advent Fun Confirmation Advent Fun

Mark your calendars, confirmation students! OnSunday, December 14, 4:00-7:00 pm, we’ll begathering for an afternoon of Advent fun andexcitement! We’ll head out to bring someChristmas cheer to folks as wedo some caroling, and thencome back to church for pizza,games and fun!

Remember that we won’t behaving class on Wednesdaynights during Advent, but willplan to see you at the mid-week Advent services thosenights during December at 7:00pm! Sunday morning classeswill continue to meet onDecember 7 and 14, and then you’ll have a coupleof Sundays off on December 21 and 28. Sundaymorning classes will resume on January 4.Wednesday evening classes will resume onJanuary 7.

Wednesday Noon Bible Study Wednesday Noon Bible Study Wednesday Noon Bible Study Wednesday Noon Bible Study

The Wednesday noon Bible study will take a briefsabbatical during the month of December, but willstart up again on Wednesday, January 7. Over thecourse of six weeks, we will dive into the Gospel ofMark as we take a look at God’s Grace in Action.Mark is the gospel that we will focus on in worshipduring this coming year, so this will be a greatopportunity to learn more about it to enrich not onlyyour experience with scripture, but also yourworship experience! Join us at noon onWednesdays, beginning January 4, for this mid-week recharge! Feel free to bring your lunch!

Youth QuakeYouth QuakeYouth QuakeYouth Quake

Attention all junior highyouth (including everyone ingrades 6-9)! It is time tostart planning for the 2009Youth Quake! Erase anyother plans from yourcalendar for the weekend ofFebruary 6-8, 2009,because you won’t want tomiss this fun weekend!You’ll have a chance tohear awesome speakers(including Bob Lenz), participate in some funactivities, and rock out to some awesome music,provided by mudhouse (Todd Miller & Brian Spahrof mudhouse are both good friends of PastorLowell!). This year’s Quake will be held at the HyattRegency, right here in Wichita. You pay the non-refundable deposit of $40, and Reformation willcover the rest! See Pastor Kristin or Tina Alstromfor more information or to sign up!

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And they kept coming … And they kept coming … And they kept coming … And they kept coming …

International Year of the Organ

The American Guild of Organists has designated2008-2009 as the International Year of theOrgan, a time to exhibit the wonders of the Kingof Instruments. During this year organdemonstrations and the opportunity to learn moreabout the pipe organ at Reformation will beoffered to all who are interested. An on-goingproject throughout the year is the opportunity for“an organ assistant for the day” to sit on theorgan bench and help with page turning, pistonpushing, and/or playing a piece on the organ.Several young people have signed up to assist,and adults are welcome, too. Please see thedisplay in the narthex or contact MarleneHallstrom for more information.

Choir Schedule for December

Dec. 7, Advent 2 Parish ChoirDec. 14, Advent 3 Children’s Choir

Youth Bell ChoirDec. 21, Advent 4 Handbell ChoirDec. 24, Christmas Eve 5:30 p.m. Handbell Choir Cantor : Amy Yeskie 11:00 p.m. Parish Choir EnsembleDec. 25, Christmas Day CantorDec. 28, Christmas 1 Cantor

Needless to say, this past weekend at the monthly Community Breakfast was yet another experience to add toour fondest memories of discipleship at St. Paul Lutheran down on Waco St. in midtown Wichita. We typicallyset up tables and chairs for 110 people. As we greeted and they began to sit down to eat, all the chairs filledvery quickly and as we looked around, there was still a long line clear back to the entering doors. of thosewho hadn’t received breakfast yet! A close estimation of those attending ranged from 150 –160. I hadpersonally not seen that many guests at St. Paul’s since last Thanksgiving. Is it the economy? I don’t knowabout that but what I do know is that God sent them to us that morning to be warmed and fed … and theywere! And the food ran out about the time the people quit coming. If you don’t believe the Lord is at work inour lives every day, come to our breakfast and watch miracles unfold. Also, while eating breakfast andsharing a conversation with one of our guests, I asked what did they need other than the many clothes andbackpacks and such that we bring each month. He said “It’s going to get wet outside one of these days andthat most of us only have tennis shoes to wear.” “And there will be many on the street with red feet this year.” What he meant was their feet would get wet and cold. He said that the best item, if he cold think of one at thistime, would be what he called “slip-ons” We always called them rubbers, overboots, etc. Not actual boots, butwhat you pull over your shoes to keep your feet dry. And he said they fold up easily for storage in a backpack. So if you see any, that’s a much-needed item right now. One other person asked me for reading glasses. Hehad a pair but they weren’t strong enough, so he could hardly read the paper. So, if you run across readingglasses anywhere that are being given away, we might try those as well. (No prescription glasses, please,and we probably don’t need a ton of them, but if you find a pair of two, please think of them.)

As always, we will never forget to thank all those volunteers who come faithfully each month and who shopand pick up groceries and to who offer their money and prayers for our ministry. Without servants we couldnot serve. Thank you. Please continue to give as you can to our donation jar or mark your donation for“Community Breakfast” made payable to Reformation Lutheran and put in the offering plate anytime. We askfor your continued prayers for those that serve and for those who are served, as we pray for you.

God Bless You All. Until next time, in His Service,Bob L. Livingston, Community Breakfast volunteer Susan Martin, Coordinator

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Ponderings from Pastor Kristin

A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of theLORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill bemade low; the uneven ground shall become level, and therough places a plain. Then the glory of the LORD shall berevealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth ofthe LORD has spoken."

Seminarian Support

Our offerings from theThanksgiving Eve serviceand from our upcomingAdvent Wednesdayservices have beendesignated for theReformation Seminarian

Support Fund. This important fund provides aunique connection with people who aregrounded here at Reformation. Our partnershipwith them helps cover the costs of theireducation as they prepare to serve the God andthe church as ordained pastors. With threecurrent seminarians (Quinn Gorges, ChrisDeines & Tim Meyer), your support of thisministry is more important than ever. Pleaseconsider a generous gift that will make a lastingimpact to support these pastors in training andcontinue to lift them up in prayer.

Isaiah 40:3-5 A few years ago, my friend, Amy, came to visit me.I was living in Madison, Wisconsin, and Amy wasliving in Greeley, Colorado, so we didn’t get to seeeach other very often. She came to Wisconsin for awhirlwind tour, to see both friends and family, and Iwas lucky enough to make it on to the short list ofpeople she was going to see. And better than just aquick lunch or dinner, Amy was going to stay withme on one of her first nights back in Wisconsin!

We settled in, ready for a long night of talking andcatching up. As we sat and talked that night, itwasn’t too late before both of us were struggling tostay awake. As we continued to talk, forcing oureyes to stay open and our minds to stay focused,we had to laugh that we were both more tired thanusual. In anticipation of Amy’s visit, we both hadlost out on some sleep. I was exhausted because Ihad been running around, cleaning, and doing allkinds of preparation for Amy’s visit. Amy wasexhausted because she was so excited about hertrip that she couldn’t sleep the night before!

We, too, during this next month, are preparing forvisits and other activities that come with theChristmas season. We may be running around,cleaning, and doing all kinds of preparation forvisits from family and friends or for special holidayparties. We may be busy buying gifts, decoratingour homes, and sending our greetings to specialfolks near and far with Christmas cards. Or we maybe packing our bags to go be with friends andfamily for Christmas.

The visits of our family and friends are not the onlyvisits we prepare for during this season of Advent,however. The prophet Isaiah and John the Baptistboth call us to “prepare the way of the Lord!” We sooften think about preparations as doing something.Preparing for something means that you’ll havethings to do, tasks to work on, jobs to accomplish.Preparation, getting ready, is active and busy. In the midst of all of that hard work, our truepreparation can get lost. As we continue to fill ourschedules with more and more during the month of

December, we miss the meaning of “prepare” thatIsaiah intended. The word “prepare” in Hebrewmeans to clear the way, to get rid of things, toremove obstacles. Isaiah’s command is to preparethe way of the Lord, to make straight the highwayfor our God. In this Advent time, let’s clear thingsout that may be in the way of our relationship withGod, trusting that God is also preparing the way –

lifting valleys, lowering mountains and hills, levelinguneven ground, and making plain the rough places(in other words, making our lives look a little likethe Kansas landscape!).

As we prepare to celebrate once again Christ’scoming to us in human form, let’s clear a way forhim to come into our lives, into our hearts and intoour minds, trusting that God is also preparing thatway. And perhaps, when the glory of the Lord isrevealed in a baby boy, we won’t be too tired to seeand experience the richness and joy of it!

In Advent hope and anticipation,

Pastor Kristin

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