The fall season ushers in shorter days, chilly evenings and traditions richly rooted in curious lore. Halloween occurs every year on the 31st day of October but the preparations marketed by retailers begin in late August. Pumpkins, straw bales, corn stalks, fall-colored wreaths and vibrant mums abound to inspire the home décor enthusiasts but it’s the bustling of excited kids rummaging through the crowded racks of crazy costumes and accessories that captures the spirit of Halloween. To most Halloween revelers, the holiday is an opportunity to decorate the house, host themed parties, carve pumpkins, dress up in fun costumes and score on some serious candy by trick-or-treating. Most don’t inquire about the history that spawned the festivities we engage in;
- Oct 31,
This is the final post of a 7-part series on Advent by Toni and Brian Becker. Opening Prayer and Lighting of Candles [light the four candles] God of wonders, we worship You. We know that You are here with us as we focus our hearts and minds on the miracle of Christ's birth. What a wondrous season this is when its true meaning is celebrated! Thank You for Your amazing love for us. We surrender our hearts here in worship. You alone deserve our praise. Songs of Worship Silent Night O Come All Ye Faithful
Dec 24,This is part 6 of a 7-part series on Advent by Toni and Brian Becker. [Play Christmas worship music before gathering to set a special tone. You can even play the four songs you are going to sing during the service to familiarize everyone to the songs.] Opening Prayer and Lighting of First and Second Candle [light the first three candles] With settled hearts and minds we bow in worship. You, Oh God, are more than worthy of our highest praise. Thank You for the faithfulness You’ve shown Your people since the beginning of time. You are good and Your mercy endures forever! It reaches from the highest heavens to our lowly hearts, constantly. We need You more than ever,
Dec 18,This is part 5 of a 7-part series on Advent by Toni and Brian Becker. [Play Christmas worship music before gathering to set a special tone. You can even play the four songs you are going to sing during the service to familiarize everyone to the songs.] Opening Prayer and Lighting of First and Second Candle [light the first and second candle] Father, we take this time to pause and consider how good and faithful You are. We acknowledge and thank You for the moments You have given us to spend here on earth together. Your loving-kindness sustains us. We apologize for the ways in which we violate Your commandments of love and squander precious moments of this life. Thank
Dec 11,This is part 4 of a 7-part series on Advent by Toni and Brian Becker. [Play Christmas worship music before gathering to set a special tone. You can even play the four songs you are going to sing during the service to familiarize everyone to the songs.] Opening Prayer and Lighting of First Candle [light the first candle] Lord God, we open our hearts to You. We remember that the first candle represents the hope that we have in You, the light of the world. Thank You for Your faithfulness, Oh God. You are long-suffering and full of loving-kindness. We are the recipients of that love even when we are the least deserving of any of it. We are humbled
Dec 04,