Weekly Announcements

December 15, 2024

NOTES ABOUT CTK: Today, the church called for a “PINK OUT” as it celebrates Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete Sunday marks a shift in the focus of Advent, from "The Lord is coming" to "The Lord is near" and the pink candle is lit. This shift is reflected in a lighter mood and a heightened sense of joyous anticipation. Our thanks to all the children, youth, and adult volunteers who made the Children’s Christmas program a marvelous success last Sunday! The building committee meets this Saturday at 9:00 a.m.

2025 OFFERING ENVELOPES: If you are giving online and are not in need of offering envelopes for next year, please call the church office (972-938-1633) so a box won’t be automatically assigned.

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE: This special service is scheduled for December 21 at 5:00 p.m. It is a Christmas service that seeks to bestow hope and comfort to those struggling through the Christmas season due to any loss, whether it be of a loved one, a job, or general happiness. Invite someone you know that you think this service might be helpful.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING: Next Sunday, on December 22^nd from 2: –4:00 p.m. we will go caroling to nursing homes, shut-ins and others who might need special cheer this Christmas season. The more carolers that show, the more people to whom we can share the Christmas joy. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

ADVENT SERVICES: Our last Advent service is this Wednesday night, December 18^th at 7:00 p.m. Soup Suppers precedes the service at 6:00 p.m.

ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT: The big event is being held today, December 15^th at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are available for sale at the Welcome Center. They are $8.00. Sign-up sheets for guests, desserts, and waiters are located on the bulletin board in the hallway.

MARK OTHER SPECIAL SERVICE TIMES NOW! The annual Christmas Cantata is scheduled for December 22^nd at 9:00 a.m. Please note the time change for that Sunday service. We will have only one service that Sunday. We will have two Christmas Eve services (no communion) at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. Both will be using traditional carols. On Christmas Day, we have brunch served at 9:30 a.m. Christmas Day service, with communion, will start at 10:30 a.m.

RELIGIOUS BODIES CLASS: Pastor religious bodies class starts at 7:00 p.m. It compares the Lutheran church doctrine with other various church doctrines. This class is being designed as an outreach class.

ADVENT RESOURCES: Happy 3rd Sunday in Advent! Please stop by the table in the hallway to pick up a devotional resource to help you celebrate the Advent season. There is something for all ages! These are provided by the Board of Christian Education.

2025 FLOWER CHART IS UP! Please sign up for your special Sundays. Arrangements for 2025 are normally $30 to $35. That should be paid directly to the church and noted as Altar Flowers. Special flower choices can usually be accommodated with at least 1 weeks’ notice. Larger arrangements or special flower choices may require a higher cost. After Sunday, the flowers are yours to take home. Please return the vases to help control the cost. If you do not wish to take the flowers let Mary know and she will “Share the Joy” with our shut-ins or local agencies. Contact Mary Caldwell 972-268-0858 with questions. If you have old vases or flower containers gathering dust contact Mary and she may be able to use them.

CHURCH FINANCE NEWS: Our congregation is faithful and generous in giving. The Board of Stewardship and the Finance Committee would like to remind everyone that CTK relies on your general gifts to meet our operating expenses throughout the year. After the first five months of the current fiscal year, our general giving is down almost 8%, while expenses have increased. Please consider helping us bring this trend to a positive one by increasing your giving or by a onetime substantial gift this Christmas season.

  OUR WEEK WITH THE LORD

Sunday, December 15

3^rd Sunday of Advent

 8:00 a.m.           Communion Service

 9:30 a.m.           Sunday School

10:45 a.m.          Communion Service

10:45 a.m.          Anglican Bible Study

12:00 p.m.          Anglican Service

12:00 p.m.          33:3 Choir

 4:00 p.m.           Confirmation

 5:00 p.m.            Advent by Candlelight

 7:00 p.m.           Pastor’s Inquirers’ Class

Tuesday, December 17

 7:00 p.m.           Praise Team

Wednesday, December 18

 5:00 p.m.           Handbell Quartet

 6:00 p.m.           Handbell Choir

 6:00 p.m.           Soup Supper

 7:00 p.m.           Advent Service

 8:00 p.m.           Adult Choir

Saturday, December 21

 9:00 a.m.           Building Committee

10:00 a.m.          Orchestra Rehearsal

 5:00 p.m.            Blue Christmas Service

Sunday, December 22

4th Sunday of Advent

 9:00 a.m.            Christmas Cantata with

                 Sweets and Fellowship

10:45 a.m.          Anglican Bible Study

11:00am Youth Christmas Party

12:00 p.m.          Anglican Service

12:00 p.m.          33:3 Choir

 2:00 p.m.            Caroling

 6:30 p.m.          Pastor’s Inquirers’ Class