December 2015
The Pastor’s Ponderings Pastor David’s cell phone—348-330-4170 and email address—fleeneda@gmail.com Enemy-occupied territory—that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage. C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity The story of Christmas is perhaps the most subversive story ever told. Think about it for a second. Christians believe the unbelievable – that the Son of God and Lord of creation was born as a helpless baby. Not only that, he was born out of wed-
lock to a woman of low status from a little nowhere town. His family was persecuted, driven from Palestine by the wrathful King Herod intent on eliminating any challengers to his authority. Christmas is truly the story of God’s Word entering the world under cover of darkness to save humanity from the darkness itself. That God would choose to enter the world in such an unlikely way tells us a lot about God. God does not reign like our rulers. God reigns by becoming one with humanity; by going to the
Zion’s 2015 Council Members Elder & President .......................................................................... Chris Coy Elder & Vice-President ............................................................. Jody Stanley Secretary ...................................................................................... Anita Reid Deacons ..................................................................................... Cindy Knote Scott Clamme Drew Walker Trustees ................................................................................ John Hendricks Chris Stroble Tom Armstrong Treasurer ................................................................................. Max Langdon Financial Secretaries ............................................................ Sandy Langdon Madeline Lennon
most vulnerable places. He goes to a manger as a helpless child; to men and women suffering from diseases and demons; and finally to a cross. By going to these places of vulnerability and failure – our vulnerabilities and failures – Jesus redeems them and brings them into God’s orbit. Even (and especially) your failures are redeemed by Jesus, who came to be one with us. I pray that good news stays in your heart in these Advent and Christmas seasons. Love to you, Pr. David
Advent Cantata You are invited to attend the Blackford Community Choir Advent Cantata at Zion on December13th with performances at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The choir will be conducted by Pastor David Fleener and accompanied by Mrs. Margaret Hammond.
Hanging of the Greens Hanging of the Greens will take place at Zion on Saturday, December 12th, at 2:00 PM. Everyone is invited to help decorate the church for the Christmas season. Pastor David will provide refreshments.