Today’s verse & prayer

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined. (Isaiah 9: 1)

Advent – we start our preparations for Christmas. The horrific moments in Paris will not fit at all to our plans. The terrorist attacks in Paris have shown us in what kind of world we live. Unfortunately, this is a bitter reality in many other places in our world; but television shows us only a few places.

This biblical verse was written 700 years before Christ. Also at that time people experienced war and fear, oppression and danger.

Advent – into this world Christ was born, in our real world. Christmas is not a romantic story of fairies and wonders. Rather, God comes and enters right into our chaos; so chaos and death have no longer the last word.

That is why we continue to say ‘no’ to hatred, violence and any form of coercion. That’s not God’s will. In the midst of darkness God kindled a light. We also want to do that; this remains our constantly task.

Blessings for this time of Advent

Reverend Roland

THIS SUNDAY AT BALBOA UNION CHURCH

Worship Service at 10 a.m. – ALL ARE WELCOME!

SPEAKER: Reverend Roland

Sunday School Teachers: Beth Anne Gray + helpers

 Prayers Concerns

Please Pray for Our Brothers and Sisters from Siria and Iraq

Lord, please remind the world that we are all brothers and sisters and there should be no violence among us, only love and attempts to understand one another.

We also remember in prayer our former pastors:

• Luis Veagra – facing health issues
• Clarence Payne – dealing with Rosita’s recent stroke & passing

Up-coming BUC Activities

Special End-of-Year Activities From Missions Committee:

December 12 – Christmas Party

Dear Members & Friends:
Christmas is around the corner, and as every year we will receive in our church 50 underprivileged children. We need volunteers and donations of toys, clothes, piñatas and food for the Christmas party. Sharing is caring…  for more information please contact to Betsy Moran to missionsbuc@gmail.com, misiones@balboaunionchurch.org or call to BUC Office  314-1004

December 13th – Visit to home in Howard – Christmas Carols & Apple Pie

Visit to Fundación Nueva Vida – We have programmed our next visit for the 2nd Sunday of December, which is the 13th of December.  We would love for you to join us!  We had a request from Fundación Nueva Vida for music and Christmas Carols at the home.  Please coordinate with Roland Schnell, our Pastor, if you would like to participate in the Christmas Carols. (pastor@balboaunionchurch.org or 314-1004)  Thank you!

December 15th – AAAM Program Christmas Party

Missions AAAM Program – All BUC Membrs and Friends are invited to Participate in our December AAAM Program on Tuesday December 15th, 4:00 pm.  Join us for a Christmas party!!

Special Invitation: Carols with St. Mary’s

On Sunday, December 20, 5:00 p.m., Balboa Union Church and St. Mary’s will be doing a special “Posada” in our San Pablo/ Tavernilla neighborhood.  This will be a get together to sing carols and then have a tea and a bite to eat afterwards.  Joel & Pastor Roland are coordinating the details with St. Mary’s for this event.

Other news:

Building 773:

We continue ouro work sprucing up Building 773 – the basement, apartment C and other common areas.  We would be happy to have any volunteers that can assist with this, and any donations towards this work would always be appreciated.

Good Deeds Program in Casco Viejo:

In  BUC Missions we are Collaborating with “Good Deeds ” Program: Here is more information regarding the Good Deeds Program. And here is some information regarding their activities, if you want to participate and volunteer more actively.

Other community invitations:

Concert Invitation From Our Friend of Cantus Panama