Calvary Baptist Church 120 W. Pennsylvania Avenue Towson, Maryland Telephone 410-825-3360
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Christmas, 2008

From the Pastor:

The other day I saw that “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was going to be on television, and I immediately changed the channels. Not because of all that “Bah Humbug,” Grinchy Advent stuff in me… And not because it was the Jim Carey version and not the cartoon… And not because I don’t like Dr Seuss, because I do… I probably changed the channel because of all of the retail reports, about Christmas sales, and the lack there of. I may have changed the channel because I know of our American penchant to allegorize stories, and I was afraid that I might get caught up in that nonsense. Who knows who I might have gotten the Grinch confused with… there are plenty of options, but I was afraid that I might end up blaming our Christmas woes on God.

It is rather ridiculous to imagine a green Grinch having the power to steal Christmas. The task is far too great…, but maybe not too big for God. Of course, that would be foolish… Christmas is all about Christ sent… God with us. I think the real reason I changed the channels that night was because in these scary times I don’t want to hear about a green monster stealing Christmas. Besides that, I don’t even want to hear all the sweet little Whos of Whoville singing “Fah who for-age! Dah who dor-aze! Welcome Christmas, Come this way… Christmas day is in our grasp So long as we have hands to clasp.” Is Christmas about holding hands?

In a year like this one, I need our Christmas story. The story which begins with Zacharias saying: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people…” (Lk. 1:68). Now, more than ever I need to remember the story of a child born in a stable, a child who grew to live faithfully and yet suffered. I need to hear how the life of that child and man has shown us that God has truly “visited and redeemed all people.” It is our Christmas story, the story of Jesus, our Emmanuel, that gives me the desire and courage to reach out and clasp the hand of a neighbor.

May you find in our Christmas story hope and joy for this and every year.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday Evening Programs as usual on December 3^rd, 10^th, and 17th.

There will be no programs December 24^h and 31st due to our celebration of Christmas and Holiday Season.

December 6th and 7th.

Children's play practice 9:45 a.m.

December 7^th Communion,

Congregational meeting to approve Budget 2009 immediately following Worship Service.

December 8th – 11:30 a.m.

The Annie Armstrong Circle will meet at Church Parking Lot to carpool to Oak Crest for program and lunch.

December 10^th - 8:00 p.m.

Deacons’ Meeting.

December 11^th - 3:30-5:30

Shelter Meal.

December 13th

9:45 -11:15 a.m. Childrens’ play rehearsal.

11:15 a.m. Childrens’ pie making.

December 14^th

9:45 - 11:00 a.m. Childrens’ play rehearsal.

11:00 a.m. Worship & Christmas Pageant, presented by the children.

Christmas Dinner immediately following Worship Service . Please sign up on the cards if you plan to attend and if you would like to help cook, set up, or clean-up.

December 20th,

9:00 a.m. Decorating the sanctuary.

3:00 p.m.- Caroling. Supper refreshments at the home of Dan and Lucy Moore. All are invited.

December 22^{th -} 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

This is our day for Sarah’s Hope

December 24^th ,

Christmas Eve Candle Light Service - 4:30 p.m. Special music begins.

5:00 a.m. Service begins

For the program: if you would like to have your child in the Pageant of Lights and if you would like to be a disciple please contact Susan Edwards.

December 28th

Pick-up cakes for Our Daily Bread and return by Saturday.

Snow Policy: As a reminder to you of what we do when it snows after we have gotten back from the store with necessary provisions:

1. Sunday Morning activities are never canceled. However, if you are scheduled to take part in Worship or Sunday School, prayer, reading, music, or teaching, don’t kill yourself getting here. We will get along with whomever shows up, and the service may be abbreviated depending on the number of attendees.

2. Wednesday Evening programs follow the schedule for Baltimore County Schools. If they are closed, so are we. If they close early, we are closed.

3. Use your common sense.

To the Congregation of Calvary Baptist Church:

Thank you for the many cards, visits, gifts, and flowers that made my days so bright during my illness. Thank you for all of your prayers and concerns.

What a wonderful family of friends! I am so blessed to be part of a great church.

Rev. Weimert made many of my days brighter by his visits and calls. Thank you Fred!

Dan Moore

To The Pastor and Members:

Once again we have received your faithful support and are grateful to your generous commitment to us. As I greet new students I am reminded that they are here, some of it, because you help support our needs.

Our humble thanks,

Thailand Baptist Theological Seminary