Little Free Library: On August 28^th, during our 9:15 a.m. service, St. James United Church of Christ, located at 321 S. Limerick Road, Limerick, Pa., is dedicating a Little Free Library for use by the community. We give thanks for the hearts that envisioned this and for Russell Brightbill’s hands that crafted this with love. Everyone is free to take a book, read it, keep it, give it away, or return it to the Little Free Library. It is located on the church grounds just off the parking lot, at the beginning of the sidewalk to the outdoor pavilion and prayer labyrinth. May it open a world of wonder and delight to the adults and children in the surrounding neighborhoods and community.

( from Left to Right is Adrien Cibulsky, Katelyn Zabroski, Victoria Zabroski, and Robert Smith)

Advent is the first season of the liturgical (worship) calendar* for the church’s year.  Beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, the four weeks of the Advent season focus on the two comings of Christ:  Jesus’ birth which we celebrate on Christmas (December 25) and the second coming which will happen at an undefined time when all creation will experience the fulfillment of God’s promises for love and life.  Advent is a season of excited anticipation, fertile waiting, and the tension between what is and what is to come.  During Advent we prepare ourselves for God’s presence – within ourselves and in the world.  Special colors, music, scripture readings, decorations, and traditions help inspire us throughout the Advent season.

Jack and Emily Focht lighting the second candle in Advent.

A pleasant surprise from four boys and their house parents Chuck and Judy from the Bethany Children’s Home visited us and stayed for our annual Christmas lunch.

Bethany Children’s home has been servicing youths in the community since 1863. They are located outside of Reading in Womelsdorf, PA.