Amber Congregational Church

Worship News

 

 We have just finished our sermon series on Luke 23, working through the nature of Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross, the abundance of God’s mercy, and the veil being torn open so that we know God is with us. Next we will be looking ahead to our Advent and Christmas Worship.  

 

Advent and Christmas Readings

 

December. 1st  - Mark 13:24-37

 

December 8th  – Matthew 3:1-12

 

December 15th  – Luke 3:7-18

 

December 22nd - Luke 1:39-45

 

December 24th - Luke 2:1-14

 

December 25th - John 1:1-14

 

Pastor’s Office Hours for December

(Available most other times by appointment)

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This is the typical schedule for December. However, with the impending birth of our first child it is possibly subject to some change after that happy occurrence.  

 

Monday: Remote (available by phone, appointment, or at the Parsonage)

Tuesday: 8-12, 2-4

Wednesday: 8-12, 2-4

Thursday: 8-12, 2-4

Friday: 8-12, 2-4

Saturday: 8-12, (by appointment in the afternoon)

Sunday : Available after worship

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   The average Worship attendance for the month of November was 56. The budget for 2024 is $128,150.  Our present offerings now total $117,220.

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2024 Amber Church Poet Laureate Connie Amidon

 

Introduction

I recognize that this poem is very personal. It is more of an Amidon family matter than it is a Amber Church concern. But I have chosen to include it for two reasons. The first is that it reveals well the heart, the character of Connie Amidon. She always thought of others before

herself. In this poem she describes her desire to make sure that the family farm stays in the family. She would seek to insure that even if it meant that she had to go without things in order to pay the taxes.

 

This is the Connie that all of us know and love. Yes, at times she can be stubborn and frustrating. Several church people over the years have suggested to her that she sell a bit of the farm so that she could live more comfortably. She wouldn’t hear of it. The farm is all that she has to leave her children for an inheritance.

 

That isn’t true, which brings me to my second reason for wanting to include this family poem in our 200th Anniversary collection. It is a Christmas poem. And in this poem Connie is giving to her children, and to all of us, the gift of her determined love. That is far more valuable than any material possession, be it the farm, the Christmas tree, or any other item regardless of cost.

 

Connie is a lover and a giver. She is to her own family and to all of us in the church family. Her simple trust in God is evident in her commitment to not live above her means but to quietly pray and trust that God will supply.

She has been and will continue to be a reminder to us all of the love and faith of a true follower of Jesus. Thank you, Connie, for this, and for all your poems this year. -Rick Chaffee

 

Save the Farm

(Connie Amidon)

 

I’m trying to save the farm you see.

That’s why there isn’t any Christmas tree.

I have scrimped and saved every day.

It got so very bad all I could do was pray.

 

God is watching over all of us.

Everything is in his hands, I trust.

Next year might be better for us all,

and if it is maybe we can enjoy it all.

 

Taxes are high and costly too,

but I have done the best I can for all of you.

They will be paid off in a few more months,

then maybe we can celebrate Christmas with one big lunch.

 

Please bear with me, I really have tried.

God has always been by my side.

Merry Christmas to you all!

I love you both big and small!

 

From your loving Mother and Grandmother.

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