Urgent volunteer need! Our Feed Galveston event at the high school was able to pack thousands of meals for our neighbors in need. However, we still need help finishing the job. We are packing meals on Sunday, December 13 after church. Please RSVP to emily@firstlutherangalveston.com or call the church office to reserve your spot. We will have shifts from 11:30-1:30 and 1:30-3:30. We will wear masks and limit the number of people who attend to stay safe. The need for food has gone up since the pandemic started. This is an essential ministry. If you are able to volunteer or spread the word, please do.
 
Advent calendars and Advent wreaths are available for all kids. Call the church office or email emily@firstlutherangalveston.com to schedule your pickup.

Thank you for your support of the mission and ministry of our parish. 2020 has been an unusual year – yet God continues to call us to live into the ministry and mission of the Gospel. Your support helps us to do that. Working together we can end the year strong over these last months. Thank you for your support!

Planning for Christmas – Worship Opportunities
 
Wednesday Dec 23
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Sanctuary open for prayer. Holy Communion at 3:00 pm.

6:00 pm Blue Christmas Worship – for those struggling in this season

Thursday Dec 24
5:00 pm  Christmas Eve Candlelight and Holy Communion Worship Service
 
8:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight and Holy Communion Worship Service
 
11:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight and Holy Communion Worship Service
 
Friday Dec 25
10:00 am Christmas Day Worship
 
During these difficult days of the pandemic, we must observe masks at all times and social distancing. Because of this, we have added a third worship opportunity on Christmas Eve to reduce the number of people in each service (spreading it over 3 services versus just 2). 
 
If you are not feeling well, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or are still in a 14 day quarantine period, please remain at home and worship virtually with us. Our Christmas Eve worship will be available on line.

Worship Virtually – Sundays 10:00 am or 5:30 pm
Worship Safely In Person – Sundays 10:00 am or 5:30 pm

 
You are encouraged to join in worship either safely in person or virtually every Sunday. If you prefer a smaller gathering, try out the Sunday evening worship service!Mask Up!
As the pandemic continues to churn in our world, First Lutheran continues to require that masks be worn and kept on during worship services or other events at the church. Those leading worship in chancel will removed their masks while speaking so as to provide clear communication for both those worshipping in person and those on line. Otherwise, everyone is required to keep their mask over their mouth and nose. Please be vigilant and encouraging to one another in observing this for the safety of all. The reality is that case numbers are rising – hopefully we can help lower those numbers and keep things moving.

HOME Holy Communion Package: As we have entered into a time of observing weekly communion virtually in our homes, you may contact the Church Office to receive a package of wafers for the celebration of Holy Communion. A bag with a month’s supply will be brought out to your car while observing safe practices. Luther reminds us that the sacrament is valid when we trust the promise of Christ in the sacrament. And, as we confess belief in the communion of saints, we trust God’s presence in our virtual gatherings for worship. Please contact the Church Office as 409-762-8477 to arrange for your package of wafers.

2020 Men’s Club Christmas Party Cancelled The Men’s Club has decided to cancel the annual Christmas Party because of uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. The safety of our community outweighs our enjoyment of the party. BUT the date is already reserved for the 2021 Christmas Party which will be the best one ever! (Thank you to the Men’s Club for their constant support of the ministry of the church and for their thoughtfulness for the safety of our congregation.)

Offering $6101

Attendance 

In-person: 

   10:00am: 64

   5:30pm: 12

Virtually Online:

  10am Worship Service video:  160 views

  5:30pm Worship Service video:  81 views

  Sermon video: 29 views

This Week’s Birthdays

Janie Garcia 7th

Douglas Rogers 8th

Robert Zimmerman 8th

John Paul Massa 9th

Kim Lerma 10th

Clay Rogers 10th

Joe Concienne 11th

Anniversaries