When the residents of Jerusalem revolted, the occupying power–Rome–destroyed the temple.The holy place was in ruins. Where was God if not in God’s house, the temple? This passage from Luke points the way to a new understanding of God’s presence, exposing human insecurities. We need a place, a big palace, a great building, a tower, a fort to house our God. If God is great then God must have a great big house such as the temple. When the temple is torn down by military forces that are not afraid of the God the temple honors–or more likely do not believe that the God of the temple exists–a profound disorientation follows. Jesus is quite calm about it all. In fact, that’s the tone of the passage. The world is following apart and Jesus is the calm presence in the face of the threat and in the middle of the mess.Sunday we will hear the rest of this passage and consider how the season and the readings are changing as we move forward toward Advent and Christmas.

Anna Mullen, our intern from Harvard Divinity School, will be with us for worship Sunday. I hope everyone takes a moment to say hello to Anna.

Remember to pick up a Christmas ornament and a gift wish from one of the mothers or children at Florence House. Return the unwrapped gift to Peace. Thanks to Corinne and Stephanie for organizing this annual ingathering.

It is stewardship time again. Please return your pledge card to the church in the next two weeks. Thank you to all of you for being part of this faith community. Early next week I’ll send out a pastoral stewardship letter that emphasizes what the council have asked you to do:  consider your giving to the church, return an estimate of giving card, make a year-end gift to Peace. Remember that you may give online through our website. www.peacewayland.org

Community Arts Advent Fair  December 1 from 11 until 1 am. Bring your Christmas list and do all your shopping after church!  Bring cookies or finger desserts to share.

Stämbandet’s Scandinavian folk music for the season, Saturday, December 21 at 7 pm. Members of Peace may attend free of charge. We need to prepare a simple reception for this event. If someone would like to be responsible for organizing it, let me know. Thank you.

Sunday school Christmas program Sunday, December 22. If your child is not able to take part in the pageant notify Kim Canning.

Rejoicing Spirits Sunday at 4 p.m.

Family Promise wrap-up meeting Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Confirmation instruction Sunday at 7:00 p.m.