John the Baptist makes a visit
Scriptures for
December 7, 2025
• Isaiah 11:1-10
• Psalm 72: 1-7, 18-19
• Romans 15: 4-13
• Matthew 3: 1-12
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving. Our celebration was a bit different than we planned but there was much to be thankful for. Connie finally had the necessary successful procedure on her kidney stone.
She will soon be fully recovered. My daughter and her family decided to journey down to Palm Springs after getting the go ahead from their doctor regarding their daughter, Miss Lily’s brief illness. My sister Marcia came ahead as well after visiting her son and his wife in Boston. After a week in balmy Palm Springs, Marcia’s return flight on Sunday was delayed an hour due to the snowstorms waiting for her back in St. Peter, MN. Brie, Ying and Lily flew home safely and will make a return visit between Christmas and New Years.
Lily’s baptism is now scheduled for January 4, when we remember the coming of the Magi. That’s Magi, not AI.
Between now and Christmas, we celebrate Advent in the church, each Sunday we light one more candle on the wreath, until on Christmas Eve we light candles all around the sanctuary.
Each Advent we welcome, John the Baptist, who points us in the direction of Christ. This image of John the Baptist pointing was painted by Leonard da Vinci, acknowledges John’s great ability to point beyond himself to a greater truth. 
John saw himself as a “the voice crying in the wilderness”. He was not “Worthy to carry the sandals of the one who was coming.” Rick Warren in his book the Purpose Driven Life was channeling John when he writes: “It’s not about you.” They both saw the purpose of life as greater than personal
fulfillment. A meaningful life engages with God’s mission in the world. We are not called to self-promotion but to be witnesses to God’s Greater Good.
This focus allowed John to empty his life of excess, stress and worry. He lived in a desert area by the Jordan River and ate locusts and wild honey and was
clothed in camel’s hair. His lifestyle of simplicity points us away from the distractions of materialism toward a freedom that comes from a connection
to the Kingdom of God. For John that kingdom was near.
I am writing this Message on Cyber Monday with plenty of temptations flowing over the Internet. They do not entice Connie and me much anymore. The only urge we have is to purchase items for the grandchildren. Our journey into simplicity will NOT include a Christmas meal of locust and wild honey. However, we will be looking for Goodness around us and add to it through
generosity and focusing on the joy of family. We especially now applaud each new step our grand-toddlers take. Part of John’s message was repentance which offered people a new
beginning. He urges us to be open to moving forward in a new direction. John has some harsh words for the Pharisees and Sadducees that come out to him. They did not see the need for repentance. They saw themselves as entitled. John challenges them to look at the fruits of their actions. What will be the harvest of their lives? If we follow the path to which John points, we can be cleansed, renewed,
refreshed. John’s message lights a candle of Hope beyond us, which leads to the Love, Joy and Peace which the Christ Child will embody.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the witness of John the Baptist, in pointing away from himself, he pointed us to a life of simplicity and humility. May we see clearly the path you for us. Lead us away from stress, worry and self-promotion.
Grace and Peace, Pastor John Bunge
SUNDAYS
Now is time for you to donate and dedicate gifts of live poinsettias and/or the Christmas Eve Musician’s fund. Just indicate your gift on your envelope. December 14 – Advent 2 We will welcome NEW MEMBERS to Faith. Craig, Maria and Logan and Mia who will also be baptized that Sunday. The Inland Master Chorale will also be preforming @ 4 p on the 14th at the University of Redlands Chapel.
December 21 – Advent 3
December 24 @ 7 pm – Our Christmas Eve Service with musicians and choir.
December 28 – The first Sunday of Christmas – Carols and Readings.
January 4 – Christmas 2 The Magi make a visit, and our granddaughter Lily will be baptized.
WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASS by our OWN MASTER WATERCOLORIST, HOLLY. Continue after church 12:15-1:00 No class fee, materials provided if you do not have own. For taking the class, we ask you to please donate to the Camp fund for youth.
QUILTING – Was not that wonderful for have 26 of the quilts from our quilting group on display! 16 were boxed for Lutheran World Relief, which distributes them around the world. 10 were given to our San Bernardino Wellness Center. Pastor Bunge will be in the office on Monday morning and afternoon and all of Tuesday afternoon next week.
MOVING FORWARD WITH YOUR SUPPORT
We will be updating our sign out front and lighting it. Walker Signs is assisting with the sign out front. (He had a child in our preschool). Michael Gross is working on the sound system upstairs.
We also will be adding a stove to the Fireside Room for convenience of refreshments, meals, and our preschool. Thanks to Kyle Hadley and Lou Hitter for helping with the installation of the oven.
Together with Tim Drum and Dana Hadley we are blessed with people caring for our property.
PRAISE
• Connie came through her kidney procedure and is recovering.
• Eloise came through her surgeries and chemo for the melanoma discovered around her eye. All appears well; will do further diagnosis later.
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
• Michael Shea has continuing health issues and would also appreciated prayers for his and Ann’s son, Andrew.
• Pat Motschall after tests and consultation with her cardiologist, Pat will be needing to replace her aortic and mitral valves. She is meeting with her primary doctor this week to move the process along.
• Bonnie Strack is seeking relief for back pain.
• Bob Jensen also developed a kidney stone and infection. They found a tumor as well, so he will be proceeding with the best diagnosis moving forward.
• Bonnie Hallberg is still awaiting shoulder surgery. The blood clot discovered in her leg has not dissolved. The shoulder is painful, but the clot must be taken care of first.
• Nelson Hall continues to have health concerns including his heart function and breathing. He and Karen were able to make their move.
• Lauren Shaffer who works with us remotely, made it through her surgery and is recovering well. Once fully recovered she will be scheduled for surgery for a stent on her right leg, likely mid-December.
• Kim Guevara appreciates your prayers for granddaughter, Kayla, who is now living with her father, their son, Kyle. She was with us in church on Sunday.
• Judy Martin has moved into Golden Oaks and is receiving Hospice care.
• Bonnie Strack appreciates continued prayers for her son Brendan Simms, who has suffered from a series of strokes.
• Jennifer Maldonado’s surgery went well but she is now receiving radiation treatments. She plans on being back in January.
• Continued prayers for Jacque Kottmeier who, due to her eyesight, is no longer able to drive.
• Jeanne Koening. Her health issues continue but she able to go to Loma Linda, so care is much closer.
Thanks to all who continue to give shoes for Soles 4 Souls. The box is still in the Narthex for continued donations. Thanks to David Strack for coordinating.
Thanks to Holly from Family Assistance Center in Yucaipa for making donations as well.
Thanks to all who helped with the Christmas Décor: Bonnie & David S, Linda, Tim, Patrick D.; Paula; Bonnie M.; Irm; Pastor John; Pat T.; Courtney, Connie
Thanks to Trinity in Hemet for the Advent wreath and Painting
Eloise and Fred donated the manger scene and Norma the Nativity Creche which we have used for years now. We carry on the Tradition of the Chrismons as well.
FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH
PRAYER CARDS – Thanks for sending out cards to remember family and friends. Thanks again to the artists: Emily, Kim, Barbara, Karen, Holly, Pat T.,
Linda D., Connie We will be adding Christmas Season cards
PRAYER/FRIENDSHIP ROCKS – There are Christmas Season rocks now.
Karen, Connie, Sharon C., and Carol Hamre have painted prayer/friendship rocks for you to keep, give to someone, surprise someone, or put in your garden, etc. We have painted for a Prayer Ministry that Paula will begin; rocks are available in the Narthex, Chapel and Fireside Room for the AA, NA, Al- anon, pantry etc. groups that meet weekly.
SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE HOUR
DECEMBER
7 WELCA
14 BD/ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS – Oct-Dec
Jerry Mills has graciously offered to bring his famous roast beef dish Pastor John will also bring one. Salad and cake.
21 BINGO – meatballs; mac/cheese; Christmas Prizes to choose for a 
friend or loved one. Any donations welcome.
28 DARK – Enjoy with family/friends
JANUARY
4 Baptism for Lily; John & Connie provide refreshments.
