Monthly Archives: December 2011

Every little bit…

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Tom Brainerd

Squeezing every last bit of goodness out of the Christmas Turkey…

Posted in Slice o' life | Leave a comment

Congregational Prayer: December 25, 2011…

Posted on December 25, 2011 by Tom Brainerd

Our Father and our God, we have much to be thankful for on this day. From the very foundation of the earth Your work has been clearly set before us. Your invisible attributes, Your eternal power and Godhead have been … Continue reading →

Posted in Congregational Prayers | Leave a comment

Ultimate Christmas carol…

Posted on December 25, 2011 by Tom Brainerd

The Son of God goes forth to war, a kingly crown to gain; His blood-red banner streams afar! Who follows in his train? Who best can drink His cup of woe, triumphant over pain, Who patient bears his cross below, … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent | Leave a comment

The grass-ness of flesh…

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Tom Brainerd

Isaiah 40:6-8… The voice said, “Cry out!” And he said, “What shall I cry?” “All flesh is grass, And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, Because the breath of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Isaiah, My Own Thoughts | 2 Comments

Congregational Prayer: December 18, 2011…

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Tom Brainerd

We have gifted men in our congregation who offer prayers on our behalf… We praise You, O God, that when the fulness of time was come, You sent forth Your Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to … Continue reading →

Posted in Congregational Prayers | Leave a comment

Collect: Fourth Sunday of Advent…

Posted on December 17, 2011 by Tom Brainerd

O Lord, raise up (we pray thee) thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before … Continue reading →

Posted in Collects | Leave a comment

Congregational Prayer: December 11, 2011…

Posted on December 11, 2011 by Tom Brainerd

Our Father and our God, we come before You this day with the thanksgiving that proceeds from joy. You have given us full measure, packed down and overflowing, of that which gives true joy. Day by day You sustain us … Continue reading →

Posted in Congregational Prayers | Leave a comment

Advent Meditation: Third Sunday…

Posted on December 11, 2011 by Tom Brainerd

Today when we light the third candle of the Advent Wreath, we will be lighting the pink candle, the Candle of Joy. As we have done this each Sunday, we have made reference to one person or many involved in … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Exhortations | Leave a comment

Collect: Third Sunday of Advent…

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Tom Brainerd

From the Church of England Book of Common Prayer: O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming did send your messenger to prepare your way before you: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so … Continue reading →

Posted in Collects | Leave a comment

Signs of covenant faithfulness…

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Tom Brainerd

Genesis 8:20-22…　 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in … Continue reading →

Posted in Genesis, Slice o' life | 1 Comment