It is never fun to be excluded. It starts on the playground and continues through life when invitations don’t arrive, hands are not extended or doors remain closed, causing disappointment and grief. But when one is welcomed with a smile, open arms and kind words, the feeling of being part of something good warms the heart and soul. The angel who announced Jesus’s coming proclaimed the good tidings

On Sunday, Dec. 8 the congregations of Redeemer Lutheran Church and St. Theodore of Canterbury Episcopal Church will celebrate the second Sunday of Advent with Rev. Murray D. Finck presiding. The Communion and worship service gathers at 13564 St. Andrews Drive at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday, followed by fellowship in the Fellowship Hall with coffee, tea, cookies and snacks. The congregations continue

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people,’” Luke 2:10. The word for glad tidings is also translated from the original language as “gospel” i.e., good news. When the church is true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it brings the angelic message of good tidings of great joy. In Psalm 100:2, believers

Meetings for the Atherton Ward are held at 6500 E. Atherton Street in Long Beach. Sacrament service is held every Sunday at 9 a.m., followed in the second hour by Sunday School on the first and third Sundays, and Relief Society and Elders Quorum meetings on the second and fourth Sundays. Primary classes for children are held every Sunday during the second hour. Church will begin at 10:30 a.m. starting

Congregation Sholom will hold a potluck prior to services on Friday, Dec. 6, in Clubhouse 3, Room 9, at 5 p.m. A sign-up sheet has been sent to members. Services will be led by Rabbi Mike Mymon will begin following the dinner at 6:30 p.m. and will also be available on Zoom. Carol Levine will bring a birthday cake for her 80th birthday to share with the congregation. Rabbi Mymon will also lead the