So, it seemed at first as if chicken pox had made their return to our house. Robert announced that he had found spots on his torso. So, while he and Genevieve and Tirzah missed church on Sunday, later in the week we decided that he must not have chicken pox. For other news, you’ll have to read the rest of the entry.

Sunday – We celebrated the Feast of All Saints today. It’s been a bit strange here that in my five years among the Lutherans of Elizabeth, there have only been three deaths of members. I’ve had only two funerals (the third funeral was in Texas) and a memorial service for a family member of a member. So, there wasn’t much remembering our dead going on today. Still, we gave thanks to God for the gifts that He gives in His Son’s body and blood in Holy Communion.

Monday – A day off...always a nice thing.

Tuesday – Back in the office today. In addition to sermon study today, I planned the hymns for January and put together the church calendar for the same month. After a short time at home, it was time to go to the library. Yesterday, I had received a call that the inter-library loan book had arrived, so I have a book to read again: The Protector’s War, the second book in the Emberverse I Trilogy.

Wednesday – So, I did some preparation for class this evening, then began to prepare the Christmas services. Other than where and what the choir is singing, those were done quickly. The December calendar was appropriately updated. A short time back home, with enough time to bake a cake, then back to the office for Confessions class. Article XI of the Epitome, on the foreknowledge of God and election. Part of it seems like a good fit for the sermon.

Thursday – The morning Bible Study was a bit different this morning; we didn’t study anything per se, but had a discussion about some stuff that had happened the week before. For breakfast, I made my own omelet: artichoke hearts, bacon, and feta cheese. It was alright, but not what I was expecting. I’m thinking my new usual is going to be that Cambridge Skillet. Some time in the office doing some more reading and preparation for the sermon, then home. It’s Genevieve’s birthday; we had Italian Schnitzel (a dish of my own invention) with breaded cauliflower and potatoes and cake for dessert.

Friday – Sermon writing day. It went relatively easily. Bible Study was going to happen this evening, but was called as people were out of town and not getting back in time. So, we got an evening at home, and a home-prepared meal of meatloaf.

Saturday – Genevieve spent the day out with a friend, leaving me with the kids, and supper cooking in the crock pot. It was a pretty good day; the bigs spent a lot of time playing outside, while the littles and I played inside. In the evening, I reviewed the sermon and prepared for tomorrow.