December 2021
Dear Saints,
As Televangelist Joyce Meyers says “I’m not yet where I want to be, but thank God I’m not where I used to be”. These words ring truer than ever as we begin Advent this year. A year ago, we were unable to worship together, let alone sing together. We weren’t able to even see each other unless from a very far distance or via a computer screen. We weren’t able to gather for fellowship even outside, distribute poinsettias, share in the hanging of the greens or hear our choir’s cantata or gather for our cherished Christmas dinner.
How far we’ve come! How much we have been able to enjoy, experience, celebrate and share. We’re not ‘fully back’, but I am hopeful as progress is made on vaccinations especially for children, that we can restore and renew our faith community. Some things that we cherish will return as is, like special services. The Christmas Cantata is December 19th followed by our Christmas Dinner. We will have both our Family Service Christmas Eve at 5PM and the Candlelight Service at 11PM. Poinsettias will be back and then delivered to homebound after Christmas as well. These events being restored, restore us and ground us in what we come to expect and love about this church community. I pray you will be a part of all of these events.
There are some other things that are being or will be renewed as well. We are bringing back a modified Winter Solstice event on Dec 21st which will be via Zoom. It will be filled with music and prayers, poetry, and some sharing. I hope this will bring another kind of hope as we celebrate the shortest day of the year, which is also when we can see light most brightly.
Clearly, there are a number of things we are still working on renewing especially in the areas of Christian Ed for all ages as well as Fellowship Events. Both of these areas are challenging for a variety of reasons and we will seek to be creative as we find new ways to offer opportunities for growth and connection in the New Year.
The most important element is YOUR presence and participation. I pray that you will grow in your courage to return to our communal life and lay aside whatever is in the way of your renewal and restoration as we seek healing and new life in response to the arrival of the Christ child, Savior of the World.
Seeking restoration and renewal with you,
Jen