We have entered the last week of the liturgical calendar, which means next Sunday we enter the Advent season -- the season of waiting and preparation, season for introspection and renewal.
So, before we enter that season, I want to share all that I am grateful for in this past year:
For science and technology -- that gave us the vaccine and then the booster, and while we spent most of the time safe at home we were able to stay connected with our loved ones and communities through technology. Most of the members of our church community have received both vaccine and several have also gotten their booster shots.
For the generous donations for special projects from members of the congregation, and for all the faithful members who gave of their time, their resources, their abilities, and their presence to make worship meaningful, to help maintain our building, to make the necessary repairs or replacements at church and at the parsonage, and for all the ways we were able to remain in fellowship with each other.
For those who kept encouraging us even on days we knew music did not come through clearly during worship, zoom did not cooperate, or sound was staticky.
And, we are grateful for the constant reminders of God’s love and presence with us.
As we continue to be grateful -- we will also prepare for the season of Advent! The Advent sermon series info will be shared in the newsletter, but here are a few more things to remember-
Hanging of the greens (decorating the church) is this Saturday, November 27th at 3:30pm followed by a fellowship meal (pizza or something like that).
With so much pain and difficult life situations that folks have experienced this past year -- we will have a Blue Christmas service, again this year, on Sunday, December 19th at 6:00pm, to acknowledge the pain of those who find it hard to rejoice during this season.
And, let's not forget our Annual Church Conference, scheduled for Thursday, December 2nd at 6:30pm by zoom.
Finally, if you plan on joining us for in-person worship, please register.
Oh, and one more thing -- as we celebrate this weekend with family, friends and loved ones, let us also spend some time learning the lesser-known realities of that history -- only then we will be able to move toward healing and reconciliation between the first Nation people and us, who came and settled on their land.
May God help each one of us to move towards healing and reconciling -- with family, friends and any one we feel the need to reconcile with. And know that God is always beside us to encourage and empower. And remember, I am always with you in the work of justice.
I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday!
