As Advent begins...

Hello my friends!

I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving with contented bellies and time with those you love. Ben, Louise, and I were at my parent’s house with my brother, his wife, their two children, Ben’s parents, and two dogs. It was a wild, wonderful, joy-filled, chaotic day! We gave thanks for each other, for the abundance we are privileged to enjoy, for God’s beloved and very good creation which so richly sustains us, and for our extended communities. Ben and I are particularly thankful this year to be in community with all of you!

We have once again arrived at the Christmas season! While this time of year is merry and bright for so many, I recognize that it doesn’t always feel that way for everyone. If you are experiencing a “blue Christmas,” grief, stress, or lack of cheer for any reason, remember that I am here to be your pastor! You are welcome to reach out to me for prayer, care, or a listening ear.

As the season gets busier and busier the closer we get to December 25, I want to encourage you to spend time with the Christmas story. You can do that by reading Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. You can do that be remembering the Christmas Pageants you were in as a kid. You can do that by listening to Christmas hymns. You can do that by, in a spirit of prayer, recalling the story from memory and discussing it with Jesus. (You can do that by attending worship. ;) )

What have you never noticed before? What did you need to be reminded of this year? Which part of the story stands out to you this year? Which character do you identify with? Why? How do you feel God’s Spirit moving around you as you read, remember, recall, and ponder?
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This is the beginning of a new liturgical year. This is a great time for a “fresh start” on your faith journey or in your relationships with God, scripture, and/or church. Remember that God is with us, God is with you, and you are loved. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
– Pastor Julia