The Second Sunday of Advent, December 7th, saw twelve people join Julia for worship. The second Advent candle was lit – the candle representing peace. We heard the scriptures John 14:25-27 and Galatians 5:22 and Julia entitled her message “An Inside Job.” We heard that peace is complicated. Most of us do not like conflict. However, lack of conflict breeds apathy. Jesus offers a peace that passes all understanding and may even be messy. For the way to the peace that Jesus offers is accepting where we are at the moment. For in this inner peace we recognize God and are enabled to live in the chaos of the world.
There were not many of us at the service in the morning. However, the afternoon saw the church full to capacity for the Christmas Concert. Tickets were sold out with the proceeds going to the Veterans Food Bank. Thanks to Bonnie for all her work in organizing and emceeing this annual event and, to the people who provided the music, we enjoyed that afternoon. Thanks also to the many people who provided the goodies we shared after the concert.
Nineteen people gathered together for the Third Sunday of Advent on December 14th. The Advent candle representing Joy was lit before we all participated in the Christmas Pageant by putting on our costumes representing the following: angels, shepherds, sheep, Mary and Joseph, doves, midwife, donkey, cow, star, camels, and magi. As these came forward to say something about their role in the nativity, a lit candle was placed on the table where the creche is set. Pictures were taken following the service which no doubt we will see in the forthcoming annual report.
A few reminders: no service in the morning this Sunday, December 21st, as we gather for the candlelight service at 7. There will be a service at St. Andrew’s United on December 28th as we celebrate a baptism. Those who contribute written reports for our annual report are asked to have their submissions to Brent by January 4th. The next newsletter will be out on January 8th.
Marie Wedderburn