Dear Church Community,
This Sunday we’ll enjoy the first Christmas Pageant during Sunday morning worship in three years! This is no small milestone, and it’s a blessing to be able to gather knowing the virus (with vaccines) is now mostly a minor inconvenience and not a deadly threat.
Having said this, I know many of us are on our first, second, and even third go ‘round with Covid, and my prayers are with you—as well as with anyone dealing with the flu or RSV during this “triplet” season. May you heal quickly and well!
Over the next two weeks, our church will host a variety of holiday events and activities (see announcements below). Please note that our Christmas Eve Service will take place at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary (rather than parlor) to accommodate our growing in-person numbers and online participants. Afterward, we’ll gather by the fireplace for holiday refreshments and cheer. There will be no service on Christmas Day, but we’ll hold a lively service (with plenty of coffee!) on New Year’s Day.
In closing, I share one of my favorite Advent/Christmas poems by the marvelous poet, novelist, and mystic, Madeleine L’Engle:
First Coming
He did not wait till the world was ready,
till men and nations were at peace.
He came when the Heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.
He did not wait for the perfect time.
He came when the need was deep and great.
He dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine. He did not wait
till hearts were pure. In joy he came
to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame
he came, and his Light would not go out.
He came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh
the Maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
I wish you and yours all the Joy of the Season,
Pastor Ellen