Advent & Christmas
It may seem strange to you but we have been in discussion this last month about Advent and Christmas. I know, right? Why? It seems so very early. Yet, I have seen the Halloween costumes out at Sam’s last week and school hasn’t even started. But the reason that we need to discuss this so early is so we can get ready. Songs for the season need to be practiced. Design for the sanctuary has to be created. If we want to do any drama or special musical programs then we have to start practicing. Things have to be built or purchased. So it doesn’t seem as crazy when you think about it that way.
One of the reasons that we have been discussing Christmas so much is that Christmas has come in July to Faith. We have had a very generous member donate new Christmas decorations for the church. For the first time ever, we will have a Christmas light display that will be approximately sixty feet wide. These characters from the Biblical story were built and delivered to us in July and we have stored them in the garage. I am assuming that in November, we will probably ask for some help installing them in the front yard and staking them down so they don’t get blown over in the Oklahoma winds. We have always had the huge crosses in the yard for Lent but we have not had anything like that for Advent/Christmas. I am looking forward to folks driving by Faith to see our wonderful Christmas display centered on the story of our Messiah’s birth. We give thanks for the vision and generosity that is making this possible.
But between now and then, we also have Fall programming (which we are excited about) and finalizing for the August newsletter. Pastor Sherri and I have been studying this thing called “Longest Table” that is in the community and was started in New York city. We have been discussing interesting ways to celebrate World Communion Sunday and All Saints Day. All of these special days take intentionality and organization. Seungrok is also planning something new that he will be introducing to the congregation this fall. We have added Laity Sunday to the church calendar where you will get to hear from leaders of the church. Grants are being written. Partnerships are being discussed and dreaming is happening. It is a wonderful (and sometimes stressful) time in the church but I am really excited about the possibilities and potential. Pastor Sherri went to a conference where she learned about the theme that we will have for Advent and Christmas. It promises to do creative things with the music and bells and even the scripture readings. If you would like to be a part of this exciting work, please let me know. We will need folks in both choirs and to help lead worship. It looks to be a very promising fall and Advent season and we are excited to share with you where the Holy Spirit has been leading.
Grace and peace to you all. Be safe out there!
