Joy is in the Air

FROM THE WORKSHOP

Joy is in the air.
 
Music is everywhere! Last week members of the congregation went on a five-car caravan to sing with members at their residences. We sang on porch steps, in yards, and in front of fireplaces with our folks who are not getting out. While the day was a little chilly (under 70 degrees!), all hearts were warmed and the Spirit was among us as we lifted our voices. 
 
More hearts were warmed on Sunday morning as our choir and musicians performed “A New and Glorious Morn!” Check out the performance on the church website if you missed it. With Candice and Andrea playing and leading; Joe and Charlene narrating; and Staci and Madison ringing, the cantata wove the story from Isaiah through the gospels to bring a complete vision of Jesus’ coming. 
 
And on top of this on December 16 our young people, Jenna, and a gathering of members attended the live nativity at Sister Maria’s Home for Hospice Care in Moore. We have some connections with this mission which provides a family environment and dignity for residents in their last days. The property has a barn and this was the scene for the living nativity. Our Elder couple, Melvin and Betty Sexton, reported an overflow crowd both inside and outside the venue. Not only the crowd but the Spirit of Christmas was overflowing. 
 
And we aren’t done! There’s still:

  • Sunday’s  December 24 Advent worship at 10:45 a.m. with more carols and hymns, more music, more gospel readings, and the fourth candle of Love
  • The candlelight, Christmas Eve service at 5:00 p.m. with the Christmas story, the lighting of candles, communion, and the circling of the sanctuary in candlelight
  • Christmas Day in our homes
  • Sunday, December 31, called Christmastide, is the final service of the calendar year

My first seven months with you has been one of fullness and appreciation. You continue to be welcoming and supportive, not just to me but to neighbors and especially strangers who come in. Christmas, expecting the Christ to come, actually happens here daily! 

See you Sunday,

Pastor Tom