If you heard me recently promoting our Blue Christmas service you know that I’m one of those people for whom the holidays are often an emotional struggle. It is always a challenge to keep my negativity in check, especially as I try to balance between my “church work” and all the hustle and bustle of the secular celebrations.
But maybe there’s hope for me yet. I am preaching the first three Sundays in Advent and as I looked at the scriptures for those Sundays I noticed a theme of “thankfulness” running through many of them and that is the message I hope to bring each Sunday, one of thankfulness and hopeful expectation.
As I write this we are just days away from Thanksgiving so maybe it would be good to remind myself, and to share with you, some of the many blessings I am thankful for. Of course, first and foremost is Julie. Her well-earned retirement in June has already taken us off on some new adventures but it is her day-to-day love and support that allows me to be who I am and for her above all else I am most grateful.
Then there’s Pastor Kelly! Seriously, I am truly blessed to work with someone who has such a tremendous sense of vision. I have learned so much from her in the time we have been together and I treasure every Sunday we share worship together.
I am also so very grateful for our Memory Cafes. While not a “ministry” per se, it does provide a tremendous “lift” for those who attend, as well as those who serve as hosts. It is a simple gift but one that is so very special…and maybe that’s the best kind of gift.
When I think of our life here at church I can’t help but say “thank you” time and time again for our wonderful musicians; for Al Eckoldt and Hertha Kornkven who give so much of themselves to others through their Grief Share program; for all the many volunteers who provide our Bread & Jam meal each week and finally for those who come faithfully every Wednesday morning to reflect on the week’s scriptures. I know Pastor Kelly and I both gain so much from your voices and your understanding.
Certainly there is so much more to be thankful for, not the least of which are the many friends I have here in this place. So as I prepare to enter once more into the season of Christmas I’m going to try really, really hard to focus on all these blessings. May your Christmas season also be one of thankfulness and joy. Amen!
Blessings,
Pastor Andy