It is week #51. Advent is about to give way to Christmastide.
This last week was a lovely and overflowing series of gatherings. On Sunday morning we worshipped and talked about the practice of feasting. Then we gathered on Sunday night for our 77th Annual Candlelight Carol Service. Oh my, what a night! Now we turn our attention toward this final Advent Sunday and then our Christmas Eve service of light (6pm in the Chapel). So, in the spirit of getting to the point, here are the updates for the week…
Sunday Worship
This coming Sunday morning we will be exploring the image of “light” as it connects and informs our Advent and Christmas traditions. We will use John 1 as our guide. One of my favorite blessings in John O’Donohue’s book of blessings is “For Light.” The last stanza…
“And when we come to search for God,
Let us first be robed in night,
Put on the mind of morning
To feel the rush of light
Spread slowly inside
The color and stillness
Of a found word.”
Practical Benedictions
During the month of December, we understand that financial pressures can mount. If you are experiencing financial vulnerability that is bringing you stress and worry, please reach out to our staff. We have a special fund that our Board of Deacons helps to manage for emergency community needs. To learn more or to share a need, please email our staff here.
Turning Towards 2020
You might notice below that next year’s calendar is starting to fill out. We are excited to lean into this next decade with intention and purpose, and thrilled to have you along for the ride. You will find ways to connect deeper with our community through gatherings like Second Sunday Coffee with Pastor John Jay, BASICS class for those exploring membership, and our next Community Dinners to find new best friends and eat great food.
Also, I am itching to get into the teachings for next year. We will look at generosity, the Seven Deadly Sins tradition, approaching Jerusalem in Lent, Joesph and forgiveness in Easter, and some fun surprises in the summer. I have a stack of books waiting to be explored and a head full of ideas. Plus a heart full of affection for our community, with whom the work of faith often feels more like play than drudgery.
Holiday Office Hours
In observance of our upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holidays, the church office will be closed Tuesday, December 24 through Wednesday, January 1. The office will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
New Year’s Day Parking
If you would like to enjoy the 131st Rose Parade, we have a limited number of free parking passes available at the Connections Desk that you can use in our Holly St garage on Rose Bowl Parade day.
