The pastors article from the December 2013 Newsletter: __ Later By Ann Weems from Kneeling in Bethlehem Later after the angels, after the stable, after the child, they went back… as we always much, back to the world that doesn’t understand our talk of angels and starts and especially not the Child. We go back complaining that it doesn’t last. They went back singing praises to God! We do have to go back, But we can still sing the alleluias! __ We have taken down the tree, packed up the ornaments, and put the boxes back in storage. It seems to look so stark. Now, what? We turn the page on the calendar and wonder what is to come. Is there any way to continue to sing the alleluias throughout the coming year… especially when it is cold and bleak outside? The gospel of Luke tell us that once the shepherds saw Mary, Joseph and the new born child, Jesus, they made known what had been told them and then returned back home praising God for all they had heard and seen. We, too, are called to continually sing the alleluias. So, as we begin a new year, 2014, let us make it our resolution to find new and fresh ways to figuratively and literally sing, sharing the “Good News” as a community of faith and as individuals. Along with working on eating healthier this coming year, I am going work at carving out time to get back to knitting prayer shawls. What simple thing can you do to help sing alleluias throughout the year? Volunteer to read to children at the library or school, help out at the food bank, sit with someone so the “caretaker” can have a bit of time for him or herself, check in on a neighbor on a regular basis… the possibilities are endless… Peace on earth and Goodwill to all… may 2014 be filled with both you singing alleluias and having alleluias being sung to you. Peace and Grace, Pastor Elizabeth
Posted on: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 20:43:01 +0000