LGC JOURNAL
"What if this would be the year that Jesus comes?" This little poem will keep us right where we need to be....God is good, God is mine, I will trust Hiim in 2009. Trust Him as we seek first the kingdom of God even when signs of the times are everywhere. A weak economy, unemployment and layoffs, immorality, corruption....we need an Anchor in times like these. The lyrics continue of the task ahead..."We have so little time to get our lost world won!"
On Jan 11, the soup of the day was oyster! It sure beats green eggs and ham, don't you think? Not to worry, chili, cheese, and vegetable soups, fried oysters, sandwiches, and desserts were also part of the smorgasbord. As the seafood lovers become fewer in number and the price gets higher, the preparation is truly a labor of love. On this particular night Eric asked the popular question "Are you smarter than a fifth grader?" Everyone had fun testing their knowledge with temporary permission to peek, cheat and copy. And when it comes to Sunday School, we learn something new every time we open the good book. If you want answers to life's many questions, don't look any farther than the Bible!
Sometimes Sundays can be the busiest day of the week. Take Jan 25th when new officers were installed during the worship service. This was a very meaningful ceremony anointing each person for service in elected positions. This was followed by a noon potluck and business meeting, a state of the union more or less and overview of 2008. Many voiced accomplishments, hopes and expectations for the coming year. The choir moved on to the nursing home to perform several songs from their Christmas cantata. It IS a timeless message for people of all ages. New Life Quartet kept up the pace in a evening concert at Lakewood. As we learned in a recent bible study, the race is not to the swift, but to the faithful. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. II Thess 3:13.
New Year, New Life, New You was the way we advertised our one night revival on Feb 8. We are so blessed to have "connections" with New Life Quartet and they were at their best! They led the mixed congregation of church home folks, family, and visitors in corporate worship singing old, new, fast and slow songs. You could tell the crowd favorites of the foursome (No Room for Doubt, No Hill for a Climber) by the clapping and smiles. Opening with all the reasons people could be discouraged and hopeless most as a result of the economy, Pastor Ray delivered a message of hope we all need. All we really need is Jesus because He will take care of His own. We should practice seeing God in everything, like the example he gave of the widow praying for food loudly on her front porch, resulting in her atheist neighbor leaving a box of groceries on her doorstep so he didn't have to hear her. Her response, "God answered her prayer and used the devil to deliver it! " Another thought he shared from his past was when he realized his phone number at his place of business before he became a Christian--it was 262-5678 or like ads might say 262-LOST. Coincidence or a God-thing? It was not long before he put his trust in the One who never changes and who loves each of as if there was only one of us. The altar served it's purpose that night, a place to meet God and cling to His promise of new life. Our forever starts when we claim Him as King of our tomorrows.
Valentine's Day is a good way of reminding us to show love to our spouses, friends, and family. As the years go by, you find yourself looking back at time you've spent together. Those Were The Days was the theme for our banquet held in a local diner you might call the Solid Rock Cafe. Records, cruising cars, bobby socks, angora-wrapped rings, rolled up pantlegs and white T-shirts took us all back to the 50's. We ordered hamburgers, fries and root beer floats while listening to the tunes from American Bandstand days. After the meal, Al read off trivia questions and surprisingly there was always someone in the crowd that had the answer--namely Gene! A few brave souls tried their hips at the hoola hoop and now we know why they are in such good shape! The microphones came out and people picked their favorites to sing karoke--Cathy's Clown, Mac the Knife, and one highlight had to be Pretty Woman. Roy Orbison had nothing on Al with Jackie as the object of his affection! The ladies trio took on new meaning when I Will Follow Him inferred following Jesus wherever He may go. And perhaps the showstopper was little Madison in her polka dot poodle dress, bouncing and keeping time to the music sung by Grandpa Don and Aunt Dawn. The flash from the past had us rockin' and rollin' in our seats! But for sure, we can stand on the Solid Rock, Jesus!
We hear that what the world needs now is love, but no one needs it more than those in the church. During February, Pastor Ray has given a series of sermons on radical hospitality, passionate worship, and sacrificial love. Bible studies have taught us that faith is the building block, add virtue, then add knowledge--II Peter 1:5 and it's faith, hope and charity (love) that will make us pleasing to God and draw others to Him. "I love you" is an easy thing to say but the hardest thing to do. From John 21, Jesus asked the question of Simon Peter (and each of us), "Do you love me?" Do we love Him as a friend, a brother, or agape love? God can certainly tell the difference between lip service and a servant's heart. If we don't love one another in the church, how will we ever show the world His love? Many questions but only one answer --the fruit of the Spirit exibited in patience, obedience, tolerance, and service. "Orange" you glad He loved you first?!
The lenten season is as important as Easter itself. In the past we have looked at Ash Wednesday as a solemn time of reflection on the sacrifice Christ made in our place. In contrast, on Feb 25 we sang songs of redeeming love and victory because of what He did for us. Pastor Ray encouraged us to set ourselves on a 40-day path of celebration of the hope we have on this side of the cross.
March came in like a lion --big surprise!!! On the 1st day of the month, the kids learned about lion and lamb weather (even though it is not factual). They also learned about the Lion of Judah, the Lamb of God, and a heavenly picture of peace as scripture describes them resting together. Pastor Ray began a sermon series leading up to Easter. The stage was bare except for the towering tree-hewn cross supported by a rock base. Today Pastor Ray explained the 30 pieces of silver displayed on a white cloth, that Judas was "this close" to salvation before he took his own life after betraying Jesus. As the season approaches, the foot of the cross will hold many such items to remind us of the greatest story ever told. That night we gathered for family night first to watch a brief video called Rhythm that explained our walk with God. We need to listen to the music (His voice) and keep in time with His will. Sharing a meal followed......the fellowship was much like the sound of music!
Thanks to Craig & Lara, we are having a youth explosion! The challenge to build a team of young believers was taken to heart. Many new faces came for the fun and for the instruction. After just a few meeetings, the kids planned an evening service for March 8th. If this was any indication of things to come, we have leaders in the making! We had piano, organ, trumpet, and violin performances, readings, scripture, skits, acapella solos, duets and a quartet. They showed courage and confidence, unabashed in sharing the gifts God has given them. Keep up the "good works"!
Precious memories, how we can forget them! So on March 26 the women gathered for a scrapbook party. Pictures and articles were organized by year and soon beautiful pages were being turned out left and right. A few laughs here and there at hairstyles and candids, but more contemplation on what God has brought us through and how He has blessed our church. Although we can't live life looking in a rearview mirror, a glance back at the good times is good for the soul.
On a not-so-spring-like day, an army of dirtbusters reported for church spring-cleaning duty. Cleaning out, wiping up, sorting through, we made a collective effort at good housekeeping. "Create in me a clean heart, O God." There's nothing like the smell of clean, and there's no better feeling than to have a clean heart before God!
One after the other, sermons throughout the lenten season helped us reflect on significant stories about Holy Week that are repeated in the gospels, It seemed each Sunday we were asked a question in song or through the message Pastor Ray brought to us. We focused on the rooster displayed taking us to the point of Peter's denial of Christ. To hear it crow was bad enough, but to see Christ look straight into our eyes after a "rooster" moment is convicting or sadly ignored. A basin of water helped us recall how Pilate washed his hands of Jesus and gave cause for us to ask ourselves "What will we do with Jesus?" The whip and spear were weapons of torture used by the blood-thirsty soldiers. With the first stripe, the salvation plan began. Are you washed in the blood? A crown of thorns took us back to that first sin in Eden where the ground was cursed. From that day to this, truly He bore our sorrows once for all. Although the hammer and the nails did not hold Him on that cross, they reminded us that each of us carry a hammer still. With the knowledge that He still feels the nails everytime we fail, we must change. A sponge dipped in vinegar pots was not only to quench thirst but used as a painkiller in the late stages of death. But Jesus would have no part of bitterness in His Spirit for those that put Him to death. He remained sinless until He took our sins upon Himself. The robe of one woven piece was too valuable to split up between the soldiers. They were so calloused to crucifixions as their duty that they gambled for it right in front of the dying Savior. We too become calloused and compromise to the ways of the world. Even on Palm Sunday, the foot of the cross held all these reminders of the suffering He would endure for us. Our Supt pointed out the excitement in the Moweaqua area when moviemakers and stars came to town for filming. Was it that way when Jesus came into Jerusalem that day? Even today to just get a glimpse of such a Man we need only open the Word, read it, and believe it! Greater love hath no man than He lay down His life for His friends!
"On the night He was betrayed", Jesus had the last supper in an upper room with His closest friends. On Maundy Thursday, we recreated the scene right up to the menu. Volunteers prepared bible-time foods to authenticate sharing the very food they may have had. Gruel, meat cholent, kugel, falafel, fish stew, lentils, vinegar pie, honey cake were passed family-style to the company. It was as if we were there.....a quartet of readers dressed in black dramatized the scripture leading up to the cross. The question it ended with was "Am I to take up my own cross and follow Him?" The answer is Yes. Pastor Ray spoke about the mood that night, how Jesus prepared his friends for what lie ahead. Then he offered the bread and juice just as Christ did in remembrance of His broken body and shed blood....as we listened to songs, Supper with Jesus, and A Place At His Table. As the evening drew to a close, we sang a hymn and went out with the knowledge of the empty tomb just three days later. Were you there when He rose up from the grave? Glory!!!!
Was this Friday really good? Another question asked by the combined choirs from Locust Grove and Fame churches at the community service held at First Baptist Church on April 10. Five monologues gave accounts in the first person of encounters with Jesus, the woman at the well, the soldier, John, Peter, and Mary Magdalene. Words to every song brought the message to life, in particular one called "He Erased It". We are not victims anymore, death is just a door. Pastor Tom Black gave a stirring sermon on that very thing. Because He lives, we too shall live. Yes, that Friday was really good--by His stripes we are healed, by His blood we are freed!
Joy comes in the morning! Easter morning! April 12th we worship like no other day. The cross is now draped in white because the tomb is empty! The choir also sang "Yahweh" which told the story from the manger to the cross to the resurrection. A simple children's talk may have stuck with many of us more than anything else that day. Three chocolate bunnies, all looked alike but one was hollow, one was gooey inside, and one was solid chocolate. Most Christians look alike on the outside, but some are empty, some are full of sin when we ought to be fully devoted to God. One week later, as in most every church, worship could be described as a letdown after celebrating the most important day for any born-again believer. Pastor Ray's message was all about doubt and how it can be a positive trait. Our faith can grow out of doubt because God's mercies are new every morning. Our spirits are renewed as we look for our awesome God in all things.
Looking for God in all the right places!! Like the face of a newborn baby! Grandparents Gene & Sheila have been blessed beyond measure. On Jan 9, Ross & Kathy welcomed Kaya Elaine Forlines into their home and the loving care of her two older brothers. And on Apr 11, Mike and Katy introduced their first child, Rhett Forlines McLain to the world. We are big fans of the Janette Oke movie series, and it is so true. It is amazing the overwhelming love that comes over you as you hold a new life in your arms. "Everytime I hear a newborn baby cry, or touch a leaf, or see the sky, then I know why I BELIEVE!"
Shop till you drop--not quite but on May 2 instead of the traditional mother-daughter banquet, several opted for a ladies day out in the Arthur area. The day began in an Amish home and an all-you-could-eat lunch prepared by the woman of the house. From there they hit highlights in town and country, searching for deals namely antiques, cheese, and plants. Reflecting on the day together, all agreed it was time well-spent window-shopping and sister-bonding.
Spring has sprung, and with it many special days. National Day of prayer was held at Destiny in town on May 7. Our country needs prayer now more than ever before. Every mother was given a geranium on her day of honor May 10. Later Al strummed and sang "When Mama Prayed", and truly she can move mountains on her knees. Many joined the Walk for Life in Shelbyville Park on May 16. College graduation was something to celebrate for Ben. Nick started a new chapter in his life reporting for Marine basic training. New beginnings are exciting when we know who holds our tomorrows.
There's no school like Sunday School. Remember your formative years learning the basics of reading, writing, and 'rithmetic? Christian education is even more important. Reading the Word, writing it on your heart, and understanding how 3 nails + 1 cross = 4given! Youth classes learn the ageless stories of love, miracles, and creation. Adult classes have begun to use technology to deliver studies on current events. Be it the economy, morality, or politics, discussion is lively and related scripture is enlightening. Truly, there is an answer to every question in God's Word. You are invited to learn under the best Teacher right along with us every Sunday at 9am.
Youth = Energy! Craig and Lara are keeping our kids busy! On trivia night May 2, youth and adults did impromptu skits and were rewarded with pizza and brownies. On the 24th they sponsored worship around the campfire. After Nola led us in some choruses, Pastor Ray told the story of Zaccheus, one of the first children learn of and sing about. On May 31, the youth led the singing at the nursing home. Small voices created big smiles on the residents. And perhaps the biggest challenge on June 6 was Paint the Fence day. Not whitewash on wood, but oil base on rot iron--nearly 250' of it including the cemetery! Nearly 20 kids and adults wielded brushes, socks (yes, to paint by hand), or rollers and three hours later, the fence facelift was complete. In fact, Erin said that we should give it a second coat! Big thanks to the Findlay Christian Church youth for helping on this project. Now we can definitely "enter His gates with thanksgiving in our hearts"!
Homegrown--that's what you could call the New Life Quartet we love so much. Each of the members has roots in our church. More importantly each of them is rooted in the Lord coming from varied "lost" conditions and willing to tell about their new life in Him in word and song. God has been using them at churches in Crossville, Mattoon, and Decatur just to name a few with a busy summer schedule ahead. As one of their songs says, "It's not what's over the door that counts, it's what's in your heart".
When Ray & Sharon Finney come for a visit, we experience an evening of nostaglia. On May 31 they took us back to another time some 15 years ago when they pastored here. No one has a sense of humor or tells a story like Ray; and no one sings sweeter or plays piano by ear like Sharon. And no one and take or give out more ribbing than Norma and Leland! With a sprinkling of other specials, our guests, we like to refer to as "old friends", treated us to our favorites--The Lighthouse, Beulah Land, and I Call It Home. Friends from Mt Pleasant joined us for the evening and potluck afterwards. "Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them".
Every time we leave the sanctuary, we are entering the mission field. Our mission outreach committee has been actively planning and supporting projects. Locally, we are having a food pantry drive this summer challenging shoppers to add them to their grocery list each week. Youth and leaders actually took a shopping spree to stock the shelves at a later date. In the near future we plan to help bind, package, and load scripture booklets for overseas shipment. And we donated to Cross Country Ministries to reach SD Indians in poverty. The youth will be sending Flat Stanley to our missionaries for a better understanding of their daily life. Later this fall we started collecting loose change for the Crisis Pregnancy Center using their baby bottle banks. All the needs we know about remind us that the good news is only good if it is heard. That's where we come in.
We were blessed to have the Bundy family join us on July 5th. Brett, Angie and their four beautiful children serve in Haiti with World Gospel Mission. Our worship differed greatly from what they experience in Haiti where the services are outdoors, very hot, and very long. Haiti is a beautiful country with clear blue ocean waters and white beaches, but there is much poverty and much witchcraft. Quite an environment to raise a family but full of ministry opportunities. Angie gave a talk to the children about laying up treasures in heaven, and gave each one a Haitian coin. Brett gave a challenge to the congregation shared by the missionaries there--to practice holiness, striving for perfection with Jesus as our example. We shared a potluck meal and appreciated the chance to love and support the Bundy's even more.
One of our biggest outreach ministries is VBS. On July 20-24 Son Rock Kids' Camp was the place to be. Thru videos we met campers who got in and out of trouble and a goofy scientist that actually has lots of wisdom to share in his own whacky style. Each night a woodsy animal reminded us of a bible truth, like the skunk since Jesus accepts us just the way we are. Every bible lesson was about Jesus and his relationship with Peter, the disciple that He would build His church on. Like Peter, we learned we can be accepted, protected, saved, and forgiven by Jesus, all so that we can live for Him. The music "rocked" with favorite tunes Walking on the Water, How Great is the Love, and Trail of Life. The crafts brought out everyone's creativity. Thanks go out to Deb, Dawn and all the other volunteers for a great week. Our prayer is that every camper become like the wise man building his spiritual house on the Rock, Jesus Christ.
With hedge trimmers and rakes in hand, a group of hardworking men joined forces on July 18. A little off the top....side and back made a big difference in the landscaping at the church and parsonage. We also appreciate our groundskeeper who has a big job keeping ahead of the grass. We are reminded that pruning strips away dead branches and promotes new growth, even in our lives.
"And the two shall be one." We have enjoyed fellowship with newlyweds Don & Mary Latshaw who were married in a simple ceremony this spring. We're glad they found each other and God led them to us. On July 27, Tara Walters and Darin Hennings became Mr. & Mrs. surrounded by family and friends. The Meachums (Rachael Woods) were wed in October with Grandpa's hay wagon donning fresh paint as the get-away vehicle. We pray God's blessing on all these unions.
August 2 was a busy Lord's Day, but we are happy in the service of the King. The morning service culminated in the dedication of Rhett Forlines McLain. Pastor Ray spoke about the dependence of an infant on their parents for every need, and the trust that grows with tender loving care. As we age, we should maintain that same relationship with our heavenly Father who knows what's best for us. No one else gives better TLC than our Creator. A slide presentation shown during a song "Anything Like Me" made it clear Rhett is surrounded by love. As the song said, "Heaven help him"....indeed. Later that afternoon, we ministered to the senior age group at the nursing home. It is an inspiration to see many of them sing old hymns loud and strong and by memory. And after Ray shared a few simple thoughts, we comforted some that had tearful eyes from loneliness and memories. No matter the age, we will always be a child in His eyes. By evening we joined together for a wiener roast, smores, and warm donuts, even ratatouille from garden plenty thanks to Martha. Lara read a devotional from Max Lucado about being Holy Askers. Then we "let the games begin"! As obstacle course was laid out and two teams took their stations at what they were best at. Not sure there was a clear winner, but it was a whole lot of fun. We had a run-off between two couples--it wasn't pretty--but lots of laughs. Thanks to the Macklin family for planning the evening.
C-H-O-I-R....what's it spell? Choir--'bout that time to reconvene and get to work. Jan and Nola recently attended a worship seminar, so we had a pep rally on Aug 10 to prepare for the task ahead. We were given several keys for success including promptness, reliability, and enthusiasm. Your face must reflect what you are singing. We have a song called Joy in the House, that purposely starts out like a dirge, then the music kicks it up a notch and our faces show that joy. The guidelines fit for all aspects of our lives inside and outside the church. One general rule covers it all--Give of your best to the Master!
Speaking of music--let's give credit to some unsung heroes! We have our janitor Karen who weekly cleans, dusts, and sweeps our place of worship. There is Bev & Linda who keep the bulletin board decorated for whatever is going on complete with scripture or thoughts to ponder. There are the many greeters each Sunday morning that extend the hand of fellowship literally to welcome worshippers. Our worship leader Nola considers it a privilege to plan the services to engage us in praise an worship. We appreciate her so much as we do those that serve on the worship team. Along with our pianist Sheila they help welcome the Holy Spirit into our presence. Ushers, communion stewards, nursery helpers and every teacher is vital to the success of our church. Those that have special music, operate sound and powerpoint, give children's object lessons, our financial officers....there certainly is a place for everyone to use their gifts. And then there is the pastor's wife Debbie who is his right hand of ministry making phone calls, preparing weekly bulletins, keeping him healthy and on time! It is biblically true, every church body has all the parts necessary. The question sometimes is are they using their muscles to strengthen the body of Christ.
Here's a riddle--what do these topics have in common? Death of a Pop Idol, Octo-mom, Miracle on the Hudson, White House Peace Prize Winner, DTV Conversion, 40th Anniversary Moon Landing, Man Sells Life on E-Bay, Lions Break Losing Streak.........they are all current events we study each week in our adult Sunday School class through an online source. It's the talk at the coffee shop, why not hash it out with a biblical application? Who says the Bible isn't relevant? It is our guide in every newsworthy headline. Not only What Would Jesus Do but What Would Jesus Think?
Our sympathy goes out to the family of Allen Primmer, a son, a husband, a father, a farmer who passed from this life Sept 25th. When we can't make sense of things that happen, we must trust the One that knows all things. A meal was served lovingly to this family that has influenced the ministry of Locust Grove over the years. We pray for the comfort and peace that comes from God's people and our heavenly Father above.
"If my people will humble themselves and pray, I will heal their land" II Chr 7:14. When the people spoke with their votes last fall, there was no other time when our country needed God more. The news is full of unknowns: Afghan and Irag wars, health care reform, high unemployment, cash for clunkers, home foreclosures, bank bailouts, Wall Street slump, even swine flu. Such things can strike fear in the hearts of men, unless God dwells there. In times like these, we need a Savior, an Anchor. Pray for our country and wisdom for it's leaders daily. Trust the One you know holds tomorrow and use this storm to lead the lost to the Master that calms the waves.
Picture an oasis in the middle of a desert land, trickling streams of cool water, a shade refuge from the heat, wholesome food aplenty, rest for the weary. Pastor Ray began a six-week series called Seasons of Refreshing on Sept 20 with the challenge to pack the pews. The platform became that visual oasis where God would meet our needs and restore His church again. The first step was to examine our spiritual health. The next Sunday mirrors lined the front of the church so we could see what God sees as we worship. We should be reflecting Jesus in and out of church. Work teams were formed to encourage attendance, genuine worship, evangelism, and prayer. Planning before, during and after the six weeks were evidence we were asking God to move powerfully. Mid-week services concentrated on the book of Hebrews with some meetings so intense you could hear a pin drop. Each week sermons revealed energy-robbers to our Christian stamina always with a standing invitation to "come unto me, and I will give you rest". On Oct 25, the series culminated with Farmers' Day. Pastor Ray taught from Eccl, a time for every season so tables were decorated for every season and a carry-in meal was shared by a large crowd. Rested and recharged, we look forward expectantly for what God will do through us.
Harvest was tough-going this year with mud from steady rains. As Thanksgiving approached we remembered the good old days when the farmers came in for turkey dinner and went right back out to the fields. But we also remember there will always be a time to plant and a time to reap. The same principle applies to the gospel. With the economy still struggling and political debates on health care, it is hard for people keep hope alive. The fields are white for a harvest of souls. A country song says "even when things are hard, do it anyway", because God's ways are not our ways. Thank Him every day for life, jobs, family, and the opportunity to serve Him through difficult circumstances. He is the fount of every blessing!
Thanks to Brent, Gabe and our trustees, we now have an improved handicapped entrance near the front door. We certainly have used the elevator in the past year and pouring some concrete on the west side will make getting from car to solid surface much easier. We have also used the nursery regularly and took steps to make the old kitchen/old youth classroom into a second nursery. Better access to restrooms, snacks, video/TV and playground from the basement has been a good move. We are in the process of making it kid-friendly with carpet, general facelift and new toys.
Our little country church in the Obed community holds a special place in the hearts of many people. It did to Dorothy Horn who left this world on November 23. Although she and Ed, who preceded her in death, spent much of their life in the city where they worked, they loved to visit that place that was "so dear to her childhood." The Weaklys were some of the first settlers in this area when the church was born. The Dorothy we knew was a gentle spirit that embodied the beatitude, "blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes were delivered in November. As each box is packed for a boy or girl, you can almost imagine the joy on their faces with the treasures inside which always includes an explanation of the gospel, a lasting treasure. After last year's response to the Pass It On project, the mission outreach committee again gave each family in our congregation $20 to give to anyone, anywhere, for any need they felt God prompt them to give to. On Dec 6th we heard many stories ranging from replacing stolen toys at a daycare to gas bills for a kidney patient's family. On Dec 4 the food pantry moved to a new location on Main St. Bags and more bags were delivered from the Boy Scout drive and Dawn & Sheila joined other volunteers in stocking the shelves. Acts of kindness are the arm of God. Giving feels good on both sides of the gift.
Together again--Levon Constant joined Pastor George in their heavenly home on Dec 3rd. She was more than a pastor's wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, singer and organist. Levon was a strong, confident woman who encouraged others and demonstrated God's love in whatever she did. Her children, Larry & Nola, and grandchildren followed her example of living for Jesus, touching many hearts over their years of ministry. Levon never really retired from being used by God. This Christmas she'll ring the bells in heaven and hear for herself the angels singing Glory to God in the Highest!
BYKOTA Christmas-Style was the theme of bible study hosted by Nola on Dec 2nd. Lisa & Sheila served soup, sandwiches, and fancy cheesecake before getting to the meat of the matter. At Christmas more than any other time, we must practice "being kind one to another". Less stress, more communion with God, that's the recipe to focus on the real reason we celebrate. We also had a business meeting, elected new officers, and sent Christmas gifts to our missionaries. Our women were invited by Mt Pleasant to join them at a Christmas Tea on Dec 5. Our hosts graciously served a wonderful meal followed by tea or cocoa in our own special teacups we brought along. Nola was scheduled to speak about her favorite topic--angels! We learned many fact and myths about these beings, the most interesting being that angels were created by God to glorify God, just like us! And if we are looking for angels, God may very well reveal them to us as they engage in God's army battling against the forces of evil. We do not become angels when we die, but we should live angelic lives!
Amid the tinsel and lights, Christmas was in the air. But instead of being part of the "bigger is better" holiday, we aimed for the "simple is special" celebration. The traditional hanging of the greens preceded advent thoughts of hope, salvation, joy and peace. On Dec 13, we revived the nearly forgotten ministry of caroling to seven country homes close to the church, even walking to a couple in the crisp air under a star-filled sky. Everyone got a warm feeling singing the good tidings of great joy. Each Sunday the choir sang an anthem, many in madrigal-style like Fum-Fum-Fum, meant to sound like a strumming guitar. On Dec 20 Craig & Lara guided the youth group Christmas program. The puppets told an "abbreviated" version of the Bethlehem story and sang with professional technique--mouths WIDE open! A mixed band ensemble of organ, trumpets, drum, violin, and kazoos played Amazing Grace as the congregation sang the words to It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. They really deserved the pizza, popcorn, cookies and caramels we shared later. The climax of the season was Christmas Eve candlelight communion. Pastor Ray showed a video clip from Bells of St Mary's where young children re-enacted that first Christmas Eve. He asked us to imagine cuddling the Baby Jesus, looking into His eyes, and seeing the Hope He was born for. As candles glowed around our family circle, we sang a lullaby hymn on this holiest of nights. Peace on earth, peace in each heart.....no better way to worship as 2009 came to pass.
