December 2011
To my sisters and brothers in the faith community of St. John, greetings in the name of the Incarnate Jesus, our Risen Savior!
I am amazed at how quickly the rest of November has flown by! Cami and I are settling into our new church home - both the parsonage and church itself - and we've commented how it feels as if we have been here all our lives. We are so grateful for the warm, welcoming response!
It is especially gratifying to be joining our hearts to yours at the beginning of Advent, that unique time in the Church Year where we pause to reflect on the meaning and true purpose of the coming of the Christ child.
To that end, I would remind everyone to set aside time on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., beginning Dec. 1, for a simple soup and bread meal together as we share reflections on the Advent themes of hope, love, joy and peace. No special preparation is required - unless of course you want to bring your special crock pot recipe - just come with an open heart eager to experience what God may be saying to us as a faith community.
Continuing in the pre-Christmas spirit, Cami and I want to invite everyone to a parsonage open house on Sunday, Dec. 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. We will furnish food and holiday cheer and an opportunity to see the marvelous work you have accomplished in restoring the pastor's home.
In addition, bring your hearty Christmas carol voices that same Sunday. Join us at Charles Gardens at 3 p.m., for some caroling to the residents, then come to the parsonage for nourishment, and then we will leave about 6 p.m. to do more caroling up and down Pleasant Lane. We'll end up back at the parsonage for some hot drink before ending our evening.
And, for all activities, children are most welcome!!
Season's Blessings!
Pastor Jim