Christmas is an incredible time of generosity, and Christ Church has shown that again and again. We received 60 names from kids at Morningstar for our Angel Tree and the congregation quickly snatched them up and fulfilled them. We held a fundraiser for Haiti, with

our concert last week and ultimately have surpassed our goal of 50 homes ($20,000). When all is counted, (it’s still coming in), we will have raised more than $23,000! The tables in the parish hall are overflowing with food for the Christmas food baskets. And then there are all the other things we do in this season to help others.

There are boxes for the Seafarers, and we continue to see hand-knitted caps for them arriving regularly, as well. We recently had an event for St. Nicholas Day and a Parent’s Day Out to help our young families prepare the final details for Christmas in the midst of a week off of school. Clergy discretionary funds have received holiday gifts, and people have asked, “What can I do to help?”  The Christmas Spirit, as it were, is alive and well.

And that’s a glorious realization, given the darkness that remains in the world. News from around the world has been terrible this week. News at home is full of tension and worry. And yet in the midst of it all, we are preparing for the arrival of Jesus, who is the promised light for our darkness. His way is the way that will lead us to God and into our full humanity, as God intended for us. 

As we enter the final days of preparation for Christmas this week, I am so grateful to all of you at Christ Church who embody the Christmas spirit of giving in response to the greatest gift, the one we receive from God through his Son, Jesus Christ. I am humbled to recognize that such generosity is a year-round part of our lives at Christ Church as we bear witness to God’s Good News in our own lives. Thank you, Christ Church, and Merry Christmas!

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The new Parish Hall Service is coming! Starting Sunday, January 15th, we will offer a second service at 9:15 in the parish hall. We have received our new chairs; we have installed a new sound system; we have dividers that help us create a more worshipful atmosphere; we have new liturgical furniture. We’re almost ready, and certainly will be by the 15th. As I shared, when we discussed this service at Town Hall meetings earlier this year, what we are doing, in one sense, is planting another small congregation within our congregation. 

To that end, I do hope that there are those among us who will help us “seed” this new service by attending that service regularly – at least once per month. Doing so has a dual effect – it makes room in the church, and it creates critical mass for the new service. Begin thinking about whether this is something you’d be willing to do or interested in doing.  I’ll bring it up again in the New Year!

For now, please continue to pray for our congregation as it responds to the natural growth that we have seen over the years and as we do our best to make room for those who want to join us on our Christian journey. Worship and discipleship are perhaps the two central parts of our identity as a parish church, and making room for more people to worship with us is essential. The Vestry will have more to share in this regard in 2017 as we continue to process and respond to our survey and town hall process. 

Tom+

Circle us, Lord

Circle us with the light of your presence, bright within this dark world

Enable us to be overcomers of fear and temptation

Enable us to be victors over sin and despair

Enable us to become that which you would desire

Circle us, Lord

Circle our family within the shelter of your outstretched arms

Protect them in each moment of their daily lives

Protect them in the decisions that they face

Protect their homes and relationships

Circle us, Lord

Circle this nation with Advent love and hope

Create a desire to listen to the Advent message

Create a willingness to understand and respond

Create a need to reach out to the Christ Child

Circle us, Lord

Circle this world with the joy of your Salvation

Where there is sickness and disease bring healing

Where there is hunger and despair bring hope

Where there is torture and oppression bring release

Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation

Circle this world with the light of your presence.  Amen.

~Source:  faithandworship.com