Pastor Michele's Christmas Letter - 2009
Dear Brothers
and Sisters in Christ,
As I look forward to the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child, I am overwhelmed by the prayer, faithfulness, love, care, and generosity that are abundant in the life of our faith community. The light of Christ surely shines through us --- and we haven't even celebrated Christmas yet! But, perhaps this is really what Christmas is all about! Maybe Christmas is about living a life that witnesses every day to the fact that Christ is indeed walking among us and with us. Maybe it's about reaching out to the community and the world through prayer and service? Maybe it's about sharing our time with each other? Maybe it's all about living our lives as acts of worship?
At the beginning of this Advent season, in an effort to help us all change how we celebrate the holidays and not to miss Christmas this year, the congregation was given a challenge each week. The first Sunday of Advent we were challenged to make our lives an act of worship by making an intentional effort each week to laugh, sing, pray, read, listen, worship, and share. We were also challenged to pick one of the Gospels to read during this Advent season. The second Sunday we were asked to rebel against the Empire of "More," to do less shopping and to give more of ourselves --- more of our time, attention, and love. The third Sunday we were challenged to give extravagantly --- to give each gift in the same spirit of love that God gifted us with the extravagant gift of his Son! For me, these challenges have helped me to hear and understand the traditional Christmas story with a more open heart and keener ears. I know I'm not going to miss Christmas this year!
On December 20th we will present an intergenerational Christmas Pageant titled "Follow That Star." The day will be filled with Christmas carols, laughter, worship, praise --- and a "Cookie Walk." Come join the celebration!
On Christmas Eve we will celebrate the birth of Jesus at 6:00 PM (please note the earlier time!) Our family service will include drama, carols, and candle lighting. The children are invited to come in their pajamas, slippers and bathrobes and even bring a special blanket or stuffed animal!
At 11:00 PM we will gather for worship that will include candlelight, Holy Communion and Christmas carols.
On Christmas Day we will host our first Free Christmas Day Community Dinner here in Faith Hall. Everyone is invited! Bring your friends, families, kids and neighbors --- let's celebrate the day of our Savior's birth together! We are excited about this opportunity to reach out to our community and we are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support!
So, spread the word --- "go tell it on the mountain..." --- that Jesus is coming ... that Christ is among us! Make sure you don't miss Christmas!
May Peace, Hope, Joy and Love fill all your days!
Yours in Christ,
C H R I S T M A S