Giving

I had the privledge of accompanying some of our youngest members to some of the local area nursing homes this past Saturday.  Our goal was to sing some carols and bring a little Christmas cheer their way.  We started at McCarthy Court's Homeplace.  The residents were gathered together awaiting our arrival.  As we entered the room, they broke out in smiles and applause.  We sang 12 carols.  Some of them sang along while some listened intently.  Before we left the applauded again and thanked us over and over for coming to sing for them.
Our next stop was Sterling House.   Some of the residents were still en route to the living area where we were going to sing.  This gave the children an opportunity to explore!  Of course they were interested in the decorations, the fish tank, etc.  But they were also interested in the men and women who were waiting.  A few of the children were able to engage in conversation with these residents.
We definitely accomplished our goal.  God's goal.  We gave something as simple as our time and it was an amazing gift to give.  The gift was twofold.  The recipients were ever grateful and it was apparent that our gift would linger with them.  The children and their parents were impacted as well.  We were reminded that it's not about the monetary, the material.  It's about what is given unconditionally from the heart.  And aren't we thankful for that?  After all, isn't that what Christmas is truly about?  

Too Busy for Christmas

Cookies need to be made, gifts need to be bought, Santa stuff needs to be hidden, gotta get to the holiday drop~in, Christmas cards need to be sent, kids need a picture taken with Santa, have to get to the downtown tree lighting, kids want to go to the parade, Nutcracker is Friday at 8pm, have to clean up for the family's visit, Christmas playdate at Trentwoods park is Monday, oh I know I'm forgetting something. Someone.  What?  Who?  There is so much going on, so much to do that even though I am writing things down I feel like I am missing something.  I'm so tired that I am afraid I am leaving something, someone out.  Think.  Think.  Think.

Does this sound familiar to you?  Nine days into December and I am completely and totally overwhelmed, are you?  But we don't have to be.  Not if we remind ourselves that the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a time for specific preparation.  Of course we tend to get wrapped up in the secular preparations of the world around us. It's natural, we're human. But if we forget to take care of our heart then we will leave someone out this Christmas:  Jesus.
I challenge you to make this time of Advent a time of preparing your heart.  Remembering what the real fuss is about.  Pray that God will help you get ready for the coming of His promise.  Pray that He will reveal something of wonder to you this Christmas season.  Pray that He will calm your spirit and open your heart.  Chances are everything that you are worried about from the list above will fade away and you will experience what Christmas is and should be about.  
 

Ministers of Christ Church

Last night I had the privilege of spending some time with our younger parishioners.  Children's Minsitries sponsored the second Annual Parents' Night Out.  Children ages 3 to 5th grade were dropped off in the Ministry Center for games, crafts, cookie making, singing, and pizza while their parents enjoyed some time to themselves.  Janet Peregoy and Terry Brubaker were in charge of the "cookie making station".  Here the children decorated sugar cookies that we will take to some of our home bound parishioners this weekend.  Anne Bell headed up our crafts area.  Here, the children made cards, Christmas tree ornaments, and candy cane reign deer.  The EYC helped the children with their crafts, cookies, served pizza, led a sing a long and a few games.
Everyone had a good time.  I only wish I could have recorded the event so that every parishioner not there could have seen what I saw.  The interaction between our youth and young people is absolutely breath taking.  As some of our youngest members were dropped off they were a little hesitant in joining the group.  The youth stepped in to gently guide these children over to join the fun.  When several of our little ones were discouraged, whether it was playing a game or making a craft, the youth stepped right in comforting, encouraging, helping, listening.  It is clear to me that we have some amazing ministering going on between these two generations.  I encourage you, the next time you are in the midst of these two groups, pay attention.  You won't believe your eyes!