The call came one evening in February. “Would you let your name stand for Pastoral Care Elder?” I wasn't sure if they had the right person, but after prayer and consideration, I hesitantly said yes, feeling very unprepared.
Advent is a time where we ready ourselves to celebrate Jesus coming into the world as a helpless baby and at the same time, prepare for His return as Triumphant King. We tell the Story of Jesus and His love. While that never gets old, each year we try to tell the Story in ways that make the Word-Made-Flesh more of a reality and in the telling, we find ourselves in this epic saga of Love winning all.
Journey to Bethlehem Do you ever feel like you're on a treadmill when it comes to Christmas...running fast but going nowhere? The tree, the decorating, the gifts, the shopping, the cooking, the wrapping, the parties, the dinners, the concerts, the movies – the stress, it all goes by so fast, all taking the joy out of a time of year we used to look forward to! This year, let's take some time to take a breath, to make some space.
“Silence is golden” The truth of this statement was proved when we gathered at Sharon's cottage for a silent retreat, April 6. For some of us, it was an eagerly anticipated event; for others, the thought of an entire day spent in silence was daunting.