Tag: advent

Pastor’s Notes 12/20/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way… –Matthew 1:18

“In her song, Mary honors her God who mirrors the life her son will live: lifting up the lowly, filling the hungry, coming to the aid of God’s people, bringing down the powerful, sending the rich away empty, and scattering the proud… Mary is on the verge of delivering God's depth and beauty into the world; God will be embodied by a child. Mary, the earthly mother of our incarnate God, can see it. She can see hope, justice, and right relationships. In the Magnificat, she speaks the way of God into being, just before Jesus is born. Like my mother whispering in my ear when I was a child, calling forth whom I shall become, Mary speaks her dreams into existence.” —from the artist’s statement for “Magnify” | @sanctifiedart

On the fourth Sunday of Advent we will light the candle of Love and wonder with the Christmas story around the theme, “Hope is Worth the Risk.” Our Tuesday Bible Study group has prepared a very special Christmas pageant for us as the characters around the Nativity story come to life and reflect to the first Christmas and the ways they stepped out in faith to witness the Messiah enter into the world.

Mary risked her reputation, her relationships, and her future to say “yes” to God’s call. Joseph took the risk of trust, choosing to embrace Mary and the child she carried despite the uncertainty. The shepherds left their flocks behind to run toward a message of good news, risking what little they had for the chance to see the light of the world. The Magi journeyed from distant lands, risking danger and defying a king’s wrath, all to bow before a newborn King.

A beast of burden carried the load and saw the depth of human love at its finest. Even the star, steady and unyielding, risked being unseen as it shone brightly to guide seekers to the hope of the world. Each character played a part in this story of divine risk and ultimate hope, stepping into uncertainty with faith that God’s promise would be fulfilled.

Their stories remind us that hope is not passive; it requires action, courage, and trust in God’s presence. It calls us to move forward, even when the path seems unclear, knowing that Emmanuel—God with us—walks beside us. I look forward to worshipping with you in person or YouTube this Sunday and then again on Christmas Eve at 4 pm!

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 12/13/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’  
– Luke 3:10-11

Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in. 
– Isaiah 58:12

If John the Baptist were here today, he would have no problem utilizing a common cultural phrase used today, “Pull yourself together!” Luke would argue that John was the last of a breed of old school prophets. He had a way with words and telling people how to “bear fruit” with their lives, repent and avoid God’s wrath.

As we continue our Advent journey, this week’s theme invites us to reflect on the call to “Do the good that is yours to do.” Our scriptures, Luke 3:7-16 and Isaiah 58:9b-12, lead us into an encounter with voices who didn’t mince words. John’s message is not simply about correction—it is about preparation. He is the voice crying out in the wilderness, making ready the way for the One who will bring ultimate peace and justice. “Pull yourself together, and do the good that is yours to do,” is more likely how he would turn the phrase.

What does it mean for us to prepare the way for Christ? Both John and the prophet Isaiah give us a clear vision. It is about doing good, living generously, and repairing the broken places around us. As followers of Jesus, anticipating the Christ child, we are called to lives of action, humility, and compassion.

This Sunday, we will explore what it looks like to live as Christ’s followers in this season of preparation. On this third Sunday of Advent, how can we reflect the peace of Christ in our words, our actions, and in the world? What good is ours to do today, in this time and place?

I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube this Sunday! 

Brett

Pastor’s Notes: 12/6/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

‘Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.  -Ruth 1:16

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.  -Luke 1:41-42

Isolation and loneliness are real issues for humanity. One of the most important lessons we learn in life, and often the hard way, is that we are never meant to go alone. If Ruth had honored the cultural norms, she would have gone to her home of origin after her husband died, but instead she chose to commit herself to her mother-in-law Naomi.

Elizabeth and Mary both experience the wonder of pregnancy, from two completely different perspectives: Elizabeth never thinking she would conceive, and Mary never imagining that bearing the child of God would be a thing in her life. Mary went to her and joy abounded as they experienced this wonder-filled journey together.

We can’t go alone.

In our worship on this second Sunday of Advent we will explore the importance of community in our lives and faith journey. When one person is weak those around them grant strength to endure. We will ponder together the ways we shall be present for God’s beloved around us.

I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday or saying hello at the craft fair at the church on Saturday!  

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 11/29/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

“Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you.”  Luke 1:28

Advent is upon us once again. A Sanctified Art, a publishing team, will provide the direction with their curriculum: “Words for the Beginning: Advent Reminders for New Seasons.”

As Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity explains the theme in the materials:

“As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year begins. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving; and yet, the world as we know it spins madly on.

In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. But Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new.

Christ’s birth offered a beautiful new beginning for shepherds and Magi alike—all the while, King Herod tried to bring Christ’s story to an end. When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that can feel like steady ground, like a path for  our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown.

We have crafted an Advent series filled with blessings, with the words we need to hear again and again as we begin a new season. We imagined the words Mary would speak to her newborn son.

What scriptures and stories would she impart to him? What lessons would she teach him as he grew? And so, our weekly themes may feel like the lessons we teach to children, but in reality, these are lessons we continue to learn and relearn as adults.”

I look forward to setting out on this Advent journey together with the words of the Angel Gabriel to Mary in Luke 1:26-38 paving the way. Gabriel spoke with efficiency and grace to convince Mary that she was not only blessed and worthy of God’s blessing but was herself, a blessing. May we take these words to heart in our own ministries and calling. I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube this Sunday. 

Pastor’s Notes 12/8/2023

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. –Luke 1:39-41

One thing the authors of our “How does a weary world rejoice” want to impress upon us is that in community, our joy expands. Even when personally, we are weary and may find it hard to rejoice, we can carry each other’s joy. Not only are Elizabeth and Mary kin, but they now become deeply kindred spirits for one another.

The good news begins to take shape in Elizabeth’s womb, but scripture tells us that she stays secluded, hiding her pregnancy from others—that is, until Mary arrives at her door, also pregnant. Perhaps Mary’s arrival is the inbreaking that changes everything for Elizabeth, for in that moment, her child leaps in her womb and she is filled with the Spirit. She can’t help but rejoice.

Being around people who aren’t afraid to expose their excitement permits us to do the same. Joy thrives when it can be shared. Joy operates so much better when it is a communal experience. Engaging in moments that connect us is why parents who are expecting invite those they love to gender reveal parties. This is why fans thousands upon thousands of fans fill stadiums for sporting events and concerts, to share joy with others.

Our authors remind us that Joy is fundamentally rooted in connection, but connection expands beyond just human relationships. We experience joy through feeling a deep connection to ourselves, our loved ones, to God, to nature, and to the whole cosmos that surrounds us. As we look to the Gospel text, many sermons may emphasize how Elizabeth provides sanctuary for Mary. However, this year, we hope to highlight a different angle: perhaps Mary’s arrival is what pulls Elizabeth out of her seclusion, allowing her to experience joy and delight.

On Sunday we will celebrate the mutuality of Elizabeth and Mary’s bond—even if they each cannot feel joy for themselves, they are both holding joy for each other. From that connection, joy grows. We are connected as the body of Christ; we are on a journey of faith together! See you Sunday.

Brett

Pastor’s notes 12/1/2023

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

O Lord God of hosts,
    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears,
    and given them tears to drink in full measure.
You make us the scorn of our neighbors;
    our enemies laugh among themselves.

Restore us, O God of hosts;
    let your face shine, that we may be saved.

– Psalm 80:3-7

How does a weary world rejoice?

Our advent journey to the manger in Bethlehem begins! Our theme “How Does a Weary World Rejoice?” and the supporting materials have been designed by the creative folks at A Sanctified Art.

In this series, close attention is paid to how the Gospel of Luke begins the story of Jesus: by interweaving Christ’s birth with the parallel story of Elizabeth, Zechariah, and John the Baptist. When comparing both birth narratives told side by side, we see the full scope of human emotions: isolation, fear, disbelief, as well as connection, trust, and joy.

The Christmas season is often an emotionally-charged time when we feel many things deeply—sometimes all at once. It is common to experience emotional dissonance amid joy-filled carols and festivities. Identifying ways in which we encounter joy in the midst of our weariness will be the goal of our Advent worship together.

As Advent begins, the creators of this series help up to get started by acknowledging the weariness, grief, rage, and hopelessness we carry—as well as to affirm that we are made for joy. Joy is designed to live in a full house of other emotions.

Scripturally we start the season with Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1:1-23. They have battled infertility and have lived many years steadfast in their faith. Perhaps they feel the weight of hopes and dreams unattained. The angel comes to Zechariah with a promise of good news, but Zechariah can’t fully receive it, and he is cast into silence for the duration of Elizabeth’s pregnancy.

Sometimes weariness can harden us and prevent us from living fully. We’ve had hard journeys. Grief has left a scar on us. This is how we show up to Advent. Let us acknowledge the ways we, too, are hardened by disbelief. Like the psalmist, let us ask, “how long?” and plead for restoration.

I look forward to beginning our Advent journey together on Sunday!  

Brett

Advent festivities begin!

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Advent festivities begin next week!

Join us Wednesday, November 29th at 9:00 am in Cobbs Hall as we decorate our beautiful church together! Whether you can carry a Christmas tree, hang a wreath or decorate a table, please come. Feel free to bring guests to help, as many hands make for light work!

We’ll have refreshments and pastries to enjoy together as well.