From the pastor

December 21, 2003

As I look out my window into the backyard this morning, I think I am watching a silent movie. The house is shut tight to keep out wind and cold. But along with keeping out the chill, our shelter also filters out most sound. A mourning dove swoops in for a landing on the patio. I can only imagine its cooing. The trees sway as if they are waltzing to some celestial music. I can see that it is windy but must assume its low roar as it rushes past.

The calendar says that tomorrow is the beginning of winter, officially. But the instructions on the calendar are meaningless to all of us who have already adjusted to the deep cold, the hard ground, the lingering snow and ice. Some of our congregation have already headed to Florida, Texas, and Arizona. The rest of us have dug out the bulky coats and mittens, lit fireplaces and candles, and equipped our cars with window scrapers and better tires.

We will have three worship services at the church this Christmas Eve: 4, 7, and 11 p.m. Each service will be different. Last year, all three services were the same. But then I noticed two things. First was that many folks at Grace Church attend 2 or more of those services—because they enjoy spending time at the church on Christmas Eve. And second, by the time I preached the same sermon three times last year, I was getting tired of it myself.

A special thanks goes to our altar guild and our musicians for all the extra ways they are blessing us in this holiday season. Our Christmas concert last Sunday evening featured vocal and instrumental musicians of all ages. It was a delight to participate in the sounds and fellowship of the evening. The musicians, led by Gordy Wilson and Callie Knight have put in many hours of rehearsal to lift and bless our spirits in worship these days. And the altar guild, consisting of Jill King and Virginia Sadler, has once again adorned our sanctuary to the glory of God with their art and skill.

The girls and I will be taking a few days off beginning Christmas Day to visit friends in Florida. We will be driving to Ft. Myers and returning the second or third of January. The worship services next week will be led by Bob deJong and Vic Christman, who will engage the congregation in song and message. Marcia Burns and Janice Roy will also be off the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Marcia and her family will be visiting family in New Orleans. And Janice has been collecting travel brochures for an extended stay in Philo. If there are any emergencies, I will check my cell phone messages several times a day—898-3148. Gordy Wilson will also be in town.

On behalf of my daughters and myself, I wish all of you a blessed Christmas this week. We are all unique in how we approach these holy days. Some of us are bursting with a sense of being blessed. For others, life’s wounds feel especially raw these days. Some are irritated that we make so much ado over just another day. Others approach this time with a deepening yearning for peace—a peace that spreads both worldwide and deep into the individual heart. Whatever your expectation these days, may God bless you with unexpected grace and joy. --Mike