Journey to Bethlehem is the theme for Advent as we begin the new church year this Sunday! The scripture reading is John 1:1-6, 14, ‘In the beginning… which while not a typical Advent reading is appropriate as we begin once again. We hear about the light coming into the world. We are also celebrating communion.
If you are someone who appreciates an Advent Calendar, Rev. Janice MacLean from The Prayer Bench offers one HERE.
If you missed the anniversary slideshow that was on the TV screens after worship last Sunday, it’s posted on the website, you can find it HERE.
Last week, the Rev. Dr. Sharon Ballantyne spoke about strengthening invitation. and ‘A Place at the Table. Here’s a quote from a United Church of Canada post that I received on Tuesday: The future requires a sense of urgency, and commitments to flexibility, innovation, connection, and diversity. Most of all, it requires a continued leap of faith, as we seek to live into our call to Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, and Daring Justice. I encourage you to read the entire post! Check it out HERE.
My Week!
Sunday – After a great Anniversary Service, I headed to Spryfield where I presided over the final service at St. Paul’s United Church. I was their minister for a year 10 years ago while they were between ministers and they had invited some of their of their previous ministers to the service.
Monday – I put the final touches to the bulletin (I had done most of the work while I was on Study Leave), met with the Sales Team to work on a Letter of Intent for prospective buyers to use when making an offer. Worked on the funeral bulletin for June’s service and suddenly it was 5 pm!
Tuesday – I wrote some of my reflection for June’s service, created some graphics for upcoming events, updated the website, got some stuff ready for the upcoming potluck, and answered a million emails.
Wednesday – Senior’s Wellness Wednesday started off as usual with chair yoga and then we had a very interesting presentation from Marie-Claire Chartrand from Greywave Senior Care Consulting about navigating the options for home care. Thanks to Joan Clark and Colette Sanford for making sure we had delicious food to eat! I started on my reflection for Sunday as well. And responded to another million emails. 😉
Thursday – The executive of the Association of United Church Clergy meets in the morning, so I guess I need to get a financial report ready, since I’m the treasurer. I’ll have to finish at least one of the reflections.
Friday – We’ll be decorating in the church from 10 onwards, come and join us, there will be snacks! I’ll be there for a short time, just to get the communion table set up the way I want it. And I received word that there is a request from a journalism student for an interview.
Saturday – New Year’s Eve Potluck! 6 pm, in the gym.
Every day during the renovation and sale brings a new challenge and something new to learn. I keep telling myself that everything I’m learning is something I can add to my resume!
St. James United Church Dartmouth 