It’s hard to believe that Advent begins in just a few short days (Dec. 3rd). You may know that Advent marks the beginning of the church calendar year. In Advent, we turn to a new lectionary year, look back at where we’ve been, and look forward to those new things on the horizon.
Dear Central siblings,
I was walking home from the grocery store a few weeks ago, and I heard someone practicing the trumpet. It took a few seconds, and a few squeaks and squawks, but the tune became clear: Shepherds we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains… I slowed my walk, so that I could keep listening, and I found myself almost shouting “in excelsis deo!” The day before, at dinner, a friend said “You look like you’re dressed for Christmas!” I think it was a compliment… Indeed, Christmas will be here soon, but first, we’ll journey through the season of Advent.
I’m excited to invite you into this season, as we team up with our friends at A Sanctified Art and explore the theme: How Does a Weary World Rejoice? Together, we’ll acknowledge our weariness. We’ll experience the joy of connection. I think we will allow ourselves to be amazed. We’ll make room for something new. We will root ourselves in ritual. And throughout our journey, we will trust in our belovedness. You can learn more about our Advent theme by visiting our website.
This Advent also marks the beginning of a transition for our congregation. There are, I’m sure a range of emotions and thoughts among you. One of them is perhaps grief or a sense of loss. And perhaps too, “I can’t believe we’re searching for another senior minister so soon.” All of those are valid, and so are the others not named here. During times of significant transition, it is important for communities to reaffirm their commitments to one another. There are many ways to do that. One of which is coming to church, committing to be together, even for just an hour, as preparation for the journey ahead. So, please:
Come to church. Join together for this season of change, expectation, and new beginnings. Embrace Advent. After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Trusting in those things that are known and might be made known to us, Rev. Thomas Associate Minister
P.S. There are a lot of things happening at Advent. Find out more here: Advent at Central
