Keeping in Touch - Christmas Events.
Good morning, James Bay United Church,
"In the fullness of time" ... those were her first words as I sat down with my spiritual director on Wednesday morning. I had just noticed the Mary and Joseph figures from her nativity scene on the mantle piece. "They make quite a journey," she said, pointing to the table in another corner of the room where they will end up in a few weeks time, surrounded by a menagerie of animals. "In the fullness of time." Though I knew what she meant (that time of ripeness) I heard it first of all as "full to overflowing" as in there's a lot going on. It helped to sit a minute and allow the two fullnesses to reside together ... and to imagine and to remember that in the overflowing fullness, that holy fullness is waiting to be seen and heard, felt and tasted. It is my prayer for you and for me that within the various events and opportunities that I'm about to make note of here, there will be for us occasions of Grace inviting us into Something More.
Tomorrow afternoon (Saturday) in our sanctuary, the James Bay Children's Choir is offering their first concert at 3pm. This group of children, ages 7-13, came together for the first time in September, through the initiative of Sandra Fletcher, a local teacher and advocate for choral singing for children. It was her dream to offer a free of charge singing opportunity for children after school. She had the dream and we had the space! Special guest at tomorrow's concert is Sophia Higgins who will be singing 3 songs by Bach, Vivaldi and Poulenc. Having heard all these voices over the last few weeks, I can tell you it will be a treat. Admission by donation.
NEXT Saturday, (Dec 16), is our second annual Ham Dinner, Christmas Carolling shin dig. We'll begin at 6pm in the downstairs hall with our dinner in candlelight and conclude with gathering around the piano upstairs in the sanctuary for a carol sing. On our way from downstairs to upstairs, we'll stop by the outdoor Christmas Tree at the front of the building. Yes, we're planning on lighting up outside this year. Toward that end, you're invited to bring along one decoration to hang on the tree AND one non-perishable food item to place under the tree. (A sign alongside will invite neighbours to Leave what you can. Take what you need. Merry Christmas!) All in all this will be a special evening and a great occasion to invite someone you think would appreciate being part of the celebration. To ensure we have sufficient food and seats around the table, it's important you let us know you're coming, either by the sign up sheets available tomorrow or jotting me a note by Monday night, Dec. 11, using the connectin form below. Suggested donation: $5
On Sunday, December 17, 4pm in our sanctuary, we are hosting a special event designed with young children in mind, to come and see the Christmas story ... perhaps for some, the very first time. Our time together will conclude at 4:30 with a healthy snack. I'm looking for one or two people who would delight in preparing and serving such a snack. Please let me know if this calls to you.
And then we get to Christmas Eve! You may have noticed it falls on a Sunday this year. We'll gather for our 4th Sunday of Advent service in the morning. Then 2 Christmas Eve services this year ... one at 7pm, an all ages celebration; and one at 10pm, a contemplative candlelight service with communion.
In the fullness of time ...
Grace and Peace to you, Karen