Minister's MessageChristine and I have been here a little more than a year now and things seem to be going really well in both pastoral charges. You’ve heard me say it before but I’ll say it again; I’m really impressed at how smoothly things work and how people accept their responsibilities within the churches.
Advent will soon be upon us and the Christmas season. It’s a time to reflect on the meaning of Christ in our lives. What meaning do we see in the birth of a baby? Who will he or she be? What gifts and talents will they develop? How will they affect others around them and within their community? Will they realize their potential? Mary and Joseph may have asked themselves these questions as they tickled Jesus’ toes or changed his diapers.
What about the story of the Magi? Who were they? They weren’t Jewish. They were gentiles. Is their visit to the holy family an indication that non-Jewish people would be drawn to Jesus’ message and that tribal barriers would be crossed as God seeks to bring understanding to the world?
What about the shepherds and the kings and the angels? Surely the gift of Christ is for everyone, rich, poor or even other worldly. Because the spiritual gifts he taught are just that - spiritual gifts, and we are all joined by one spirit.
I know the coming season will be hectic, but when the gifts are bought and wrapped, the trees are trimmed and the lights put up, take time to reflect on the enlightenment that Jesus teaches us. The metaphor of the star shining over the manger is to indicate the heightened understanding we gain when we accept God’s guidance in our lives.
The first book study has been completed. It was four weeks rather than five due to my need to have some more tests in the big city.
There were about a dozen in the group as we looked at “Jesus For The Non-Religious” by Episcopalian Bishop John Shelby Spong.
I am, once again, impressed by the level of conversation that took place and the openness that people expressed within the group.
The book provided an avenue whereby we could express our ideas and opinions and provided an opportunity to get to know one another better. It was thought-provoking and the whole idea behind book discussions is to encourage those taking part to think about their faith.
In January or February we will be looking at Harold Kushner’s book, How Good Do I Have to Be. This book is not as large as Spong’s but contains much wisdom. Kushner is a rabbi who draws on his thirty years of experience with congregations and he’s the same gentleman who wrote When Bad Things Happen To Good People. I checked with Volume One book store in the mall and it is available at $14.95 per copy and will take about three weeks for delivery so for those members of the group and those interested, here’s a heads up. Maybe you could drop a hint for a possible stocking stuffer.
Christine and I look forward to celebrating our second Christmas with you, though we are saddened that there are some that we won’t be seeing again. Ministry is perplexing at times. On any given day I can be with someone who is dying while an hour later I can be with a couple who are celebrating their relationship and between the sorrow and the joy there is always the work that needs to be done. Life goes on.
Thank you for the cards expressing your concern for me as I went to Halifax for my tests. And Christine thanks you for the expressions of concern for her brother, Grayson who recently suffered a stroke.
We’ll soon be entering a new year. Let’s remember to awaken every morning of that year and speak or write down at least five blessings. And always remember to TELL the one you love that you love them.
To you, with Christ’s joy and peace;
Advent will soon be upon us and the Christmas season. It’s a time to reflect on the meaning of Christ in our lives. What meaning do we see in the birth of a baby? Who will he or she be? What gifts and talents will they develop? How will they affect others around them and within their community? Will they realize their potential? Mary and Joseph may have asked themselves these questions as they tickled Jesus’ toes or changed his diapers.
What about the story of the Magi? Who were they? They weren’t Jewish. They were gentiles. Is their visit to the holy family an indication that non-Jewish people would be drawn to Jesus’ message and that tribal barriers would be crossed as God seeks to bring understanding to the world?
What about the shepherds and the kings and the angels? Surely the gift of Christ is for everyone, rich, poor or even other worldly. Because the spiritual gifts he taught are just that - spiritual gifts, and we are all joined by one spirit.
I know the coming season will be hectic, but when the gifts are bought and wrapped, the trees are trimmed and the lights put up, take time to reflect on the enlightenment that Jesus teaches us. The metaphor of the star shining over the manger is to indicate the heightened understanding we gain when we accept God’s guidance in our lives.
The first book study has been completed. It was four weeks rather than five due to my need to have some more tests in the big city.
There were about a dozen in the group as we looked at “Jesus For The Non-Religious” by Episcopalian Bishop John Shelby Spong.
I am, once again, impressed by the level of conversation that took place and the openness that people expressed within the group.
The book provided an avenue whereby we could express our ideas and opinions and provided an opportunity to get to know one another better. It was thought-provoking and the whole idea behind book discussions is to encourage those taking part to think about their faith.
In January or February we will be looking at Harold Kushner’s book, How Good Do I Have to Be. This book is not as large as Spong’s but contains much wisdom. Kushner is a rabbi who draws on his thirty years of experience with congregations and he’s the same gentleman who wrote When Bad Things Happen To Good People. I checked with Volume One book store in the mall and it is available at $14.95 per copy and will take about three weeks for delivery so for those members of the group and those interested, here’s a heads up. Maybe you could drop a hint for a possible stocking stuffer.
Christine and I look forward to celebrating our second Christmas with you, though we are saddened that there are some that we won’t be seeing again. Ministry is perplexing at times. On any given day I can be with someone who is dying while an hour later I can be with a couple who are celebrating their relationship and between the sorrow and the joy there is always the work that needs to be done. Life goes on.
Thank you for the cards expressing your concern for me as I went to Halifax for my tests. And Christine thanks you for the expressions of concern for her brother, Grayson who recently suffered a stroke.
We’ll soon be entering a new year. Let’s remember to awaken every morning of that year and speak or write down at least five blessings. And always remember to TELL the one you love that you love them.
To you, with Christ’s joy and peace;
Rev. Sheldon
