The Christmas tree is up for another year and there is a cold going through the house… it can only mean one thing: it’s Joy Sunday and we are in the home stretch to completing the Advent journey!
Saturday was a beautiful pause from the hectic pace of our normal life. On Friday evening we went to the little tree lot in Amherst that we’ve been going too since our first Christmas and picked out a tree – and were charged the same amount we were 8 years earlier. Jen paid the fellow double, and he promised to pay it forward.
On Saturday morning I brought the bins containing the decorations in from the shed, and we set about putting ornaments on the tree – each one wrapped with a story of where it came from, who gave it to us, or where it was purchased.
The older I get the less Christmas is about things and more about togetherness and memories – that and celebrating the birth of one who began a movement toward justice and peace, encouraging others to hold hope for one another even in the darkest of times. Here is a link to my reflection from Sunday.
May the season offer you time to reflect on lifegiving memories and nurture connection with those who love you and hold hope for the world with you. And, may you arrive at the threshold of a New Year open to all that will unfold.
Happy Advent,
Lloyd
Looking Ahead
Today I am in Moncton. This morning Julia and I will have our weekly staff meeting followed by two other meetings and our Lunch in the Advent Light gathering. You can take part in-person at Central or via Zoom. Gather with us and talk about your experience of the reflection from Sunday. After lunch I will be visiting those from Central and Visions in care facilities in Moncton.
I have two medical appointments on Tuesday. Julia will be facilitating the Lectionary Study Group. You can join in the discussion via Zoom as the group looks at the text for the fourth Sunday of Advent.
On Wednesday morning I will welcome the folk from Open Sky and others for the last Coffee Gathering before Christmas and then head for three pastoral visits. At 2PM Rasta will go to the groomer for his Christmas cut and I’ll head home and work on things for Sunday and Christmas Eve.
Thursday morning will bring a meeting with the Trustees of Sackville United Church followed by three pastoral visits and one-on-one follow up sessions with those who participated in the Grief and Loss Support Groups.
Friday will be a day off and on Saturday Peg and I will meet with Grief and Loss Support Group participants for supper at 5:30PM before the Longest Night Service/Blue Christmas Service that begins at 7PM. Join with others who find the season challenging, in-person at Sackville United Church or online.
Sunday December 22nd will bring the lighting of the fourth Advent candle, the candle of Love. Julia is offering leadership at Central United; I am at Sackville United (having socks and mittens thrown at me) and Visions will be viewing the livestream in community and singing Christmas carols! Participate in-person or via the live-streamfrom wherever you may be!
On Sunday evening at 6:30PM I look forward to gathering with others at Ducky’s Pub for Carols and Cocktails! An All-Ages Carol Sing-A-Long!
On Monday I will likely be writing a reflection for Christmas Eve as the turkey is thawing in preparation for the big day: Christmas Eve (me) and Christmas Day (the turkey)!
Christmas Eve, December 24th
Central and Visions United will gather at 6PM at Visions United Church
Sackville United at 7PM at Sackville United Church
The 7PM service will be live-streamed on Vimeo and Facebook Live
There will be no gathering on Sunday December 29th.
Enjoy time with family and friends!
The Ministry Team will be taking vacation time (Dec 25-Jan 4) but remain
on-call in order to respond to any emergencies.
We will next gather on January 5th
Julia is with Central. Visions is hosting service of Lessons and Carols
and Lloyd is with Sackville
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