Giving

I had the privledge of accompanying some of our youngest members to some of the local area nursing homes this past Saturday.  Our goal was to sing some carols and bring a little Christmas cheer their way.  We started at McCarthy Court's Homeplace.  The residents were gathered together awaiting our arrival.  As we entered the room, they broke out in smiles and applause.  We sang 12 carols.  Some of them sang along while some listened intently.  Before we left the applauded again and thanked us over and over for coming to sing for them.
Our next stop was Sterling House.   Some of the residents were still en route to the living area where we were going to sing.  This gave the children an opportunity to explore!  Of course they were interested in the decorations, the fish tank, etc.  But they were also interested in the men and women who were waiting.  A few of the children were able to engage in conversation with these residents.
We definitely accomplished our goal.  God's goal.  We gave something as simple as our time and it was an amazing gift to give.  The gift was twofold.  The recipients were ever grateful and it was apparent that our gift would linger with them.  The children and their parents were impacted as well.  We were reminded that it's not about the monetary, the material.  It's about what is given unconditionally from the heart.  And aren't we thankful for that?  After all, isn't that what Christmas is truly about?  

Too Busy for Christmas

Cookies need to be made, gifts need to be bought, Santa stuff needs to be hidden, gotta get to the holiday drop~in, Christmas cards need to be sent, kids need a picture taken with Santa, have to get to the downtown tree lighting, kids want to go to the parade, Nutcracker is Friday at 8pm, have to clean up for the family's visit, Christmas playdate at Trentwoods park is Monday, oh I know I'm forgetting something. Someone.  What?  Who?  There is so much going on, so much to do that even though I am writing things down I feel like I am missing something.  I'm so tired that I am afraid I am leaving something, someone out.  Think.  Think.  Think.

Does this sound familiar to you?  Nine days into December and I am completely and totally overwhelmed, are you?  But we don't have to be.  Not if we remind ourselves that the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a time for specific preparation.  Of course we tend to get wrapped up in the secular preparations of the world around us. It's natural, we're human. But if we forget to take care of our heart then we will leave someone out this Christmas:  Jesus.
I challenge you to make this time of Advent a time of preparing your heart.  Remembering what the real fuss is about.  Pray that God will help you get ready for the coming of His promise.  Pray that He will reveal something of wonder to you this Christmas season.  Pray that He will calm your spirit and open your heart.  Chances are everything that you are worried about from the list above will fade away and you will experience what Christmas is and should be about.  
 

Ministers of Christ Church

Last night I had the privilege of spending some time with our younger parishioners.  Children's Minsitries sponsored the second Annual Parents' Night Out.  Children ages 3 to 5th grade were dropped off in the Ministry Center for games, crafts, cookie making, singing, and pizza while their parents enjoyed some time to themselves.  Janet Peregoy and Terry Brubaker were in charge of the "cookie making station".  Here the children decorated sugar cookies that we will take to some of our home bound parishioners this weekend.  Anne Bell headed up our crafts area.  Here, the children made cards, Christmas tree ornaments, and candy cane reign deer.  The EYC helped the children with their crafts, cookies, served pizza, led a sing a long and a few games.
Everyone had a good time.  I only wish I could have recorded the event so that every parishioner not there could have seen what I saw.  The interaction between our youth and young people is absolutely breath taking.  As some of our youngest members were dropped off they were a little hesitant in joining the group.  The youth stepped in to gently guide these children over to join the fun.  When several of our little ones were discouraged, whether it was playing a game or making a craft, the youth stepped right in comforting, encouraging, helping, listening.  It is clear to me that we have some amazing ministering going on between these two generations.  I encourage you, the next time you are in the midst of these two groups, pay attention.  You won't believe your eyes!

Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving just around the corner I am reflecting on what I am most thankful for.  As most people, I am thankful for the familiar list of family, friends, health, and opportunities.  But taking it a step further, exactly why am I thankful for these things in particular?  I'll attempt to explain...
I am thinking of a family that suffered tragic loss October 3rd of this year when their only 2 sons ages 17 and 13 died in a car wreck.  It was early morning and the boys were headed home after a morning of hunting to have breakfast with their parents before heading to church.  I am thankful that my husband and I will get to enjoy another breakfast with our precious children tomorrow.  
I am thinking five years back this December when I went into the hospital on bed rest while I was 33 weeks pregnant with Betsy.  We were 45 minutes away from our home for 4 weeks.  Betsy came 5 weeks early.   I wasn't quite ready for her arrival!  So many friends helped us out during that time taking care of our dog, getting our mail, buying baby items that I hadn't gotten around to getting, and the list goes on and on.  I am thankful for the wonderful friends in my life that always seem to be there right when I need them. 
I am thinking of a dear friend who suffered from cystic fibrosis his entire life.  He always had a great attitude and never let his illness get him down.  He was called home almost 4 years ago but in the last few years of his life on earth he was so sick.  He took handfuls of pills to be able to what most of us take for granite being able just to do.  I am thankful that I can get out of my chair with ease after I type out this entry, walk down a flight of stairs, and go outside to enjoy some time with my children.
I am thinking about people in far off places that won't ever read this blog because they will never be allowed to learn how to read.  People in far off places that won't be able to enjoy the next few days complaining about how full they are because the poverty in their area is such that they are lucky to get one small meal a day.  I am thankful that I have so many opportunities that I am exhausted at the end of some days trying to fit it all in.

So I close with this prayer of thanksgiving for Thanksgiving

Heavenly Father, thank you for family, friends, health, and the opportunities that you give us each day.  Help us to remember those that are suffering during this holiday, that they may be filled with peace and feel your love envelop them.  Keep us mindful of your many blessings in this life.  Help us to use all our opportunities to bring glory to your name in some way, whether it be big or small.  In the Savior's name we pray, Amen.

Annual Meeting

I am always overwhelmed at Annual Meeting time.  It's just another example of how blessed we are to have the freedom to worship.  I was here for the latter two services and each was a full house.  My role in both services was to take the children ages 4 to 5th grade out while the rest of our church family attended to the business at hand.  I had an amazing time with our younger members.  
I was surprised (and I'm not sure why because we have a group of bright young members!) at what all they new about the role of our vestry and what happens at an annual meeting.  During my time with them I realized that the future of our church is in good hands.  If these children already care this much about their church and its direction just think about how vested they will be when they cast their vote at 16.

Scars

The following is a quote from a book by Chris Cleave called Little Bee  (page 9).  It was an interesting book and I was most intrigued by this particular passage.

"...a scar is never ugly.  That is what the scar makers want us to think.  But you and I, we musts make an agreement to defy them.  We must see all scars as beauty.  Okay?  this will be our secret.  Because take it from me, a scar does not form on the dying, a scar means, I survived." 

In particular I thought about all of the "stuff" we have to go through here on earth in our earthly lives, the events that leave us scarred on the inside.  The things that make us feel like less of a person.  As most people do, I've wondered "why?" or "everyone can see this ugly mess I've gone through."  I have had friends that have gone through "stuff" and want to know "now what" or "how do I go on, everyone knows."  Although I consider myself someone with a pretty strong faith, frankly, sometimes I have a hard time finding the right words for an explanation.  So when I came across this passage I thought it was a beautiful analogy for this question.  Something I could tuck away in my memory bank to help connect the dots.  


The stuff that we go through as children of God make us who He wants us to become.  When we take our situations, whatever they may be, and find a way to glorify God, we become more beautiful.  If we do not allow a negative situation to turn us around or glorify our Father, than the scar does not form because we are dying if you will.  However, if we allow the scar from the "stuff" to make us new then we are more beautiful than before, we can proclaim victory, and those around us will know we are survivors through our Christ Jesus.

Mom's Group

Mom's Group meets this Sunday, November 21st  in the Parish House at 5:30pm.  Come for fellowship and adult refreshments.  No childcare?  No problem!  Our nursery workers will be available to watch your children.  Childcare is for children up to 3rd grade.  Plan to join us if you can!

In the Moment

I've noticed lately that everyone I encounter seems to be grumbling about something or another, myself included at times.  No one is smiling, brows furrowed.  I hear complaints from people about traffic, the weather, calendars are too full, calendars are not full enough, they feel too old, they have nothing to wear, and the list goes on and on.  It seems everyone is worrying and scurrying over what's to come and what the future holds.  Will real estate turn around?  Will the economy recover sooner than later?  Will we be able to get the children everything they want for Christmas.  The more I begin to notice this about my surroundings the more it begins to resonate in me.  And then the worry sets in.  


And then, and then 2 strong voices leap from my heart and into my conscience calming my spirit.


Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?  Matthew 6:27

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  
1 Corinthians 10:31

It is then that I am reminded that, thankfully, I don't have control over any of these things: the weather, the traffic, the wardrobe, the economy.  I do, however, have control over my reaction to these issues and my prayer life.  Wouldn't it be more productive to spend my energy praying over such situations than to worry about them?


So I close with this prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to live in this moment that you have given me and not to worry about the next.  Thank you for giving me this day to do your work, whatever it may be, and bring glory to your name.  Amen.

Veteran's Day Prayers

I have recently discovered that when I don't have the words I want for prayer and I can't seem to find them in the Bible that the Book of Common Prayer is a wonderful resource. The prayers are so poetic and seem to say exactly what I am feeling.  Here are 2 that I found that seemed appropriate for Veteran's Day.   The third prayer was taken from a Veteran's Day prayer found on line.  I hope you will join me in praying for our great country and the men and women who serve and have served.

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage:  We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will.  Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners.  Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.  Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.  Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth.  In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Book of Common Prayer, p 820


Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad.  Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Book of Common Prayer, p 823

We ask for blessings on all those who have served thier country in the armed forces.  We ask for healing for the veterans who have been wounded, in body and soul, in conflicts around the globe.  We pray expecially for the young men and women, in the thousands, who are coming home from Iraq with injured bodies and traumatized spirits.  Bring solace to them, O Lord; may we pray for them when they cannot pray.  

Have mercy on all our veterans from previous wars.  Bring peace to their hearts and peact to the regions they fought in.  

Give us all the creative vision to see a world which, grown weary with fighting, moves to affirming the life of every human being and so moves beyond war.  Hear our prayer, O Prince of Peace.  Amen. 

Only in America

Maybe it's age, I don't know, but lately I have been overwhelmed by the greatness of our country.  I feel so blessed by the freedom that we have.  The freedom that we so often take for granted.  The freedom of worship, the freedom of speech, the freedom of choice, the freedom to vote, and the list goes on and on.  Thursday we celebrate these freedoms with Veteran's Day.  Be sure to thank someone you know who served in our military to help us keep this freedom.

As I watched the following video, I had chills.  Only in America!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ETrr-XHBjE

Proud to be an American

I believe that I witnessed more people voting this year than in years passed.  The early voting lines were winding out of the doors. It's true that I have heard grumblings from some that the lines were too long, or their preferred party didn't win but what an amazing gift we have in this country: choice.  I think that people forget that from time to time.  We are able to make choices here in the United States: which coffee creamer will I have this morning?  what color lipstick will I wear?  What time will I exercise?  where will I send my children to school?  what church will I go to?  which Bible study will I join?  what book will my book club read?  and, well, you get the point!


Although some of these might sound silly to you, there are people from other countries that are not allowed to where lipstick, certain classes don't have the right to an education, people are persecuted for studying God's word.  So, while we might complain that the red light was longer than usual today remember that we are given the gift of choosing the car we are driving to go where we are going to get stuck by the red light!  I am sad to say that some of my choice political leaders were not elected.  Rather than grumble I am going to choose to fall on my knees and pray the following, what will you choose to do?

O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth:  We beseech thee so to guide and bless our Senators and Representatives in Congress assembled, that they may enact such laws as shall please thee, to the glory of thy Name and the welfare of this people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  Book of Common Prayer p821

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas?

I had to make a few stops on my way to work today.  By the second stop, my anxiety level began to rise.  All of the sudden I felt like I was late for something, I had missed an appointment or a deadline.  Then I realized it was because everywhere I looked there were Christmas decorations. Not just a few, but aisles full of blinking Santas and twinkling lights.  The ceilings were adorned with snowflakes and Happy Holiday signs.  All of this was before 10am!  November 1st!  Halloween was a mere 10 hours ago!  Had they been working all night?  And what about Thanksgiving, are we supposed to skip it?  

Then I heard God whisper "Be still."  (He has to say that to me from time to time!)  So, I took a deep breath in and let all of the anxiety of not being ready for Christmas drain out of me.  I recognized that what I was feeling about not being ready for Christmas had nothing to do with Christmas.  It was the "did I get a present for everyone I was supposed to get a present for?  Do I have enough stocking stuffers?  Did I get all of the Santa stuff taken care of?" feelings.   

Advent begins this year on November 28th.  It is the start of our 4 week preparation of the coming of our Lord.  So I am challenging myself to be still.  I will leisurely enjoy the month of November and Thanksgiving with my family.  And I will use the coming days to prepare my heart for the Advent season and what it brings with it.  Then, and only then will I be able to be truly ready for Christmas.

Giving Like a Child

What a perfect fall day!  Could it have been any prettier?  The temperature was exquisite, the sun was shining, and the breeze was gentle.  As I was leaving the Harvest Picnic today I started mulling over the events of the morning.  As I got to the children's homily, I was awestruck.  If you missed it, the Readers' Digest version is this:  Father Peter gave each child 10 pennies and asked them "if these pennies are from God and you gave them all away, do you think He would give you more?"  The children pondered this a minute.  They were then challenged to give their pennies, all of their pennies, to the congregation.  Without questioning, they did this again and again until every member had a penny and again and again they were give more pennies.  Finally, when everyone had a penny the children returned to the steps empty handed.  At this point they were given 10 more pennies and a quarter.  Delighted, the children returned to sit with their parents.  What struck me more than the lesson of "give and you will recieve" was the attitude of giving by the children.  They gave their pennies away with an energy that was that was inspiring.  They were happy to give their pennies away, all of them, without knowing what they were going to end up with.  Oh, if only I could give to the Lord like a child.  With a smile on my face, no questions, and trusting that in the end everything would turn out fine. 

Annual Fall Festival

Once again the youth of Christ Church put on a spectacular Fall Festival.  There were games, candy, face painting, and hot dogs....just to name a few!  I must say that the Youth of our church are probably one of the most giving and strongest ministering groups we have.  They give so unconditionally wanting everyone to enjoy the events that they take part in.  And they are constantly ministering to me.  I see that their hearts are in whatever the task 100% and they give without expecting anything in return.  I am reminded that I need to follow their example.  And my favorite is the way they interact with our children.  As a parent of a 5 and 2 year old in our church, I am ever grateful that they have this group of parishioners to look up to.  

I think this was by far one of the best Fall Festivals that I have ever been to in my 6 years at CEC.  Children were happy, adults were relaxing, and it seemed like everyone was enjoying being together.  As I was watching the merriment, I thought about people who are very much against Halloween.  And while I am not in favor of scaring people or condoning witchcraft or mocking death, I am in favor of finding an excuse to bring together our church family for fellowship.  I savor these opportunities we have to get to know each other better....Sundays just aren't enough. 

Christmas Pageant 2010

I can't believe that it is time once again to start thinking about the Christmas Pageant, especially when it is going to be 80 degrees today, one of the last days in October!  Every year Christ Church reenacts the mystery of Christmas.  As usual we will continue this tradition and as usual we will put our Christ Church twist on it!  Our very own Gen Bolena is going to help the choristers and cherubs write some of the music for the performance.  Along with singing, the children will play the music as well. Again there will be some traditional music mixed amongst our original pieces.  The Pageant will be followed by a potluck supper.  Each person should bring a dish to share.  All of the festivities are held in the Ministry Center.  I have been asked on several occassions "why the Ministry Center when the church is such a beautiful, natural backdrop?"  I agree that we have a magnificent church but the Ministry Center provides the space we need for the instruments and movement of the performance.  I hope that everyone will plan to come and/or participate this year in the Christmas Pageant!

This is the beginning!

As a member of the computer-as-a-main-form-of-communication generation, I asked myself "what other ways can we get the word out about what we are doing at Christ Church in Children's Minsitries?"  As I was pondering this I happened to be on a friend's new blog, and it hit me.....a blog!!  We could post information and pictures of  all of the cool, exciting stuff we are doing.  And then I started!  Although I mentioned that I am part of the computer-as-a-main-form-of-communication generation this does not mean that I am very good at it!  However, I am persistant and always perservere.  With that said, I am excited about this blog and hope that you will bear with me and my many computer disabilities!  As Olympia Dukakis said in Steel Magnolias "that which does not kill us makes us stronger" I hope to be a stronger member of the computer generation when it's all said and done (hoping that the navigation in publishing this blog doesn't do me in!!)  My hope is to bring you information about the many facets of our ministry.  I also hope to publish thoughts and wonders for you to ponder from time to time.  Here goes...