Advent 15

There were indeed kids in the pageant, but I am not a fan of just posting those pic wherever, so here are adults, young and old in their pageant finest.

Today was a busy one.  Pageant Sunday was its brilliant self.   As always, the rehearsal was as entertaining as the event.  It was fun just hanging out with everyone.  There were kids, parents, and random adults preparing for their various roles.  People started showing up at 8:30 for a 10am start time. I love pre-church chaos when I can get it. In the old days people arrived earlier to church.  These days it takes a special event.

That is fine. I know where most people are on Sundays and you can't get on everyone's schedule all the time.  I am always happy to see who I can see. Today that included some former youth groupers who are now adults. They stepped in to play guitars and help support the angel choir. They will always be kids to me. I love to have them around.  

After coffee hour I had a meeting with our music director, Steve, and our trumpet player, Conor.  Conor also happens to be my son.  He is among the former-youth-grouper-now-adults group.  We took some time to figure out the service for a week from today...Christmas Eve.  The three of us have been doing this for years.  There will be only one service this year at 5pm, so there are no second chances.  There is also so much to do.

Anyway, that is what I've got for today.  If you weren't in church, then you missed the best pageant ever.  Of course, there is always next year...

Here is the prayer from this morning.   I "stole" it from last year's Christmas Eve service. I will be all about cannibalizing parts this week and writing new stuff when it makes sense.  Of course, I think I wrote this, but I am not sure.  The holidays come and go and circle back...

Prayer Advent 3 2023
Dear God
As we celebrate the Christmas story
We pray for the strength 
And the perseverance
To accept the lessons of this time

In the cold of winter
Amidst the distractions of our lives
Please help us to find the peace and the confidence
To do what is right
To reach out
Seeking justice through unity 
With each other and The Divine

In our walk of faith we have learned 
That the spirit of Christmas 
Does not remove us from where we live
But meets us there
In all our human mess
So God, we pray that 
You open our hearts
To hear the still, small voice
That calls us to our better selves
And a better world
​                ---Adam Tierney-Eliot