Reflections From Sunday Evening

We had a blessed day at church today. Music is so great! It is always good to be surrounded by such a gracious Spirit. We are gearing up for Candlelight Services tomorrow. We begin at 3 and continue with two services at 5 (sanctuary and Memorial Hall), 7, 9 and 11. Christmas Eve is always a highlight of our year. One of the big discussion questions among some of my clergy peers has been about whether or not it is appropriate to serve communion on Christmas Eve. There is not a true concensus but generally it seems we should do what fits our context. That is pretty obvious. The issue really gets at people who may be coming to the church for the first or the first time in a long time. Frankly holy communion is a bit of an "insider" practice. So practically all the clergy who anticipate "unchurched" people attending are reluctant to offer communion. We will serve communion at our services with the exception of 5 and 9. It is a bit of an experiment. We are trying to be as welcoming to our new friends as possible. We will continue to study and learn. Christmas Day we anticipate serviing 200 meals to people who will be working during the noon hour. We have had a great response to this ministry. Hopefully people will get some down time in the days following Christmas. I certainly plan to enjoy some time with our family. Next weekend we will end the year with a message "What I have Learned This Year." I hope you will join us. I am actually still learning some things and hope to share a few ideas with you. If you do not have your shopping finished better hurry. I think I will head out for one more trip. It's been a great day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve