Happy New Year! Yes, it's time to start a new Church year. Now in case you think I've got my calendar all mixed up, let me remind you about the different calendars we use in our culture. Our regular civil calendar year spans from January 1 through December 31. The school year in most parts of the United States goes from August to May with a Summer schedule in June and July. Many businesses utilize a fiscal year that goes from October 1 to September 30. And here in the Church, we order our worship and activities around the Church year which goes from the First Sunday of Advent (4 Sundays before Christmas) through Christ the King Sunday (5 Sundays before Christmas of the following year).
We had a blessed time ringing in the new Church year at McMurry this past Sunday. Al & Nel Wiley lit the first Advent candle. Everyone was invited to decorate the Chrismon tree. Folks hung wreathes and pictures. We heard lovely music by the Praise Team and Choir, as well as instrumental music by Mary Kay Grout. I explained the Advent Wreath to the children. We heard the Scriptures read and proclaimed. We sang some great music to get us into the Advent spirit. After the service was over, Tim Burke set up a ladder so that the children—with the help of some adults—could finish decorating the Chrismon tree by placing ornaments on the upper branches. The theme of the First Sunday of Advent is Hope, and I hope everyone worshiping either in person or online felt the Hope of Christ born anew in their hearts.
The theme for the Second Sunday of Advent is Peace. The prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of a child who would be the Prince of Peace. We in the Church understand that child to be Jesus, whose birth we eagerly await during this Advent season. The theme of Peace is particularly important this year with all of the conflict going on around the globe. We pray for peace, and then we make ourselves available to be a piece of God's peacemaking work in the world.
Exciting things will be happening at McMurry as the Advent season continues! Two events I am especially looking forward to are Cookies and Cocoa with Santa and the Children's Christmas Program. From 10:30 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, children will have the opportunity to decorate (and eat!) cookies, drink hot cocoa (adults can have cocoa or coffee or both mixed together), make ornaments, play games, and sing Christmas songs. The highlight of the morning will be the arrival of Santa Claus at 11:30. Every child will have the chance to get their picture taken with Santa. If you know of families with some young'uns, be sure to invite them!
The second event I mentioned will take place on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 21. The children of McMurry will present a special program during the service. They will be sharing the story of Christmas through spoken word and song. Our children's ministry at McMurry continues to grow, so you'll want to support these young folks who have been hard at work on their program.
I'll put in a plug for our Christmas Eve service next week. In the meantime, I hope you'll join me for worship and all of these special activities happening at McMurry! Be sure to read your Chimes and Sunday bulletin to get all the news. You won't want to miss out. And if you can't join us in person, be sure to check us out online on Facebook. I guarantee you'll be blessed this season.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Clayton