Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Advent is a season of preparation - preparing ourselves for the birth of the Christ child in our homes and neighborhoods once again.  Part of that preparation is celebrating the ways in which we see God already present in our lives and communities.  To help kickstart the celebration here are a few things to note:

The Christmas market was community in action - people working together to open the doors of the church to the community - it was much more than the beautiful items sold, or the money raised - it was conversations of care and inclusion, laughter, love and welcoming, and the joy of being together.

The holiday police band concert was lots of fun, yes - people enjoyed the music, there were lots of people in attendance- all of this was wonderful - it was a great night.  But it did two things; it showed the community that the church is still reaching out to meet the needs of the community and it raised over $1,300 for the Waterloo Region Food Bank.

The regular noon hour concerts do the same - they open the church wide to the community - it is a ministry of welcome and hospitality, where beautiful music warms the soul, and a delicious luncheon fills the belly.

The focus on Food 4 Kids as a mission initiative this December continues that theme in an even more significant way.  Our church’s response will put food in hungry bellies this season and beyond.

And finally, the welcome offered by the people of St. Andrew's to the people of St. Peter's is evidence of God at work in our lives as a church.  You can see Jesus in the smiles that are exchanged, the warmth of the greetings to each other, the care demonstrated by outstretched hands for a handshake and sometimes outstretched arms for a hug.  But most of all, you can just feel it in the air - the joy of being together as people of God

In each of these celebrations the whispers of God's spirit are heard, the footprints of Jesus are found and the love that holds us all fast is experienced.

God is present in the little things- what are the little things in your own lives where you can see God? Take time to celebrate them.

Marty