Monday Devotional
December 2, 2024
Dear Friends,
It was late in the evening and I was locking up the church and turning out the lights. I have done this enough that I know the routine. After all these years, I know where the light switches are located. I know which lights are often left on. I made my way through the building turning off lights. Choir room. Sanctuary. Third floor. In some cases, when I turn off a light, it means having to walk through the room in total darkness. But I have done this enough, I can navigate my way through the building in the dark. I have developed an awareness that allows me to feel comfortable even when I cannot see the way.
It reminded me of an Advent poem by Jan Richardson. The poem is entitled, “A Blessing for Traveling in the Dark.” The poem begins with gentle words for walking in the dark:
Go slow
If you can.
Slower.
More slowly still.
Friendly dark
or fearsome,
this is not place
to break your neck
by rushing,
by running,
by crashing into
what you cannot see.
There are many ways that we walk in the darkness and this poem expresses a patience and calmness that allows us to travel life’s challenging pathways. In those difficult places, we keep walking, sometimes slowly, certainly cautiously, but we keep moving.
Richardson concludes the poem with a prayer for those who are walking in the darkness. She writes,
But this is what
I can ask for you:
That in the darkness
there be a blessing.
That in the shadows
there be a welcome.
That in the night
you be encompassed
by the Love that knows
your name.
In those quiet moments when we turn the lights off at the end of the day, we walk carefully and patiently. In the gentle steps that we take out the door or to our bed or wherever you destination may lead, we are reminded of the many darkened places we walk in life. May you find hope and love in those moments.
Peace,
Howard
Upcoming Activities
Advent Study
Pastor Mackenzie continues an Advent study on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in the Blue Room.
Santa's Workshop
The annual Santa's workshop will be held on Saturday, December 7th. Sensory friendly time is 9:00-10:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome from 10:30 - 1:00.
Festival of Lights Parade
On Saturday, December 7th the Festival of Lights parade will be held at 6:00 p.m. One of the meaningful traditions of our church has been to handout free hot chocolate to those walking by the church. The parade begins at 6:00 p.m. so if you would like to help hand out the hot chocolate, meet us here at the church around 5:00 p.m. A word of thanks to our HOPE Committee that is providing the hot chocolate for the evening!
Longest Night Worship Service
The holiday season can be difficult. When everyone is "decking the halls" and singing "Joy to the World," for many this is also a season of grief and sorrow. To address those feelings, First UMC will host a Longest Night worship service on December 11th at 7:00 p.m. This is a service of comfort amid the difficulties, a service where one can bring their sadness, a service to encounter God amid the tears. Share this with your friends and neighbors and join us in the sanctuary for this service of comfort and hope.
Choral Masterwork
Next Sunday, our Chancel Choir will present the Saint Saens Christmas Oratorio. This powerful piece, which debuted in 1858, will include our choral voices accompanied by the organ and a harpist. Share this special service with your friends and neighbors who can join us in person or watch the service on Facebook and Youtube.
Upcoming Activities
December 12 Blood Drive
December 13 Parent's Night Out
December 15 Book Club
December 18 Brown Bag Luncheon