CELEBRATING THE SEASON

"When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” She was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you. Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and he will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. He will reign over Jacob’s house forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom.”    Luke 1:27-33

In this time of Advent, as we’re "pregnant" with expectation and all of these intense emotions swirl about us, as we long to see God’s reign, as we hope for a just and peaceful world, it seems that the messages of our stories continue to shape us.  In our elation, our fear, our inadequacy, and our confusion, we will need to keep holding one another, reminding one another, “Don’t be afraid. God is with you.”  This was the message told by Melea Brock, storyteller and guest speaker as she expressed her unexpected joy through storytelling on Friday.  We spent a few moments trying to relate to one of the many characters developed by Melea in our time together.  

Debbie Wong and Jayme Lenker then led us through the story of Christ's birth by sharing in Christmas carols.  It was a wonderful time to enjoy great food, good company, and to be reminded that "God is with us." (Emmanuel)

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

written by Jayme Lenker

Caroling with Jayme and Debbie 

Melea J. Brock

Amie Hanrahan and new baby Jake!