Advent: let light disrupt darkness
Another Advent is upon us. If you're anything like me, this one really snuck up. Instead of feeling prepared, I'm in disbelief that the season to anticipate Christ's coming is already here - and, so is the season for present buying, party planning & family gatherings. Maybe I've been too pre-occupied with post-election fallout or maybe it's just the busyness of day-to-day demands. Either way, I'm not ready.I guess that's kinda the point though. We are never ready, and according to the story of scripture, God's not about waiting till we are ready. Instead, God routinely interrupts whatever is preoccupying us. God is always creating, inviting, involving & stirring something new into being - in us, around us & through us. That's especially evident during Advent.Advent is the beginning of the church year & it gives us an opportunity to hit a giant refresh button and return to the stories that surround the already, the current & the not yet coming of Christ. These stories remind us of our longing for Light and our habit of never quite being prepared to receive it. They remind us of how everyone who was part of that first Advent had their lives, their expectations & even their dreams disrupted by God's arrival.These stories also make us wonder...How is God present in the disruptions we experience? How can we set aside some of our preferences, past experiences & plans to join God’s work in the world?
There are two ways you can journey with us through Advent. On Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. we will gather at the Third & Main Event Center to pray, sing, explore scripture, light our Advent candles & share communion together. Dress as casual as you like and feel free to arrive early (10 am) for coffee & conversation and to bring breakfast food to share. You can also join one or all of our Wednesday night gatherings. These themed Advent conversations will be hosted by The Well and St. John's Lutheran Church and will meet at the places & times below. The gatherings at Three Layers will include table conversation, group sharing & an opportunity to participate in open mic art sharing related to that evening's theme (more details to come) :
Introduction to Advent: Sharing a meal & conversationWednesday, November 30th at 6:30 p.m. at Kevin & Susan's Home (1443 Silver Street)We will begin with a potluck dinner - if you are able, please bring something to share.
Advent Conversation #2 at Three Layers Cafe:Wednesday, December 7th at 6:30 p.m.
Advent Conversation #3 at Three Layers Cafe:Wednesday, December 14th at 6:30 p.m.
Community Caroling at Three Layers Cafe:Wednesday, December 21st at 6:30 p.m.We will begin with an indoor carol "sing-a-long" led by Doug Vanderlaan. Afterward, those who would like to, can participate in an annual tradition of caroling to neighbors in need of cheer.
Ready or not, here we go.
Join us when you can - your presence will make the journey richer & the season a more meaningful one.
Peace & love,
Susan