December 20, 2024

Odds and Ends

This week I offer to you a smattering of almost related thoughts and bits of information.

Living for Sunday

I saw a city bus pass through an intersection in front of me with an advertisement on its side. It read “This City Lives for Sunday.” Around that text were pictures of Seattle Seahawk players. It got me thinking, “Does our church live for Sunday?” Probably not. But I would hope we would offer life—new life in Christ—on Sunday. 

What we do offer

We are having a nice problem in that the lower level of our parking garage is filling up and people are needing to park on the upper levels on Sunday mornings. Please note that parking is free for those attending worship on all levels. There is no need to pay. There continues to be need to pray, however.

More bargains

My wife Susan and I share stories about going to double headers when we were young, she at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, me at Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium. They were called “bargain bills” back then. Though they are hard to find at a baseball stadium these days, you can find one at our church on Christmas Eve as we have a service at 3 pm which will consist of the Christmas story being told with the help of our young people—even our very youngest. Later we will have our traditional Candlelight Service at 11 pm, preceded by a Carol Sing at 10:45 pm. All ages are welcome at both, though no popcorn, peanuts, or Cracker Jacks we be served at either. And we care very much that you come back.

Maybe the first time?

Our confirmands will be gather after church for a jul-festive pizza lunch and then head off to the Kraken Community Iceplex for ice skating. I wonder if anyone will be on hockey skates for the first time? It’s a spiritual discipline all Christians should know.

One last time

We will have our last Advent gathering reflecting on the Beatitudes Monday, December 23 at 7:30 pm on Zoom (link). Feel free to come even if you have not yet attended one of these gatherings before. We have been blessed by having many people share their insights, making it a very rich time for all. Hoping you can come this one last time.

Time out

Our church office will be closed December 24 through January 1. There will be no Life on the Vine next Friday, the 27th. Feel free to contact with Pastor Lauren or myself directly if you have any questions or needs.

With Advent Hope and Christmas Joy, and anticipation for the year that awaits us,

~ Pastor Todd