Christmas Pageant

Sunday was a day to remember.  It was our annual Christmas pageant, and my first while pastor at PCMK.  What a blessing it is to have such talented leaders and kids.  The Christmas Quiz Show was not only entertaining, but it told the Christmas story in a wonderful way.  The packed church was buzzing with excitement and joy. 
Now we look forward to the busy weekend of Lessons and Carols (Saturday at 8pm), Sunday worship (10am) and Christmas Eve services (5pm and 10pm).  Plan now to attend Sunday any one of these special services.  The music and the message will really make it feel like Christmas.  But don't expect me to cartwheel down the center aisle like Steve did at the pageant!
See you in church.

Here are a few of Lisa Flanagan's excellent pictures from the pageant.

Our Neighbors in Newtown

Like you, I am in shock over the tragedy that took place yesterday in Connecticut, less than an hour away from us.  Our hearts break with the families who had to hear that their beloved child would not come home from school.  There are also many families who lost a mother or sister, and an entire community has been traumatized.
At times like this we turn to our faith for comfort.  Churches and synagogues in Newtown were filled to capacity as people followed an inner desire to be together in a house of prayer.  I am grateful that we will gather tomorrow morning as a faith community and cherish our children.  It is our annual Christmas pageant, and it is going to be so wonderful.  It is also going to tell the story that gives us comfort at a time like this--the  story of Emmanuel, God with us.
If you want to talk about your reaction to this tragedy, please feel free to call me.  I don't have answers, but as a parent I can share your feelings of loss and anger.  As your pastor I can join you in prayer for the families in Newtown and for school children everywhere.
See you in church.

The Spin Cycle

I had a pastor friend in Oregon who liked to call this time of year the "spin cycle."  Like the washing machine when it starts to spin faster and faster, you have to make sure things are in balance or the machine will start banging and crashing.  Advent is like that.  There are so many things to get done it is easy to get out of balance and start banging your head against a wall--and that's no way to prepare for Christmas, is it?
So each and every year we vow to not get so busy this year.  Keep it simple is the rule.  But then there are so many parties and concerts to go to, how can it not be busy?
Perhaps what we need to do is stay focused in the midst of the busyness.  Try to see the purpose of the busyness.  For example, make shopping a time of gratitude for the loved ones in your life.  Make parties a time to treasure old friends and make new ones.  Let the music of the season enter your heart at concerts and on the radio.  Try an alternative gift from our "Advent Conspiracy" program.  These are some ways that even a long to-do list can have meaning and purpose.
I'm looking forward to my first Advent and Christmas season with you.  It is a special time of year.  I'm so thankful for all the children in our church.  What would Advent be without children?
I'm off now to our Family Fun Night where we will make Advent wreaths and begin the Advent journey together.  After a great worship service this morning with communion, I can't think of a better way to end the first Sunday of Advent.
Enjoy the spin cycle!
Pastor Dale