From the Pastor’s Pen
As we enter the Advent season I encourage everyone to take up a spiritual discipline. The four weeks of Advent are a time of preparation, and in the history of the church, it was a season of fasting. Just like in the season of Lent, Advent was a time to make sacrifices in order to purify oneself before the coming of Christ. It’s a stark reminder how far our corporate Christmas has strayed from the liturgical season’s roots. It’s not that feasting was foreign to historical celebrations of Christmas. It’s just that these celebrations didn’t start until December 25. The feasting then lasted for 12 days, thus the 12 days of Christmas. Whether you spend extra time in prayer during the week, or find a devotional to guide you through meditation, I encourage you to spend more time with God over the next 23 days.
The other thing I suggest is using this season to witness to our common life at Wesley Memorial. We have several special events on offer this season, and the best way to let people know about them is if you, the congregation, speak up about what’s going on. Simply sharing the facebook events would help expand Wesley’s reach in the community. We are offering Sanctuary to people in Charlottesville that are in need of peace, joy, and comfort this Advent season. This is a lonely season for many in our community. It is a Christian imperative to reach out with love to those that are forgotten.
Peace
Pastor Isaac
BUCKINGHAM CHRISTMAS PROJECT. After service next Sunday, we will gather to have lunch and organize the gifts for delivery. You are asked to supply boxes. Wrapping paper, tape, tags will be provided so parents can wrap gifts. All gifts must be available by December 9. For any questions call Pat Rader 973-3831 or any member of MCW committee.
HOLIDAY VISITS. We will be visiting, taking cards and a little gift to our elder members who are not able to come worship with us. There will be a sign-up sheet in the Aldersgate room if you would care to visit someone with us. If you can’t visit, maybe you’d like to send a Christmas card to someone on the list. Visits will occur after December 9.
STEWARDSHIP. If you haven’t submitted your 2019 Pledge yet, or if you haven’t received your letter/pledge card, please take a blank pledge card available at any church entrance. You can leave your completed card in the Office Manager mailbox.
ADVENT MUSIC CELEBRATION. On Sunday December 9, worship will be led by the Music Ministry of Wesley Memorial UMC, under the direction of Brian Dean Sousa. We will hear pieces by the choir, handbell choir, the Recorder Society, and our organist, Linda Hanson. Please mark your calendars and invite friends and family to join us.
SANCTUARY FUND. As you consider your end of year charitable donations, we know that there are many opportunities to be generous. Pastor Isaac asks that you consider a donation to the Sanctuary Fund. This money goes to help support Maria’s children in Guatemala. It helps pay her legal fees. These contributions are tax deductible. We all have an opportunity this holiday season to make a huge impact in the life of a member of our church community.
OFFICE CLOSED MONDAY, DECEMBER 2.