Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Midweek Contemplation (Mark 13:33)

Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.

On Sunday, December 3, we begin Advent 1. It is the day we start a new Christian Calendar. In a way you can say that it is the beginning of a new Christian year. Many Christians use the Common Lectionary (reading the Bible in a three year cycle). On the first Sunday of Advent we start a new set of readings. This year we will be starting the B section which begins with the readings from Gospel Mark. Year A uses Gospel Matthew. Year C uses Gospel Luke.

Advent means arrival. Christians begin the season of arrival starting on the first Sunday of Advent. Of course, some Christians Mark the season of Advent with an Advent Calendar following each day until the end of Christmas season.

So we begin a new year. As you might have noticed, DH Update last week was #52. Now we start with DH Weekly #1. Ever old, yet ever new, Christ who is among us brings the fulfilment of promise of old as it is realized once again as new. This is why we keep alert. We know Christ is with us, but do not know when he is coming.

A new calendar year is often a time for letting go of the past and moving forward into a new time. The new year’s day marks a new start. Though in reality nothing changes, on a new year’s day, everyone tends to wish for a time with less worries and troubles.

Christians have a very different view of time. For us our new time began in our baptism. Another way of putting this is that from the moment of baptism we live within the time that belongs to God. We no longer measure time from birth to death. We speak of eternal time or God’s time and how God’s grace calls us to be part of that time where the salvation history began, continues and will come to completion.

In this God’s time, we are ever recreated new in Christ Jesus. Advent is the reminder that God’s time began with the first utterance of God’s Word and continues to call us into being as God’s servants. Advent/arrival is not final, but ongoing. Advent reminds us that in God’s time the salvation through Jesus will be complete. So we are reminded to keep watch in order for us to be the witnesses of God’s glory overtaking this world as Jesus returns.

In this Advent, we begin again with resolve to be the witnesses of God’s good news unfolding through Jesus Christ. More than ever, as wars in Gaza, West Bank, Ukraine and other parts of the world rage, we know how important it is for us to watch and wait for the salvation through Christ to be completed in God’s time. With anticipation we pray for our Lord to return quickly.

Advent, therefore, is a time of earnest prayer for the world. Through this prayer, we open our world to the arrival of Christ who will bring glory into this world and recreate it in his love. Each year, Advent brings us this return of Christ as the way for the world to be. No other way will lead us to everlasting peace on earth.

Advent is also a time of invitation for all those who are in the world of trouble to come and be part of Christ’s reign by experiencing the joy of the birth of Jesus. Jesus comes to them as a child who bring the promise of peace, welcome and love for all.

Friday afternoon at 2 pm

There will be a joyful time of sharing for anyone who is looking for a community where Christ’s love embraces and enfold everyone. It is also time for those who are in fear and trembling to experience our Lord’s presence. Come and join us for time of exercise, game and devotion. Let you be loved by Christ’s love.

Baking and Fun for children 1:30 pm

Children are invited to come to our Saturday Baking. We are having a wonderful time together, baking, laughing, waiting and eating. We want all children to come and enjoy this time of delicious cookies made by small hands.

Watercolour Drawing

Come and learn to paint with watercolour paints. It is always daunting to do things one has not done before. Experience what it is like to create something beautiful. In this creative time, feel the presence of one another. Come because there are wonderful people who want to be with you.

Sunday Activities:

Sunday, December 3 at 10:30 am
1st Sunday of Advent – Communion Sunday

Sunday, December 10 at 10:30 am 2nd Sunday of Advent
Christmas Tree Decoration Sunday

Saturday, December 16 at 5:30 pm – Christmas Turkey Dinner
Cost: $25/person

Sunday, December 17 at 10 – 3d Sunday of Advent
Christmas Carols Sunday

Sunday. December 17 at 2:30 pm: Christmas Carols Singalong
 

Freewill donations/non-perishable food items Will also celebrate birthdays in December

Sunday, December 24 at 10:30 am
Christmas Eve Service

Sunday, December 24 at 8 pm
Christmas Eve Evening Service

Monday, December 25 at 11 am M/strong
Christmas Service with lunch

Sunday, December 31 at 10:30 am
New Year’s Service