How can it be that Advent is already among us?! I feel like it wasn't that long ago you all dressed up in your festive attire the 3rd Sunday in Advent (this year that will be December 14th by the way!). On 11/23 I challenged you all to consider how you will make room for the Christ Child in this season of Advent. As we prepare for Jesus, it is important we prepare our hearts, minds and spirits for the work that we are called to do as followers of Jesus. Maybe we need to let go of a behavioral pattern, maybe we need to pick up the Bible and learn about Jesus (read a chapter a day of Luke in December - you will complete it by Christmas Eve!), maybe we need to be still and acknowledge God's presence moving among and within us. Whatever it is - make your plan and see how God will break forth new beginnings in your life and in the church!
Many activities are quickly approaching that you find scattered about the Chimes this month - please make note and mark your calendars. This includes the Parsonage Open House on December 11th. Please plan on dropping by for as little as 5 minutes to say hi, enjoy snacks and mingle with people from both GLFUMC and Delta Mills. All are welcome to attend 3:30-7pm. I am looking forward to having you at the parsonage! If you need the address, call the office, Kylea will gladly share it with you!
It seems like much has been shifting in the past month! A new time of worship - 9:15! You have adjusted well and for that I am incredibly grateful. We have a new staff member, Leonid (Leo) Tsoy leading the music on Sunday morning and we are so incredibly grateful he has joined our staff! Leo and I are working to make the combined worship service on December 28th to be a musical experience (without a sermon)! I hope you have scheduled time on your calendar to join us as we worship together with Delta Mills at Grand Ledge First UMC at 10:30, for December 28th and stick around for a potluck! We are now locking our doors at the start of worship for safety purposes. If you arrive to worship after the 9:15, please go to the office door to be let in. Jan Jacobs has agreed to hold "post" for the first 15 minutes of worship. We will need others to step into the role so it isn't the same person all the time. If you are willing to serve the church in this capacity moving forward, please let me know. More information on our safety procedures will be coming soon as the Intruder Team and Trustees work to raise awareness in our congregation with the help of local Police and Fire Department Chiefs and other Emergency Management Leaders.
A note and some reminders as we prepare for a new year together: I have not been in the office physically as much lately. I am using my time to focus my energy on the tasks that need it most. If you hope to connect with me for a particular reason, please call, text or email me to set up time. I love to see you all and converse, however time and energy are limited now that you have a ¾ time pastor and dropping by to chat is harder when I'm in the office working on other tasks between meetings. Additionally, my energy and attention on Sunday mornings needs to be focused on leading worship, not addressing church business that can be addressed during the week, please schedule time outside of Sunday to help me be as fully present in worship as I can be to leading our time centered on God, led by the Holy Spirit. Fridays continue to be set aside for my sabbath day of rest. Some weeks that is not possible due to pastoral duties and meeting, so I need to pivot to another day. As that happens I will communicate that to Kylea and Mary Daniels if there are any changes. Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate this new season.
Together in ministry,
Pastor Kayla
