Dear Beloved,
Later this month we will observe the first Sunday of Advent. The season of Advent prepares us to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the incoming of Jesus into our lives anew. Advent spans four Sundays and weeks following leading up to Christmas. For me, the Advent season is a special time that offers me space to be more intentional about slowing down and being quiet, still, reflective, repentant, connective, and open. I am grateful for the rhythm of the liturgical calendar (the calendar of the church year). Sometimes I observe it with the follow-through that I hope, sometimes I do not. I am grateful that God’s love and grace remain for all of us in and through any season.
We will offer some special events throughout Advent, including an Advent lunch and chat on November 29. This gathering will include activities, a mental health resource fair, and a visit with two authors and an opportunity to have them sign their new book. We will share more details of this and other events in future newsletters.
May you feel the hope, compassion, kindness, and solidarity of Jesus this day and always, and if your hope is waning or is hidden, please know you are never alone. You are the beloved child of the One who hung the moon and the stars, the One who created everything, the One who continues to create, the One who continues to hold and carry you.
Shalom,
Sarah
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)
