Available - St. Paul`s Anglican Church Conway, SC

St. Paul’s
Epistle
710 Main St.
Conway, SC 29526
843-248-4706
www.stpaulsconway.org
[email protected]
December 2014
Tripp Jeffords, Rector • Dawn Rider, Deacon/Faith Formation • Sean Richardson, Youth
Minister • Amber Wallace, Secretary • Ann Boutcher, Deacon/Pastoral Care • Don Dickens,
Sexton • Vickie Hogan, Treasurer,• Tim & Heather Underwood, Ministers of Music
INSIDE THE Issue
St. Nicholas BBQFest.......................1
From the Rector’s Desk....................4
Birthdays and Anniversaries.............7
The Deacon’s Bench........................8
Light and Darkness Service...........10
Authentic.......................................11
Greening of the Church.................14
Will We Prepare Him room?..........15
Church Yard Sale...........................16
TOC AND THE ST. NICHOLAS
BBQFEST 2014 A SUCCESS
Tom Badgett and Helen Johnson serving barbeque to hungry folks.
Here is a link to the:
Worship helper list
Calendar: Click Here or go to our
website at http://www.stpaulsconway.org
(Submit news, announcements and
photos to [email protected] by
the 23rd of the month)
The LORD was pleased with our efforts as evidenced by the beautiful
weather he gave us for both the Taste of Conway and the St Nicholas
BBQfest. If you missed either event, you missed a great time of fun,
fellowship and food. The Laurel Street Market was a perfect place to
host the TOC. Thanks to Emily Miller and her crew, the decorations
transformed the rustic building into a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ten
local restaurants and caterers entered the competition. The judges from
the culinary institute judged in five categories: Entrée, Appetizer, Dessert,
All-American, and Best Overall. The- Black Thai restaurant, which will be
opening soon at the Black Water Market, won top honors after placing in the top three in all but one category.
At 6 am on the Saturday of the BBQfest, Willard Wadman, Fran MaHaffey, Helen and Scott Johnson, Dick
Sievers, and Jennifer Bryan might have questioned the “fun” part of the festival as they stood out in the
30 degree weather to welcome and assist the 60 plus vendors who came to showcase their wares. But the
temperatures did warm quickly and by the start of the event at 10am the temperature was in the 50’s and stayed
that way until the sun began to set. Hundreds of people came to sample the barbeque and our informal exit poll
showed that the mass majority were very happy with the event and went away fat and satisfied. Several of the
cookers graciously offered to cook more than the required competition amount of meat to assure we didn’t run
out of barbeque too early in the day. Backwoods BBQ team won 1st place in the cook off competition and went
on to win 2nd Place overall honors in the South Carolina Barbeque Association this past weekend.
I want to thank all of those who came out to help in any way with either of the two events. Without volunteers,
these events would not be successful. I wish to thank Father’s Place and Palmetto Works, two of the charities
that we support, for also sending volunteers. Last but most definitely not least, I want to say thank you to the St
Nicholas Steering Committee 2014; John Wilkins, Don Dickens, Casey Bittle, Willard Wadman, Mary Gillis
and Jennifer Bryan who worked so hard for so many months against seemly insurmountable odds to make this
year’s events happen. You guys and gals are truly awesome.
And finally, I want to express my humble and heartfelt thanks to John Wilkins, who on behalf of the St
Nicholas Steering Committee and all of the St Paul’s family, presented me with a plaque that read “In
Appreciation to Barbara Dickens co-chair for your 10 years of Hard Work and Dedication. 2004 – 2014”. I
will cherish it always.
Love and Peace,
Barbara Dickens and the St Nicholas Steering Committee
An over all view of the festival in full swing in the early part of Saturday afternoon (November 15th)
The Taste of Coway drew a large crowd on the inside so people took to the outside since the weather
was so nice. (upper left picture) Volunteers from St. Paul’s were a plenty at both the Taste of Conway
and the festival. (upper and lower right) There were big crowds for 4 straight hours that barbeque
was served. Last year we ran out of barbeque in just a little over an hour. This year it lasted almost 4
hours before running out.
“Who Defines Marrige”
Who gets to define marriage? Often lost in the modern debate over same-sex marriage is any
thought given to the origin of marriage itself. Where did marriage come from? I heard one of the
talk show hosts on the local radio 99.5 say that marriage is an ancient institution which predates
religion of any sort. He said that people were coupling and committing to one another long before
they began to think about the concept of a god. I am so glad that he can tell all of that by cave
drawings in France or perhaps some telepathic connection to our ancient ancestors. Problem is the
radio host was just spewing his opinion based on no facts at all.
Christians and Jews and Muslims all believe that God defined and established the patterns of
marriage and gave that pattern to our most ancient ancestors Adam and Eve. Independent of how
you wish to understand who Adam and Eve were, the point made by the Bible is that mankind
enjoyed a relationship with God from the beginning of our existence and that this relational God
instituted marriage. Marriage is God’s idea!
Some defining statements on marriage:
“God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he
created them.” - Genesis 1:27
“For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they
shall become one flesh.” - Genesis 2:24
Jesus said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the
two shall become one flesh’” - Matthew 19:5
From Genesis to Jesus the entire scope of Scripture never varies, one man and one woman for
a lifetime is the assumed pattern for marriage established by God. Now I know that life is often
less than ideal. Divorces happen. People die. In the midst of a fallen world, sometimes remarriage
is something that people choose to consider. There may be arguments made from the Bible for
remarriage, but it is nearly impossible to argue that YHWH would want us to bless same-sex
Marriage.
Here is the reason why. God created us to be dissimilar in body type and temperament, “male and
female He created them.” Adam was created in God’s image. When Adam and Eve were separated
into two creatures, Adam was made to long for his feminine counterpart to make him whole again.
When Adam sees Eve for the first time he rejoices, “This at last is bone of my bone and flesh of
my flesh!”
So the Bible describes the concept of two strikingly dissimilar creatures uniting in Holy Matrimony
and sexual consummation (becoming one flesh). When the two become one they are bringing back
together God’s original image (masculine and feminine) which was imprinted within them. This
connection of dissimilar creatures is called marriage.
Additionally, the two dissimilar creatures are endowed with different gifts, abilities, and
temperaments in order that they might be “helpmates” to one another (Genesis 2:18). For the most
part, women are better at certain things like nurturing children and men are better at other things
like work involving strength. Scientists have proven that our brains work in quite different ways as
well. Why? Because that is what God ordained. Mutual connections and vows between same-sex
couple does not meet the definition of marriage received by us from the mind of God.
But a sticky question still remains, what do we do with people who believe themselves to be
homosexual? Do we deny their basic rights to have hospital visitations for their partners? Do we
deny their ability to file joint tax returns? Do we deny their American freedoms?
Here is my take on things. All of these freedoms can be secured through civil unions. When the
state brings people into a union bound by a promise of fidelity, then all these rights can be granted
to same-sex partners. Any notary public or justice of the peace can do this for them. The confusion
comes from the fact that for years clergy were asked to celebrate the sacrament of Holy Matrimony
and, at the same time, act as an instrument of the state by signing marriage licenses. In this process
there was no separation of church and state. We need to undo this church/state mixing of roles.
Churches and clergy should be about bringing God into a marriage through a service of worship
with word and sacrament. And that’s it! The state should be about granting rights, privileges, and
freedoms in a fair fashion to everyone.
So am I for gay marriage? No. However, I am for civil unions for both gay people and irreligious,
straight people. All Americans should be able to go to the Justice of the Peace or their local
Magistrate and have their relationship formalized through a civil union and thereby enjoy all the
freedoms and protections afforded them.
I do not believe that we should confuse these unions with “Marriage,” because once again, the
concept of “Marriage” is defined and set-forth by God. Going by Genesis and Jesus, Marriage is
between a “man and woman.”
So what would all this look like? Well, it would look like what they already do in France. If
someone wants to join with another person they go get a license for a civil union and they are
joined and enjoy all the benefits of marriage. If this couple then desires to have a nuptial blessing
and to celebrate their union before God and His church, then they take their certificate of union to
a priest and plan a service called Holy Matrimony. It is not for everyone. Not everyone has the right
to marry. Those who don’t meet the biblical requirements for marriage simply cannot receive the
nuptial blessing of God through the church.
Two outcomes might then occur if this new pattern becomes the norm in America.
1)The state would not be able to inflict pressure upon clergy to marry ALL people, even those who
are not candidates for marriage from a biblical perspective, because the clergy would no longer be
working for the state. The church and state would have very separate roles.
2)The religiously indifferent would not be as apt to seek a pretty church venue and then try to
convince a priest to perform their marriage by claiming that they are seriously seeking Jesus in their
marriage, never to darken the door of the church again after their wedding. Separating state unions
from Christian Marriage would mean that only those seriously committed Christians who wanted to
incur the added time, expense, and energy involved in a church wedding would be willing to come
to the church seeking her blessing - after having been joined in a civil union. Why bother if Jesus
isn’t extremely important to you and your spouse?
In this way, the sanctity of Marriage is upheld, yet people who do not hold to God’s definition of
Marriage are still afforded their rights as Americans.
As the movement to normalize all types of unions in our culture grows, Christians will have to be
on-guard to protect the sacraments of the church, the biblical witness, and at the same time, find
ways to support the freedom and liberties of all Americans.
If you would like to read further thoughts on the subject, please visit http://kendallharmon.net/
t19/ for Drs. Christopher Seitz and Ephraim Radner’s thoughts on the subject.
Blessings and Peace,
Fr. Tripp+
Youth Confirmation Classes
An informational meeting for all youth desiring to be confirmed and their
parents will be held January 11th, following the 10:00 service. This meeting
must be attended by both the student and parents. Confirmation is a
student’s decision NOT A PARENTS! Please be respectful of your child’s
decision to participate or not participate. Classes are on Sundays at 11:30,
beginning on January 25th.
Confirmation will be Palm Sunday, 2015.
12/21/14 10:00 AM Christmas pageant followed by the Greening of the Church
Christmas Eve Services
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
12/1 Krystalyn Stacy
12/2
Benjamin and Coleman Drake, Kitty Kenney
12/4
Marc Thomas, Christopher Singleton
12/6
Rhett Johnson, Jacob Johnson, Andrew Johnson
12/7
Ben Browder, Will Norton
12/8
Nadia Scherdel
12/9
Mekayla Talbert
12/10 Tripp Jeffords, Helen Coffin, Matthew Abajian
12/12
Jeff Miller
12/13 Sarah Valenzuela
12/14
Dick Sievers
12/15
Katherine Clark
12/16
Anne Singleton
12/17
Jacob Stacy, Caroline Grace Singleton
12/18
Cameron Pickens, Robin Richardson, Karen Till
12/20
Katie Faerber
12/21
Amber Wallace, Wil Valenzuela
12/25
JESUS/Emily Miller
12/27
Brie-Ella Sanders
12/28
Cathi Browder, Ann Boutcher
12/29
John Williams, Norm Smith
12/30
Kathy Faircloth
12/31
Paul Carotti, George Thompson
ANNIVERSARIES
12/10
12/15
12/21
12/24
12/26
12/27
David & Eleanor Friddle
Tripp & Leslie Jeffords
Barry & Linda Johnson
George Thompson and Kitty Kenney
Bill and Marie Bennett
Don & Barbara Dickens, Tim & Heather Underwood,
Wayne and Ann Schmidt
5:00 PM Sand Art with singing
The Christmas Story told by Joe Castillo using
Sand Art
5:30 PM Worship Service
11:00 PM Worship Service with
music
12/25/14 10:00 AM Christmas Day Deacon’s Mass
St. Paul’s Day School performing their Thanksgiving Program. After the program everyone was
invited to the parish hall where they were served
with the day school’s version of Stone Soup.
To see the actual program you may do so at this
link: https://vimeo.com/112883005 and the children
tell what they are thankful for
https://vimeo.com/112883006
Love is kind
I started working on this newsletter article early Tuesday morning. My hope was to get it finished before
I left the house, or at least by early afternoon when I got home. As I write this it is Friday evening, or as it’s
better known “Black Friday. I am already several days late getting this turned in, and now I’m even later than I
planned.
It really was my intention when I sat down Tuesday morning to have this completed. A few lines about what
it means to be kind, how we should be kind to one another, and how kindness seems to be in short supply; slap
‘em together and hit send. Another newsletter article complete - Woo Hoo!
But my day took a sharp turn off track when I received a text from my cousin, Shelia. Sheila is one of my
favorite cousins. And even though she lives in Pennsylvania and I live here in the sunny south, when we get
together it’s like we’ve never been apart. Sheila is my cousin on my daddy’s side of the family. My daddy and
her daddy were cousins. And while her daddy is my cousin, he’s always been Uncle Harvey to me. He’s one of
the last of my relatives who has a true, thick Pennsylvania Dutch accent. To Uncle Harvey I’m “Honey Girl,” a
nickname no one else calls me. He is a very special man.
You may be asking yourself, “What does all this have to do with the “love passage” from 1 Corinthians?” If
you remember, back in October I explained I would be writing each month on the different attributes of love as
described by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians. Last month I wrote about patience, so this month’s focus is
kindness.
While patience is passive, kindness is active. The Encarta Dictionary defines the word “kind” as meaning
compassionate, generous, agreeable/safe, and caring. Kindness is patience in motion. People who are kind tend
to see the needs of others, and then look for opportunities to meet those needs. They never look for recognition
or repayment. People who are kind always seem to be ready to jump in and help, no matter how messy or nasty
the job.
Kindness can also be shown verbally. Mother Teresa said, “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but
their echoes are truly endless.” People who are kind generally have an ability to soothe hurt feelings, calm
someone upset, and to speak the truth in love in a gentle way.
A kind person is forgiving when wronged. They respond with tenderness to harsh treatment. It’s not that
they’re not hurt or angry, they just choose a better way. And it’s this better way that inspires and motivates
others to change in a positive way.
So what does all this have to do with my uncle? Harvey Sidney Herring is one of the kindest people I have
ever known. His life hasn’t been an easy road. There have been some bright spots, but for the most part it’s
been an uphill battle. If anyone has a right to complain it would be him, and yet there is a gentleness that seems
to surround him despite the fact he’s a big man. He’s what you would call a gentle giant. His voice is full
of compassion and tenderness; it’s calming to the ear as well as the heart. The only anger I’ve ever seen him
display is righteous anger. As the old saying goes, “Look up the word ‘kind’ in the dictionary and you’ll find a
picture of” my Uncle Harvey.
Jesus said, “If you are kind only to someone who is kind to you, will God be pleased with you for that? Even
sinners are kind to people who are kind to them. But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without
expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in
heaven.” - Luke 6:33, 35a (CEV) Uncle Harvey is a true child of God. He is not only a believer, but a follower
of Jesus. He has inspired me in many ways. And while kindness isn’t on the “official” list of spiritual gifts,
maybe it would be considered giving, it should be. There is something truly special about those people who
possess it.
However, if we’re not gifted with kindness, we can develop it. This is the perfect time of year to start honing
the skill of kindness. Let our speech be a little gentler, our tones a little softer, our hands a little more willing,
our feet a little more active, and our hearts a little more forgiving. Let’s go into the new year practicing more
kindness. The Kingdom will be better for it.
Your servant in Christ...dawn
Announcements
Fostering Hope is seeking angel sponsors for children in foster care! Also, we
have a pink “Coats for Angels” tree in the narthex. Please pick an angel and
donate a new or gently worn coat for a child.
The Shepherd’s Table is collecting blankets, gloves, hats and socks to give to
those in need throughout December. You can drop them off or leave them at the
church in the Shepherd’s Table basket and they will be delivered.
There will be a Soul Sisters ornament exchange at the home of Tracey Thomas at 1617 Norris Road on December 14th from 4-6 PM. Please bring an ornament for the exchange and an appetizer or dessert to share. Any
woman not currently involved with Soul Sisters who would like to join, you are welcome. Bring an ornament
and dish to share and come share in the fun!
Poinsettia order forms are out! Please consider helping to adorn the church for Christmas or donate one in
Honor of someone special. Please return forms to the church office no later than December 14.
Pick up a Mite box and Advent Calendar and prayer guide in the Parish Hall. ADRF (Anglican Development and Relief Fund) works with
communities to provide clean water. Drop your change in the Mite
box and it will help transform the world, one community at a time!
Please bring your Mite boxes in to the church office by Dec.. 28.
A Light in the Darkness Service
December 10th at 7:00 PM
St. Paul’s Anglican Church ~ in the Chapel on the
Corner
Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will
have the light of life.” – John 8:12
This is a time when we can, with others, acknowledge the “dark” feelings we have at Christmas time, the reasons for them, and offer
them to God. Soon we will experience the shortest day and the longest night of the year - “the long dark night of the soul” in which
memories from past experiences and the hurt of present experiences can become overwhelming. For some, these holidays are the most
difficult. We’ll share in singing songs appropriate for the season and our hurt, recognizing this is not a season of joy for everyone. We invite you to come and reflect on any pain, loneliness, or sadness you may feel and offer it all to our great sign of hope, the Christ
Child. Please feel free to bring a friend who may be struggling during this season.
All those who are broken, weary and hurting are welcome.
A reception with light refreshments will follow in the Parish Hall.
The total thanksgiving bags that were
delivered to CAP was 51. The goal
was to collect 50 so we did very well
and the staff at CAP thanks us for
our efforts.
This past year, I have been actively following a Bible reading plan. In my research, I found an article
I found particularly helpful in this process. Whether you’re doing a year- long study or a daily reading,
have a look at the list and see if you are getting as much as possible out of your readings.
5 Mistakes People Make When Reading The Bible
Mike Query
“As someone who grew up going to church, I’ve often viewed the Bible as both fascinating and
daunting, but somewhat inaccessible. Hearing about all the stories in Sunday School was definitely
entertaining, but they were harder to make much sense of once I got older and read them for myself.
When I began reading the Bible on my own initiative, I found it difficult at first to get much out of it. I
knew there was a lot to unpack, but it was hard for me to believe I’d be able to make much sense of
what I was studying unless I decided to attend seminary.
Over time, I was able to learn how to read the Bible and become familiar with it, but it took numerous
changes in how I approached it before I was at a point where I could read it daily and make some
sense of what it was trying to tell me.
I work primarily with teenagers, and I find them repeating the same mistakes I did when reading
my Bible when I was younger, and after talking with some peers when doing this Bible study for
myself, I realized these mistakes are also common among most adults as well. I’m pretty convinced
that, without some guidance, most people fall victim to the same traps when reading the Bible, and
unfortunately lose their enthusiasm for God.
For believers, simply reading the Bible for information is not enough if we want it to have an impact on
our lives.
There are a lot of things you can do to learn how to understand the Bible better, but first, here are a
few common mistakes to avoid:
1. Looking for Insight Rather Than Personal Application
The Bible is a fascinating book, there’s no question about it. Even if you’re coming at it from a
completely atheistic perspective, there’s enough historical and cultural significance, as well as actionpacked sequences, to keep you occupied for days.
However, for believers, simply reading the Bible for information is not enough if we want it to have an
impact on our lives.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens
to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after
looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (James 1:22-24).
Just about every verse you read contains some kind of direction from God on how we can change our
lives for the better and open up to His transformation in our lives. The Bible is applicable to situations
we go through on a day to day basis (Hebrews 4:12), from dealing with stress to loving those around
us.
It’s a huge temptation to only read the Bible with the purpose of gaining more knowledge. And while
there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, you’re missing the whole point of the Scriptures if you
never once sit down and read it with the intent to let it guide you to change something in your life.
2. Failing to Research Context
The Bible is one continual story, from cover to cover, about God creating us and doing whatever
He could to build a relationship with us. While many verses work fine when read in a vacuum (most
notably Proverbs and Psalms), most Scripture is meant to be understood in context. You can learn a
lot more about the verse you’re reading by examining the details surrounding it, including:
Author - who wrote the book, and why were they writing it? What else do we know about this person?
Date - when the book was written can tell you a lot about the verses in the book you’re reading. For
example, knowing that the book of Ruth took place in 1300 BC tells us that they lived during the time
of judges, when Israel was at one of its most darkest points in history. This makes the story of Ruth
and Boaz that much more inspiring and powerful.
Recipient - who the book was intended for can give you more insight on how the Scriptures were
meant to be processed. This is especially true of the letters in the New Testament, most of which
were written to different churches who were in various spiritual states.
3. Sticking to the Same Translation
If the only version of the Bible you’ve ever read is the one sitting on your shelf that you’ve had since
you were a kid, there’s a chance you’re reading a translation that may not be right for you.
A lot of people make the mistake of sticking to the same Bible translation, either refusing to change
because of tradition or because they’re unaware of the other reading options available. Since
each translation is slightly different, reading a different version can give you more insight into the
Scriptures, and can make an otherwise confusing Scripture more accessible.
The Bible is one continual story, from cover to cover, about God creating us and doing whatever He
could to build a relationship with us.
Order another version (such as the New Living Translation or The Message) and see if it helps you
understand a new perspective on the Scriptures, or clear up any confusion you may have previously
had.
4. Reading in a Distracting Environment
This one seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised by how many people I talk to who read
their Bibles with the TV on, while playing iPhone games, or while friends or family are nearby asking
for help. While those scenarios may work for homework or paying the bills, they make it close to
impossible to really read the Scriptures and hear what God is trying to tell you.
As I mentioned in the first point, reading your Bible can (and should!) be a very personal affair.
Eliminating distractions could mean the difference between reading a cool verse and finding the
passage that changes how you view your life.
5. Thinking the Only Way to Read the Bible is By Looking at Words on a Page
In today’s modern age, there are countless ways to digest information. This is no less true for the
Bible. Many people get stuck in a box and feel intimidated by the sheer volume of Scriptures, and end
up never giving the Bible a shot. And while the fear is understandable, it’s completely avoidable.
If you’re feeling bored of reading, or perhaps have a disability or learning challenge, try listening to
the Bible (via a full audio Bible, or a read along feature like the one found in the Tecarta Bible app) or
watching the Bible (The Story is a great example of a visual presentation of the Bible).”
YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Authentic Christmas party will be Saturday, December 6th at the Hogans. You must have RSVP to attend.
OPERATION ATLANTA IS A GO!! We will team up with TeamEffort this year and do inner-city mission work
in Atlanta. The dates are July 5th-11th. This trip is open to all current 6th-12th grade students. We will be going
rafting and ziplining for our fun day.
BUILDING A FAITH THAT LASTS
There’s so much talk and concern from parents and youth workers about teenagers’ graduating from their
faith. In this seminar, Duffy and Doug will address this legitimate concern and present practical ideas for
helping teenagers own their faith. The exciting part of this seminar is that it will be for youth workers AND
parents.
PARENTS PLEASE PLAN ON ATTENDING!! IF FINANCIALS ARE AN ISSUE I WILL PAY!! IT’S THAT IMPORTANT!!
$39 until 1/23/15
$49 at the door
Saturday, January 24th @ 9am
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SEE ME TO SIGNUP!
In HIS grip
Sean Richardson
Director of Youth Ministries
[email protected]
Greening of the Church
“The Greening of the Church” will
take place on December
21st, following the 10:00am
service.
While the Altar Guild
is in charge of the
process, help from the
congregation is needed. Please
plan on staying after church to help
dress it for the Christmas Eve and
Christmas services. As they say,
“Many hands make light work.”
This year we will be doing
something new to help make it a
little smoother. Each Altar Guild
Team will be responsible for a major
task. All parishioners are asked to
check in with Deacon Dawn before
starting to work. This way volunteers can be assigned and will know who is in charge of each
task. This should be much less confusing, and we should be able to have the church done in
quick order.
Will we prepare Him room?
From the Christmas account in Luke’s Gospel, we know that
when Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem, there was no room
at the Inn. Can you imagine the anxiety they would have faced,
dealing with questions of shelter and food, all the while knowing
that a child could be born at any time? What a time for Joseph
to make a scene. He could have made unfounded statements
that they need a place to rest, so the King , the Savior, can have a
proper earthly birth. However, there were no earthly trumpets
playing in anticipation of the King’s arrival. The ‘who’s who’ of
Bethlehem, Judea, and Samaria had not received the invitations
for the earthly party. Proper earthly accommodations were not
prepared for Jesus’ extended stay in Bethlehem. At least there
could have been a palm branch processional into Bethlehem, with
people singing Hosanna, right? At least, someone could have
given space, right? But there was no room, anywhere.
In this season of Advent, it’s important to look towards His
arrival, for we know the story, and unlike the unsuspecting
citizens of Bethlehem, we have been given this knowledge and truth that the King is coming, and we must
prepare Him room (emphasis mine). So, we look toward that Christmas night, through the words of “Joy to the
World”, which states:
Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart, prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing.
This classic hymn, not only should be sung with great joy and fire, but carries with it an extremely
important message: Let every heart prepare Him room.
The sequence of these words is so divinely inspired because it presents to us a roadmap of worship, starting
with the word JOY. This “JOY” is captured by the Lord’s actions, that He is come, and followed by our
response, to receive, prepare, and then Worship, or sing. This captures the essence of the Gospel: God moved
first and it’s our choice to respond. This is love, freely given by a sacrificial King, not coerced by a tyrant, and
that is so filled with JOY.
So the question for us, within this ever busy, commercial, and distracted season of Advent and Christmas, is,
“will we prepare Him room?”. Even the songwriter understood, that all that Bethlehem could have offered was
earthly space or accommodations, but the Lord asks us to respond with making room in our hearts , at the very
depths of who we are. Not just for this season, but for every day, the Lord challenges us and asks, “do you
have any room for Me?”. How shall we respond? From here on, may we: Come, know His Joy! Receive
Him! Prepare Him room in your heart by removing the distractions and worries of this world! Then, we can
sing, joining our voices with both Heaven and nature. That is what the King deserves upon His arrival. Let us
receive Him with open hearts, for His glory.
Tim Underwood
Saturday December 6th
8-12
The Music Team Yard Sale will be Saturday December
6th, from 8 to 12. We are raising funds to offset the
cost of tuning the organ and piano.
Items for donation to the sale may be brought to the
Parish Hall beginning Monday December 1st during
regular office hours. Helpers are still needed for the
sale and for clean up afterwards. All “leftovers” will
be donated to Goodwill or other suitable charity.
Contact Nancy Owens by phone or email if you need
access after office hours, on Friday, are able to help, or
have questions.
Pick ups can be arranged by calling the church office
or Nancy Owens
843-283-9348 cell
[email protected] email
832-248-4706 Church office