Special Edition
LIFE TOGETHER ON WEST MORRIS STREET
A weekly information and prayer journal by Pastor John Hay, Jr.


December 17, 2007

ADVENT HOME STRETCH

Since I didn't get to preach because of the snow cancellation on Sunday--and, I suppose, to drain off some pent-up energy that I would have expended!--I'd like to share a bit from my heart today. A complete Life Together on West Morris Street will be published later in the week. This is a special edition.

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I really didn't want to cancel Sunday School and Morning Worship yesterday. There are no "throw-away" Sundays. Not only was I looking forward to being together in worship on only one of four Advent Sundays, so much was missed, including an important Society meeting, Dr. Duewel's class Christmas Luncheon and the College-Career Lunch Out. I'm hopeful these will be rescheduled and that yesterday's cancellation will not be a "loss" at all. On the contrary, my anticipation for Sunday, December 23rd is heightened.

Taking the snowfall, predicted blowing and drifting, road conditions, and the timing of the storm into consideration, I cancelled the service at 5:15 am. Then, after making lots of phone calls, I shoveled our driveway and headed to the church in my VW. Fishtailing on I-465 and Morris Street a few times and seeing conditions at the time, I felt better about choosing on the safe side. Still, I had the thought that it might have been fun open the doors and share a time of worship, praise, and the Word for even one or two who might have dared brave the elements. Such is my impulse to worship and be gathered with God's people.

I don't think the snow accumulations or wind was as bad as forecast. By noon, conditions were improved and they continued to improve throughout the day. Our youth group had an activity and two of WEMO's Sunday evening small groups combined for a Christmas fellowship in our home. You know what is said: "Where two or three Free Methodists are gathered together in His name…there will be food!" What a houseful of children, laughter, holiday food, and hope. Our time of fellowship, prayer, Bible study, and prayer with a small group each Sunday evening is, to me, essential to my spiritual growth and journey. I pray such for every WEMO participant.

Now we are turning into the "home stretch" of Advent and heading toward Christmas. Shortly, anticipation will become fulfillment. Expectation will yield to joy. Hope will be realized. As commercial Christmas winds down ("kulture krismas," I call it!) and the stores close on Christmas Eve, our doors will open and the authentic celebration will begin! As they turn their lights off, the Light begins to shine! And we will celebrate from full hearts as the world looks on in baffled wonder. It won't be "stuff" that makes us sing, express satisfaction and fullness; it will be a grace that comes from beyond and a gift that we receive by faith. This, too, I pray for every WEMO member and friend.

Because of prior plans, some will just not be able to be with us on Sunday (December 23) or Christmas Eve (December 24, 5:00 pm). If not, may God be with you and bless you wherever you are. But may I make an appeal to all who are able, available and in town during these service times? Please do not let these gatherings of your faith community be relegated to the "optional" category for personal and family plans amid last-minute choices. WEMO is family--your faith family. You may have lots of relatives with which to celebrate the holiday, but here is the future of faith. There are many believers for whom worship is the primary celebration of Christmas and it is the people of the church who represent hope amid some very disheartening family and life situations. Let us "be there" not just out of convenience for ourselves, but out of confidence and commitment to one another and in affirmation of the fellowship of the future in which we are privileged now to participate.

Several individuals and families have chosen to directly assist other families and children this Christmas. God bless you. We've participated in "Operation Christmas Joy" for the children Joel and Janette Miller work with in Mexico City. We are bringing in--please continue to-winter items for homeless neighbors. And WEMO volunteers will distribute Christmas Baskets this Saturday, December 22 (Can you help? Call the church office today!). God bless you in your weekly faithfulness in tithing (or God help you begin!). And God bless you in these and other ways you are extending yourself and giving in compassion and outreach. We will receive a Compassionate Ministry offering during our Christmas Eve service; this offering helps us assist individuals and families in crisis throughout 2008.

As I have been preparing Daily Doses of Hope throughout these weeks, I've been aware of the power of hope as never before. If you have not been doing so, I invite you join in the fellowship of reading these daily Scriptures and reflections on hope at www.westmorrisfm.org/compass/dailyhope.htm. More than that, I pray that the grace of hope will be realized in your heart, mind, and expressions of faith and life in the coming days and in 2008. We have no way of changing the past, but we do not have to live in it or for it. Anticipation of the future cannot be based on our daydreams, hope-so's, or perceived personal power to shape it into the plans or images we cast. But let the present moment--today--be transformed into the poise, peace, and power that comes from resting in the promises and future we find in God's living Word.

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LOOKING FORWARD Please note the following upcoming gatherings and opportunities to express and experience the Body of Christ. This list will be updated in this weeks's regular edition of Life Together on West Morris Street.

- Youth Christmas Party - Dec 19, 6:15-8 pm
- Coffeehouse, Wed, Dec 19, 6:15-8:00 pm
- CLC, Wed, Dec 19, 7:00 pm
- Christmas Basket distribution - Sat, Dec 22, 9 am
- Breakfast fellowship - Sun, Dec 23, 9:00-9:30 am
- 4th Advent Morning Worship - Sun, Dec 23, 10:30 am
- WEMO Society Meeting - This Sunday, Dec 23, 12 pm, front of Sanctuary (to consider 2008 Church Budget)
- Christmas Eve Service, Dec 24, 5:00 pm - "A Celebration of Hope!"
- College/Career Carry-in Dinner & ice skating-Dec 28 @ 6:30 pm
- "Sixth Day of Christmas All-Church Pitch-in Dinner," Sun, Dec 30, 12: 15 pm, Lower Level
- Campus Crusade for Christ Neighborhood Outreach - Sun, Dec 30, 1 pm
- New Year's Eve Praise Celebration - Dec 31, 8 pm

A LINGERING BLESSING "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. " - Romans 15:13

West Morris Street Free Methodist Church
2302 West Morris Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46221
John Hay, Jr., Senior Pastor
Phone: 317.632.8311
Office e-mail: wmsfmc@juno.com
Website: www.westmorrisfm.org

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