Last night, at the Blue Christmas service led by Lisa Svenson and Kelly Pyle Brown, the setting, the readings, the music surrounded us in the blue hues that can meet our ache. And Lisa preached on the "unforced rhythms of grace." Those practices of stillness and candle lighting and letting hopeful (if not cheerful) music wash over you that allow you to have hope in trying times.
For me, one of those practices that speak to the unforced rhythms of grace is generosity. People are so generous when they continue to send me Christmas cards with photos and summaries of their year even though I never return the favor. The Joyful Shepherds send cards and I enjoy writing notes on the MSUMC Christmas letters. And folks drop in to talk or bring home-made baked goods to the office (we love that). Yesterday, Rabbi Jon dropped off "Letter to My Palestinian Neighbor" -- a bestseller that addresses the conflict in Israel.
And every year, there are people who include MSUMC in their end-of-year generosity. We rely on those gifts. It's a minor miracle that we're ending the year only 15K short to pay our bills including our Mission Shares which fund ministries around the globe and closer to home like the Green Church initiative, lay servant training, camps, youth events, race & religion, etc. Fifteen thousand may sound like an insurmountable number to raise in a week but it is possible. We've done it before. Members who tithe bonuses, or who direct their Required Minimum Distributions to the MSUMC, those who catch up on their pledges, and one-time gifts from those who appreciate the presence of an inclusive, community-minded church ministry on Main Street.
May you too experience the unforced rhythms of grace this Christmas. We hope to see you in worship on Christmas Eve at 7:00 p.m.
Blessings,
Pastor Kelly
