Hurry Up and Wait!
Hello Tablers. It seems crazy, but it’s less than a month until Christmas! Hope that opening sentence didn’t induce a sense of panic for anyone.
Among the other implications of that bit of chronological insight is that fact that this Sunday marks the beginning of the season of Advent. In the historical practices of the Christian tradition, this is NOT the Black Friday driven on ramp to a season of rampant consumption. In fact, it’s more like a few corrective nudges away from all of that. Advent is a season of waiting…of anticipation, certainly, but also of contemplation and reflection. For me, the work of reflection doesn’t tend to produce giddy glee, even though it can lead to moments of joy and peace. It’s more complex than that, more nuanced, because it inevitably includes learning (which is often somewhat distressing) and reconsideration, which can be disruptive.
And on top of that, pausing to consider in this season in our culture can feel a bit like swimming upstream. Even if we want to do it, the calender wages war on our good intentions. It takes deliberate effort to wait, when all around is hurry.
So…this Sunday, and for the next three weeks, we will carve out some time to mark the season of Advent. We’ll do that by exploring some of the stories of “journey” that are part of that narrative, and also by hearing from some individuals that have made some life changing journeys of their own. More about that on Sunday.
Some important details:
This is a Kid’s Table Sunday. Amy and I were talking about the Kid’s Table earlier this week, and remarking on it’s incredible growth. It feels like only moments ago that there was one little person in our community. Now, as Amy put it, she can have “15 favorites” on any given Sunday morning. Wow! I know that the group of adults caring for our youngsters could still use more helpers, so if that intrigues you at all, take the time to talk to Amy.
Our Christmas gathering will take place on the evening of December 20th. It will include sharing a meal together. More details will be forthcoming, starting this Sunday. For now, hold the date if you can.
A new gathering space: Although the challenge of where we will gather once we can no longer meet at Independent is not yet resolved, there has been some incremental progress. I know that’s awfully vague. I’m not trying to hid anything, it’s just that none of the ideas we are exploring has become concrete yet. The Leadership Team appreciates and values your prayers and support as we continue to look for the next place we might call home. Thank you!
That’s it for now. I’ll see you on Sunday!
Peace,
Tim Plett