Advent Season, A New Year

A New Year Begins with Advent
 
Happy New Year! Advent is here and a new church year begins. As ELCA Christians who follow the 3 year lectionary and seasons of the church, our calendar works a little differently. We experience a fresh new start NOW prior to Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Our year begins with Advent--preparing for the birth of Christ anew in our hearts, our homes, and communities.  
                I love Advent! Like Pr. Sue shared yesterday, I too love the vibrancy and beauty of the blue in this season. I love focusing on a new gospel. This year 3 is the gospel of Luke--a gospel with moving, thought-provoking, unique stories often known beyond those who know and follow Jesus, like the “The Prodigal Son” (or what I like to call it: “Two Sons and a Father”). As your pastor, merely changing the season enlivens me; yet beginning the new year gives an added freshness to it, especially since Advent is so rich in it’s story, symbolism, and intent to prepare us for the coming of Christ and Christmas. It’s a powerful moment in the life of the Christian Church which flies by so quickly. There is so much to do in December! Having a season that reminds us to take the time to center and pay attention to the wonders all around us can tremendously help us to not get too caught up in our lists of all we need ‘to do.’
                Advent is a time to stop a moment and enjoy a nice hot beverage on a cold winter morning or before going to bed. Advent is a time to light candles as we move towards Christmas and read daily devotions and scripture that celebrate God’s love for us and presence in all ways. Advent is a time to enjoy the sparkling colored lights and various holiday celebrations with tasty foods and opportunity to enjoy loved ones near and far. Advent is a time of giving and receiving, setting the pace for a year, a lifetime of such giving and receiving.
                Advent is a time for worship. Last night we began Holden Evening Prayer for Advent. It’s like a warm blanket for me--the words, the music, the community engagement. I love how it recognizes the rhythm of our days, helping us transition from day into night. I love how the readings for reflection recognize the struggle of being human while inviting us to trust in the One who will never let us down. I love how this worship speaks in a special way to this time of year. Maybe it’s because Advent was when I first exposed a congregation to it or because winter is so clearly on its way. Or maybe, it’s because singing the words of Mary during Advent makes them alive in a way no other season can. It’s a lovely addition to Advent. I highly recommend it (Thursdays, 7 pm). And, if you’d like to continue it in Epiphany, we can! There’s something about this mid-week worship that brings meaning to winter and a new year.
                Advent is here; a new church year has begun. The Holy Spirit is at work, making all things new with fresh possibility and new challenge. This Sunday at our congregational budget meeting, we will vote on a 2019 budget that has again been prepared as transparent, honest, and wise as possible, recognizing shortfall this year while being clear about what matters to us and what seems to be God’s call for us in the days ahead.  We will also vote on whether or not to proceed in splitting my call as your pastor into 2 part-time calls utilizing the gifts, wisdom, and spirited faith of two people to serve this congregation in 1 full time call.  I’ve done this ministry before and I love it! It’s rich, vibrant, and engaging for all involved. There’s a reason Jesus sends out disciples two by two. Shared ministry is powerful!  That’s why we as ELCA Lutherans have such emphasis on shared ministry between laity and clergy. Collaboration works! May we all stop and wonder, center and be, pay attention and see the wonders of this Advent season.   
               

In Christ,

​Pastor Dawn Teuthorn, your grateful Pastor of Coastside Lutheran Church