St. Andrews by the Lake

GRAINS OF SAND

                                                   SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

                                                                Dec. 7-13

PRACTICES FOR ADVENT

Last week I mentioned that the time of Advent is not just simply a time of waiting for Christmas Day — but a time of preparing for the “Life-Light” (Jesus the Christ). This season is often filled with social engagements and gift-giving, but how do we honor the season of darkness, while making way for the Life-Light?

Music is one way for me.  I don’t listen much to the radio — too many commercials for my taste. Instead, I have a collection of CD’s of Advent music that I really enjoy. Is there special music of the season that transports you to a different place?

Attending gatherings that celebrate joyful connections is important. However, if it starts to feel like “I should go” or “I have to go” — then maybe it’s important not to go.  Going anywhere near high traffic shopping is also usually not worth it.  By eliminating some of these events, you might actually have a very spacious Advent.

Christmas Cards.  I have to admit I still haven’t gotten last years out — and I may not this year either. Try to focus on meaningful connections — rather than just collecting as many as one can.  More is not better — but endeavor to savor the ones you receive - and send cards to those you love. And with that extra time, perhaps there is a justice issue you can focus on — like calling or writing representatives concerning Health Care Reform or climate change issues.

Light a candle daily and simply be in the silence — a good daily Advent way of praying.

Find a one day retreat to attend - and give yourself the gift of time away.

Be aware of special ‘Saint’ days to celebrate. Remember they are some of our models for Christian living. St. Nicholas Day was yesterday — and what a wonderful way to incorporate simple and generous gift giving into life with children — to allow more focus on Christ at Christmas. Or how about Santa Lucia. There is wonderful mixture of gospel and Swedish folklore in this celebration.

How about creating a ‘not do’ list.  Instead of piling on activity, stress and expectations during the season, make a list of things you won’t do - including attitude ‘won’t do’s’.

Find some ways to be outside in the fresh air and appreciate the chill and beauty of this time of year.

Most of all — don’t try to do all of the above.  Notice the deepening darkness, try tending your inner spirit as you create your own Advent rituals - or celebrate as you have in years past. In any event, I hope you have a holy Advent.   Blessings, Cindy

PARENT’S AFTERNOON OUT/CHILDREN’S EVENT - Saturday, Dec. 12, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

If you have children between infancy and 11, bring them to church for activities while you enjoy some time to yourself. This includes parents and other caregives such as grandparents. We have plenty of hands to hold babies, and we have interesting craft activities (around the theme of Our Lady of Guadelupe Day), plus a surprise visit by a local dog lover.

Please contact Sally Maxwell for more information  349-9917

GREENING OF THE CHURCH - Sunday, December 20th

It is our tradition to stay in Advent as long as we can, before any greens are hung for Christmas.  The Greening of the Church will take place on December 20th, right after worship.  We can use plenty of hands — especially those who can climb ladders. Also need people who like to hang wreaths, tie bows and make decisions.  This will be our first greening of the church since we have returned — so we’ll need to figure out how we want our worship space to look.

CHRISTMAS EVE -  December 24th - Holy Eucharist, 5:00 p.m.

Please note the time change (a bit later) from past years. It is hoped it gives those coming from work a little more time to get to worship.  Lot’s of wonderful music will be offered — and we will sing many carols together, as we have in the past.  It’s a wonderful time to gather and remember the birth of Jesus, the Christ.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT - January 3rd, 9:45 a.m.

The children have begun to work on the Christmas Pageant under the capable guidance of Liz Maeshima, Roberta Cline, Adelaide Cline and Mary Shaw - and others who will no doubt be pulled in to help. It’s great fun — and we’ll get to share in the event on Sunday morning, January 3rd.

NEW ART EXHIBIT!

     Awesome, simply Awesome! Arlene Renken has gathered a wonderful new art exhibit, centered on the Madonna and Child. There are many representations from around the world and different cultures.  In addition, she has created a ‘gallery walk’ to help us look more closely at each piece of art. It’s kind of like a ’scavenger hunt’. You will find the ‘gallery walk’ in a box on the first table inside the Mission Hall.  Thank you to Arlene for all the efforts she has put into this exhibit — it truly is a gift to us. And many thanks to Joan and John Hunn who typed all the cards describing each piece.

NEWCOMER COFFEE — Sunday, December 13th 

     If you have recently begun attending worship at St. Andrew’s by the Lake, we’d like to offer you a time to learn more about the community, our way of worship, how to get more involved in what interests you, and how we do our budget. We will meet in the Memorial Room right after worship, and a special coffee hour will be provided for us. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions about life at St. Andrew’s by the Lake.  Someone will be calling you this week to see if you can attend. If you have been at St. Andrew’s for awhile, but have never attended one of these ‘coffee’s’, then please plan to join us. You would be most welcome.

REQUEST for PHOTO’s by Sally Maxwell 

     Sally is planning a ‘visual’ sermon for December 27th (around John 1: 1-8). Does anyone have pictures to share of nature, sunrises, sunsets and other light related images? If you would like to contribute to the visual sermon, please contact sallymax2002@yahoo.com.  Thank you.

A NIGHT OF NORWEGIAN FOLK MUSIC – Hot off the Press!! 

     Mark your calendars for Friday, February 12th, 7 p.m. for a night of Norwegian Music at St. Andrew’s by the Lake.  We will have Arna Rennan and Brian Dack with us to provide a wonderful evening of entertainment. In addition, we’ll have Norwegian lefse and krumkake, along with other scandinavian cookies.  100 free tickets will be available — and there will be a free will offering taken. The Bishop’s Committee will be deciding what local agency will receive the offering — so if you have suggestions, speak to a Bishop’s Committee member (Kinnan Stauber, Tim White, Lori Thompson, Liz Johnson, Roberta Cline, Liz Maeshima, Mary Gaidis, Judy Behning, Bruce Truckey, Kurt Hannula).

The music is sponsored for this evening, so all offerings will go to the agency of our choice.

THIRD THURSDAY LUNCH - December 17, 11:30 a.m.

Mark and Ginny Berger have graciously invited those who would like to attend the Third Thursday Lunch, to their home on Thursday, Dec. 17th.  Please RSVP to Ginny and Mark so they know how many will be attending. (728-1350)

ADULT EDUCATION - Wednesday, December 16, 7 p.m.

The last session on the Book of Proverbs will be held on this date. The next adult education offering will be a study of the Book of Job, co-led by Susan Nelson and Cindy Peterson-Wlosinski. This class will be the last three Wednesdays in January - more information to come.