PJ’s Page
Today I sat in our beautiful worship space at Luther Memorial and listened to the Cora Voce Civic choir’s annual pre-Advent concert. This choir does stunning work and I was glad to see many of you there to share such deeply enriching music. It was also a good way to be gently reminded that Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, or what the Church sometimes calls the “Christmas Cycle”, will soon be upon us.
As I have mentioned, Bruce and I are taking a long planned and anticipated trip in December. We leave on December 4th for Germany, which is the land of the vast majority of my ancestors. I also lived in Germany as a young child, although I do not remember it. Bruce lived in Germany from 8th -12th grade. In many ways, it is a homecoming for us both.
As you might imagine, there will be more than a few churches on our itinerary, as well as the Christmas Markets which enchanted me as a child (according to my parents). But know that I will hold you, beloved community, in my heart and prayers, as I always do, and will be eager to return ‘home’ to Luther Memorial on December 17th.
This trip means that I will miss two Sundays with you, but what a great gift and treat you are in for on those days! On December 8th, The Rev. Paul Hoffman will preach and preside at worship. Paul was the pastor at Phinney Ridge Lutheran until his retirement this past spring. He is now actively writing and leading workshops nationwide and he chairs our synodical Candidacy Committee. On December 15th, The Rev. Kari Lipke will preach and preside. Kari is a Mission Developer, which means she is starting a brand spanking new congregation, focused primarily in the Belltown area and geared toward young adults. Both Paul and Kari are faithful servants of God, fabulous preachers, and good friends. I know you will welcome them warmly.
This time of year brings so many memories to mind for us all. For many, the holidays are difficult and for most they are a mingling of emotions. One memory from my teenage years is of a woman in our congregation who, every Christmas Eve, sang “O Holy Night” as a solo. This year, as I consider the daily dose of tragedy and difficulty in our news feed, I am drawn to the line from that beautiful song:
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices…
The coming of a Messiah offered hope to the weary world into which he was born and it offers hope to us today. In our struggles as society, in our divisiveness and our propensity to power, comes a baby who turns the world upside down. The lion lies down with the lamb and a little child shall lead them (from our OT reading on Advent 2). May we rejoice even in, especially in, our weariness.
Finally, Bruce and our family join me in wishing each of you a time of abundant peace in this season and in all seasons. May your hearts be filled with hope and may you rejoice, for unto us a Child is born!
With deep gratitude,
PJ+