The season of Advent is upon us, this is the time when we begin to prepare ourselves and the church for the coming of the Christ Child. At FCC we have begun the season with our Hanging of the Greens Service this past Sunday and will continue to prepare with each lighting of the Advent candles. As individuals we prepare ourselves by attending special programs and services. We decorate our homes, we find ourselves reading more devotions and yes, we even begin to shop for that perfect gift. All of which to help us be ready for the “Word made Flesh.” Advent reminds us that we should always be preparing and be prepared for God’s wonderful acts of Love.

 

            This year during the Advent season FCC and I are also preparing for more of God’s acts in our lives. I as I end my ministry here at FCC and begin to prepare for other opportunities in ministry and FCC as it begins to prepare for new opportunities in ministry. We are both in a time a transition and a time of transformation, waiting to hear God speak to us and make known those wonderful opportunities that lie ahead. However, just as we cannot speed up the coming of the Christ Child, we can not speed up these opportunities.

 

            I write this as much for myself as I do for FCC. Patience is the key. I would love to know where my next ministry will be and to whom. I would like to know what God has in store for me. As I think FCC would like to know, who its next minister will be, where will we gather if we move and what ministries will we be providing? However, these things can not be rushed. I have to keep reminding myself to allow God and the process to work. Yes, there are things that I need to be doing and there are things that FCC needs to do in this time of waiting. Which is being prepared, I wish I could tell you what that preparation is and how to do it. But I can’t, because the preparation needed is as unique as the person or the church doing the preparation. I am certain though that if we don’t rush or hurry, if we listen and pray, if we dialogue with others, if we open ourselves, mind and spirit, if we act in Love, then we will know what preparation is needed. Then, we will hear that small still voice calling out to us and providing us with our new ministries. The “Word made Flesh” will be known and we will celebrate.

                                                                                                                              

            The last seven years have been wonderful. Over these years we have grown together in ministry and in friendship. I will remember my time at FCC very fondly and will hold all of you in my prayers and thoughts. I cannot thank you enough for the support you have shown to me and my family throughout these years, especially during Beth’s accident and death. I know our paths will cross over the years (we’re Disciples and there aren’t that many of us) and I look forward to those times. May the flames of the Spirit continue to encourage and to inspire you. May the Grace of God continue to bless you. May the Love Christ continue to hold and to challenge you. And may Peace be with you always.

“Remember, that whatever you do or wherever you go, I love you!”

Love always

Mark

 

Only Twenty Shopping Days Left Until Christmas!

 

The handcrafters have made some lovely and useful gifts that may be purchased in time for Christmas.  There are polar fleece shawls, cozy throws for sofas, kitchen towels, hand-knit baby sweaters and shawls, and many other items!  You may contact a member of the handcrafters group to view the gifts or call

Ellen Aynes  (952-922-5570) or

Mary Lou Norman (612-370-0466).

 

Kathy Hintz was the lucky winner of the Sunbonnet Sue quilt.  The Handcrafters thank the church members and friends for their continued interest and support of their efforts.

 

Recycling Comes To FCC -- Officially!!
There are now recycling containers in several key offices/rooms of the church.  There will be two containers; one is for paper and the other for a mixture of other items (cans, glass, plastic: no need to sort).  Just like at home, please rinse out any containers you are putting in the recycling bin. 
 
Rick will be emptying the smaller containers into our larger recycling cans out by the dumpster, where they'll be picked up by Waste Management, our garbage hauler. 
 
Thanks to the Green Team, Rev. Mark, Pat Dunlop and Sandy Morgan for moving this forward and making recycling a reality at First!!!

 

A Special Thanks:

          Thank you to all who came out last Saturday despite the weather to help decorate the church!  Also, a big thanks to those who participated at Sunday’s worship service, and another thank you to members of the Handcrafter’s for providing us with a beautiful Advent banner.

 

 

Joys and Concerns:

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers Sands Callanan, who is having surgery this Wednesday, December 5th.  Please pray that the surgery goes well, and the recovery is quick!

 

 

Special Note:

-In order to place in article in the Courier, please drop off or email articles no later than the Monday prior to publication.  Articles received after Monday will be placed in the following week’s Courier.  Thanks!