Pastoral note, from Garrett
On Sunday we lit the candle of peace. Frederick Buechner reckons that Jesus had an alternative definition of peace, rooted in the Hebrew word for peace—Shalom. Shalom means having everything you need to be wholly and happily yourself. Buechner says, “For Jesus peace seems to have meant not the absence of struggle, but the presence of love.” I hope you find glimpses of that presence this week.
Here’s what’s coming up…
The Sanctuary Choir Concert will take place at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church on December 14 at 4:00 p.m. It’s going to be a wonderful evening of music, and we hope you’ll join us. Randy showed me the program for the evening— it’s going to be big and beautiful in an incredible sacred space.
Our Sanctuary Choir has been working hard to prepare, and our KidzSong Choir—yes, even with their 14-minutes-a-Sunday rehearsals—is excited to share their songs too! An offering will be received that night to support the San Antonio Food Bank.
The concert is at 4 p.m., and as I mentioned last week, the concert will let out around ‘Queso o’clock.’ Torchy’s is right down the street. Make a night of it.
On Christmas Eve, we will have 3 services in Maresh Hall. The 3:00 p.m. service will be geared toward children. Katie has been working on making that service a meaningful experience for children, families, and anyone who wants to join us for an engaging worship service. All are welcome… just know what you’re getting into if you show up at 3.
The 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. services will be traditional candlelight services with carols and readings. These are my favorite services of the year, and I’m looking forward to them—even in our “alternative sanctuary.” After all, what better time than Christmas to reflect on the holy inconvenience of being out of the sanctuary? When there’s “no room in the inn,” and we have to come up with alternative plans, we know we are living the heart of the Christmas story. When we’re faithful to that script, Christ meets us in unexpected places.
Grace and peace,
Garrett Vickrey