Tag: WV Annual Conference

Advent Study and Invitations

Today (and hopefully every Sunday during Advent) I will be sharing with you an Advent Study that has been prepared for us by our bishop, Bishop Sandra L. Steiner Ball.

I encourage you to not only use this devotional material at home, but also to follow the Advent Invitation at the end of each devotion. I would love to hear – in the comments – how following these invitations are encouraging you to have a different kind of Christmas this year.

BTW – I am “giving up” at least one gift this Christmas – both giving and receiving – in order to help “Imagine No Malaria” and the “Nothing but Nets” campaign.  I will be sending the text message “MALARIA” to 27722 to donate $10 and I will be doing this during our worship time at First UMC each week during Advent. I truly believe that Christmas is about miracles for the world and one of my Christmas wishes is for this disease to be eradicated .

An Advent Study for the
Home
Prepared for the Family and Friends of the West Virginia
Conference
Advent 2012
Bishop Sandra L. Steiner Ball

Advent Service for our home
FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT THE PROMISE
THE READING: As we prepare to light the first candle on our Advent wreath, our thoughts go back to the promise of the coming of Jesus foretold by the prophets. As the followers of God waited for the day when
Jesus would come, they prepared themselves for the fulfillment of this promise. They had heard God speak through the prophets and could hardly wait for Jesus’ coming. Similarly, we find it difficult to wait for
Christmas. Let us take time to prepare ourselves for the promise of this great day.

THE SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 9: 2,6
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon
his shoulder, and his name shall be called, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
(Light the first purple advent candle)

BISHOP SANDRA’S ADVENT CALENDAR INVITATION 2012
December 2: As we begin this Advent Season I will allow God to be involved in all my preparations and activities. I will use the home Advent service. I will listen for God’s voice daily.
December 3: This season I will worship as much as possible with my home congregation and community. I will commit to daily prayer at lunchtime seeking to see where God is at work and seeking to join God there.
December 4: I’ll remember that Jesus calls us to not lose our childlike faith in God.  Today I will have some contact with children and allow myself to have fun with them on their level.
December 5: Bake (or buy) a Christmas treat and take it to a neighbor – Just to be a WV Blessing – sharing God’s love and care with someone else.
December 6: Today I will share a glory sighting, where I have seen God/Christ at work, with family and friends.
December 7: I will write a special “Good News” note to 2 persons I know to share just how much they are a blessing to me.
December 8: This day I will do something special for or with my family.

There’s No Place Like…

A Whirlwind

And so it happened. They were walking along and talking. Suddenly a chariot and horses of fire came between them and Elijah went up in a whirlwind to heaven.
2 Kings 2:11 The Message

The past seven days have been something of a whirlwind for me.  I haven’t really had much time to take a breath and seriously think about it but I know that in the midst of this latest busy trek on the path to home, I have experienced the very presence of God.

I knew that presence as I sat next to a colleague who just six months ago gave me some of the greatest words of support and encouragement that I have ever received.  I still carry that note with me and it will always bring me joy!

I knew that presence as I sat at lunch with a colleague who has prayed for me and my family during a time of transition…One who calls me “Scottie” and gets away with it…Who insists on hugs every time we meet and I don’t mind a bit.

I knew that presence as I sat in continuing education sessions with a colleague who has supported me in a Covenant Group for several years with prayer, encouragement and accountability.  He is one who knows my sense of humor and appreciates it always.

I knew that presence when I ate dinner with a colleague who helped my daughter through a very special time in her life and we shared with each other about our “other” homes.  I know that I will be praying for him and his girls even as he prays for me and mine.

I knew that presence as I worshiped with clergy from all over the West Virginia Annual Conference at Cedar Lakes and felt their affirmation as I stepped into a new role and a new place I will call one of my homes.

I knew that presence as I met with my Clergy Covenant Group at the best place in West Virginia to enjoy crab cakes – Crabby Patti’s in Ripley – and we shared our joys, our worries, our hopes, our struggles and our dreams in the midst of much change in our Conference “home.”  I know I am praying for them, but probably not as much as they are praying for me. And yet I know they still love me.

I knew that presence as I ate dinner with my Mom and Dad, and Mom’s Aunt and Uncle and then visited with them even more that evening and the next morning.  I heard stories I had not heard before and heard others that triggered memories long ago set aside as we shared about family.  I felt connected to generation after generation of my family and I felt the presence of God.

I knew that presence as I shared a lunch with a friend who I not only still trust with my health care but is one that anyone can trust.  It was great to spend time with one of God’s healers who is still humble enough to live into their humanity.

I felt that presence as I was reunited with my family after a few days away – laughter, stories and great donuts made for good times!  “Friday Night Lights” with the Princeton Tigers and their wonderful band and a fifth quarter at the church that went on till Saturday.  (A soft bed made for a good night’s sleep as well.)

I felt that presence in the moments – that came quite often – when I thanked God for the great staff members who were caring for everything at First Princeton UMC.

I felt that presence as I worshiped with my newest church family and felt their grace, prayers and support after a long week.

I felt that presence as I watched the churches of the Princeton Parish (UMC) unite with community members of Princeton to serve those around us by cleaning up two local parks and a fountain area downtown.

Ah…the whirlwind…I felt it.  And even though I know these recollections don’t come close to naming every moment I felt it, I know that it is carrying me closer and closer to home.

photo credit: *nacnud* via photopin cc