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Development on Steroids
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The Grade Family: Tim, Susie, Russell and Old English Sheepdog, Sam.
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Tim and I live in a neighborhood that is kind of like development on steroids. Everywhere you look there are signs of innovation, renovation, restoration and development. Old places being fixed up and new places springing up. New shops, restaurants, homes and businesses seem to pop up every week. I love the work of restoration. Tim and I have fixed up a few homes and there is something about the process that is so thrilling. All of the changes in our old 'hood make it an exciting place to live...although not everyone sees it that way. Some people are kind of anti-development. We know a guy who literally laid himself down in front of the bulldozers once in an attempt to save some historic homes from becoming the ground for new condos. There seems to be a tension for a lot of folks between whether a place should be restored or scraped for something new.
In our lives it is often hard to discern if it is best to renovate and restore the old or scrape and start all over. There are certainly necessary endings in life. Times when God seems to scrape something out and start anew. Perhaps we have to say good-bye to a relationship, a job, or a long-held cherished idea or belief. In these moments we cannot embrace the new until we let go of the past. Other times there is a renewal process God does in us where something in our lives gets morphed into something new - like an old home getting fixed up and restored.
Walter Brueggeman says, "In our secret yearnings we wait for your coming, and in our grinding despair we doubt that you will." This is why Advent exists. The season of Advent reminds us of how God is with us in our waiting. Sometimes we just do not know if it's time to scrape or time to renovate - and therefore we must wait. And when we wait, we do not do so alone. We must wait on God and we must wait with God. In our waiting our souls are formed. And if we will allow the waiting to do its work in us - our souls are formed for the better.
May you have the courage to wait on Christ's coming in your life circumstances today.
Susie Grade
Co-pastor, Pathways Wash Park
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Join us this Sunday
Susie Grade continues our Advent series "God with Us." Join us as we take a look at how God is with us in our present.
12/11: Present
12/18: Future
12/24: Christmas Eve (6:00 pm)
12/25: Christmas Day (10:45 am)
Community hour starts at 9:30 am. We worship together at 10:45 am. Childcare is available both hours. Hope to see you there!
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Be our Lunch Date
 New to Pathways Wash Park? Then join us for lunch THIS SUNDAY, December 11 downstairs in the library! We will meet immediately following the service from noon-1pm to enjoy a meal together. This is a great time to meet others who are new to the community, get to know some of our staff members, and learn how to get connected at Wash Park. Feel free to invite others. Children are welcome!
If you are not able to join us, we will have another lunch after the first of the year. Watch the e-news, website and Sunday announcements for more info.
Please RSVP and/or direct any questions to Susie Grade. We look forward to connecting with you! |
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Pack a Kit for the Homeless
Join Pathways Wash Park in our annual  Christmas service project to pack winter kits for the homeless. You can participate in three ways:
1. Bring in any of the following items to the collection boxes in the barista room:
- One gallon plastic storage bags
- Socks
- Gloves
- Lip balm
- Hot cocoa packets
- Tea bags
- Hand/foot warmers
- Travel size toiletries
2. Help us pack the supplies into kits after service on Sunday, December 18.
3. Pick up a kit after the Christmas Eve service and deliver to someone in need. (Service is on Saturday, December 24 at 6:00 pm.)
We greatly appreciate your support and helping hands during this season of Advent! Questions? Contact Rosalie Sudowski.
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What's up this Month
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 6:00 pm
CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE 10:45 am
CHRISTMAS OFFERING We invite you to remember Pathways Wash Park in your year-end giving. Our goal is to raise $25,000 and get 25 new automated monthly givers. Your gifts will be used to strengthen the ministry and further the mission of helping people become passionate, devoted followers of Christ. To give online, please visit our website.
WANNA SUPPORT FAIR TRADE THIS CHRISTMAS? You can buy gifts like coffee, baskets and cards in the barista room on Sundays. All proceeds benefit projects in Guatemala, Ecuador and Rwanda. Contact Carol Schmidt for more info.
ART IN ADVENT Come explore the anticipation of Advent with canvas, paint and brushes! Join us Sunday mornings at 9:30 am now through December 18. No art experience or talent required! Materials will be supplied. Just join the fun and anticipation of Christmas. Reserve your place with Tim Grade or just show up downstairs in the youth room!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED We need four volunteers to help set up and tear down the sanctuary before and after Sunday service. The time commitment is 30 minutes, one Sunday a month, for six months. Light lifting is involved. Able to help? Contact Lara Hedberg to get on the schedule.
SAVE THE DATE Winter Retreat in Nederland February 24-25.
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Giving Update
We appreciate your presence and partnership in our family of faith! Thank you for your generosity during the month of December. Weekly budget: $5,000
DECEMBER 04: $5,948.00
DECEMBER 11:
DECEMBER 18:
DECEMBER 25:
You can give online anytime by visiting our website.
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