ANOTHER CHANCE TO GET IT

(I first wrote this article in 1993 and print it again from time to time. I think it still speaks to the season and to the wonders of Heaven.)

Before his death in 1980, John Lennon was asked about the possibility of a reunion by the Beatles and I'll never forget his answer. "I don't have any desire to get back Sam's Picture

together," he said, "and do it all over again for those people who didn't get it the first time." Thankfully the heart of Heaven is a bit more compassionate, a bit more indulgent, and the world waits now in great anticipation for it all to be done again for those of us who didn't quite get it the first time.

And make no mistake about it, we didn't get it the first time! The great surprise came not from Jerusalem or Rome, but from the little backwater town of Bethlehem. It came not from a carpeted assembly room or from beneath a gold dome, but from a stable. It came not on a great steed or from Air Force One, surrounded by armies and delegations, but as a baby, delicate and vulnerable. It came not from among the culturally elite and privileged, but from the scorned and outcast. And we didn't get it.

And we didn't get what he said, either, did we? He said, "Blessed are the peacemakers," but human beings wage war-and in the name of God-every single day. He said to give the cloak as well as the coat, but the amassing and protection of fortune still consume the greatest amount of our time and energy. He said that we should love one another, but an alarming number of us aren't even on speaking terms with one another. He said to forgive "seventy times seven," yet we are blessed with good memories and prefer to remember wrongs suffered. We haven't gotten it, have we?

He lost the majority vote in the last week of his life and stood alone to face the wrath of the offended, but we somehow still seek popularity and sell our souls for acceptance. He kept his mouth shut and refused to acknowledge insane charges, but we profusely proclaim our innocence and deny accountability for proclamation of the truth. He chose daily to pour himself out in sacrifice and service, but we save ourselves for what might never be. We haven't gotten it, have we?

But now the world gathers itself and heaven will do it all over again and again for those of us who have not gotten it. Let our prayers in Advent be that our minds be opened, our hearts attuned to the surprises and reversals of heaven, that we might be among those few who understand-those few who get it.
And I'll see you this Sunday.

News

Mrs. Betty is retiring after more than 25 years of loving service in our Nursery. Join us at a reception in her honor next Sunday, December 13 from 10-11 a.m. in the Parlor.

Our Dementia Caregivers Support Group will meet Wednesday, December 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Our Christmas Homebound Worship Service will be on Sunday, December 13 at 5 p.m. in the Reception Hall. Dinner, Christmas hymns and Holy Communion are specifically arranged for those with mobility and health concerns. If you would like to bring a loved one, please RSVP by December 7. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Longest Night Worship will be Thursday, December 17 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Through word and song, we will remember that Christ shines light into the darkness of our lives. This beautiful service offers a quiet respite amidst the holiday rush. A dessert reception will follow.

We invite you to serve with our Parking Ministry on Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Help members who have difficulty walking with valet parking and getting to and from worship and Sunday School. 30-minute to 1-hour shifts are available. Training is provided. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Worship with us on Christmas Eve. Thursday, December 24: Children's nativity services at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Candlelight Communion at 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.).

Save the date! Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti will be presented by the Jubilation Drama Ministry on Friday and Saturday, December 18 and 19. This fully staged musical with orchestra follows the Three Kings on their journey to the Christ child and their encounter with Amahl and his mother. Tickets (Seniors $18/Adults $22) will be available on the Bridge on Sundays and through the Church Office. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

2016 Women's Retreat registration is open. Join us Feb. 5-6, 2016 at Serenbe. Pick up a brochure or click here to dowload a form. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

The Hospitality Ministry is looking for friendly, creative and energetic volunteers to help greet on Sundays, provide special event setup and décor and be helpers at Church Family Supper on Wednesdays. (Beth Dawson, ext. 782

Restore to Glory!

Want more information about Restore To Glory! and its progress? Visit its Website, which includes the latest news about projects with photos to show our progress. There, you will also find information about how to donate or make your pledge.

This Week

Advent devotional books, written by church members, staff and clergy, are available around the church today. We invite you to use these daily devotionals as we all prepare for the coming of the Christ Child. (Rev. Brian Smith ext. 7840)

Open Door Sunday School Class is hosting the annual church-wide poinsettia sale. Purchase yours this Sunday, December 6 for $15 on the Bridge or in the Family Life Hall lobby. Proceeds will benefit the Murphy-Harpst Children's Home.

Advent Sunday School. If you are not currently in a Sunday school class, we invite you to join us for a

short-term Advent Study this Sunday at 10:10 a.m. The class will be led by Forrest Cate, Director of Program, and will meet in the Hospitality Room. Pre-registration not required, but if you would like to register, please click here. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

Men of the Church Christmas Tree and Wreath Lot Is Open. Proceeds will benefit the Weekday Preschool, Boy Scout Troop 277 and the MFUMC Youth. The lot will be open from November 30 through December 5. You'll find the lot on MFUMC's upper activity field in the Park on Polk (behind the Log Chapel at the Polk Street parking area). Hours for the lot are:

Wednesday 12/2 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Thursday 12/3 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Friday 12/4 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday 12/5 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

(Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Be a Christmas Angel! This Christmas, help bring
joy to a local family. Information is on the Bridge,
in the nursery and outside the Family Life Hall. Click here to sign up to be a Christmas Angel. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Join us for Church Family Supper!

Church Family Supper is served in the Family Life Hall at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11). $20 family cap.

Breakfast for Supper!

Full breakfast- Sausage, bacon, ham, scrambled eggs, blueberry French toast casserole, biscuits, gravy, grits, and muffins

Kids- scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast sticks, biscuits, etc.

Save the Date

Through December 5
Men of the Church Christmas
tree lot open

Wednesday, December 2

Advent's First Wednesday

(4- & 5-Year-Olds Will Sing)

Sunday, December 6
Second Sunday in Advent

-Poinsettia Sale