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The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Cearley
Lead Pastor of Congregational Life
Hi folks!
When I walked in my office yesterday, there was a stack of brightly colored quilts piled in my chair. From earlier conversations, I knew these were a gift from the Montview quilters. They are beautiful, warm and carefully made. And they are given in love. They are for us to take to folks who might need some cheering up and would appreciate the color and artistic beauty of the quilts.
They are just one more example of the caring spirit that is Montview.
Yesterday, I received an e-mail that the church freezer has meals, made by our Deacon Soul-food team, that will be given to folks who could use a delicious "church-cooked" meal during these cold days of December. Our deacons are bringing cheer to many folks in our congregation with visits and small gifts during Advent.
This week and last Sheri, Ian and I have visited some of our folks who have a tough time getting out to church and offering them communion. Sharon Craft, who co-leads our Companion Ministry program with Shirley Burkhart, has accompanied us on our visits. She has faithfully been taking their pictures for our new church directory and offering her warm and kind spirit to all we have visited. Most of the companion ministers of the folks we visit have joined us for this small circle of faith that represents the larger community of Montview. We talk, pray and receive communion together in homes and care centers across the city. It truly is a time of blessing for all.
I just want to remind you that you are each there, when food is offered, visits made, communion celebrated and beautiful quilts are offered to folks. The collective spirit of Montview is alive and well in these small acts of caring that go so far in helping folks stay connected to Montview. It is amazing to be a part of the giving life of this church. I want you to know how grateful I am to each of you for the many caring acts, generous gifts and faithful service you give to others.
Blessings of this season to each of you.
Cindy
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The Rev. Ian Gregory Cummins
Lead Pastor of Spiritual Life
Hi Everyone,
I'm aware that we are nearing the end of our year of Praying with Scripture using Lectio Divina. We hope you've found it to be a meaningful way to enter into a time of quiet and prayer.
Here is the text for this week:
"As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."
Luke 3: 15 - 16
'Baptism by fire' is a phrase that has found its way into our common lexicon, meaning to be immersed suddenly into an intense situation. That's probably not exactly what John had in mind, but it is where my mind took me when I read this today. When it is someone else going through a baptism by fire we can smile knowingly. We trust that when they emerge, they will be changed. They will have received gifts they did not have before. We seldom choose such baptisms for ourselves, but when they choose us, we can try to remember that we are in a time of intense growth and learning.
Think about the places in your life that feel like you've been thrown into the fire. While the destructive potential of fire can be frightening, remember that fire is also a purifying element. It can melt away what is not necessary and it can steel what is essential, making us stronger than before. May God give us the faith to trust the baptisms we all must go through.
Grace and goodness,
Ian
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