Fresh Coat
Wednesday, the painters showed up to powerwash the building in preparation for a new coat of paint. Jonathon Garrett told me he noticed how “bright” the building looked when he arrived yesterday morning. The painting hadn’t even begun, but the powerwashing removed enough of the lingering dirt that he could tell a difference.
That is a great illustration! (Of course, a preacher’s mind thinks every experience will make a great illustration.) But really, life can sometimes collect dirt and mold over such a long time that we don’t even notice it. It takes an intervention -- a power washer -- to remind us of how bright we used to appear.
You’ll get to see the paint job when you arrive on Sunday, or on Saturday if you show up for our workday. What struck me about Jonathon’s comment is that he noticed even before the paint had been applied. Just removing the dirt was enough to make the building appear brighter. Seeing them start the paint job, I can tell you the paint makes a huge difference.
I see so many parallels in the spiritual life. What dims us accumulates so slowly that it often goes unnoticed. There must be a thorough cleaning before a new practice or habit can adhere. Even if it is the same spiritual practice -- engaged afresh it brings hope, light, and energy.
As we come closer and closer to Advent, I wonder how God would use this season of preparation to offer us a fresh coat. Next week, the third edition of the newsletter will arrive in your mailboxes. Be sure and look for the Advent Calendar. Each day brings you a new way to knock the dirt off, to shine a little brighter, and to recover hope and light.
I am excited about Advent this year. We’ll have a mix of online and in person observances during the season. We will worship both in person and online on Christmas Eve at 6:00 pm. If it is safer for you to worship online and you want to receive Communion in person, you are welcome to join us from 4-6 pm and then again from 7-8 pm in the Chapel. We want to make Christmas Eve a special and holy night for all.
This Sunday, we’ll celebrate two baptisms at the 9:00 service: Samuel and Sophia Smock. Their parents, EJ and Sharise Smock, are some of our newest members. We are so excited we will be able to baptize their children and celebrate the sacrament of initiation into Christ’s Holy Church.
We’ll also host our newest guests at Faith Welcome this Sunday, immediately following the 11:00 service. I’m expecting 17 guests to join us for lunch and time to get better acquainted with our congregation. We’ll be gathering in the Narthex, so give a wave and a smile to our guests as you leave this week. Proud of you, Faith, for always connecting with love, one of our core values.
See you Sunday,
