PREPARE!

With a "Worship Arts Team" newly established at PoP, the sanctuary took on a wonderful Advent theme; the first Sunday in Advent there were simple banners on the side wall which said "Prepare" - and as people entered the room two Sunday School kids dressed as Mary and Joseph greeted the people as they made there way to the back of the aisle to enter - simple and effective. (sorry, no pic)

The second week the banners changed to "Prepare Ye" with the kids at the manger again, and this time with pine scented candles burning in the balcony, with the smell wafting throughout the sanctuary ... synchronizing with the hanging of the 'greens' - artificial though they are ...

(1st week was only 'prepare')

the 3rd week in Advent was in the Gym with our kids program, so nothing was done to the sanctuary ...

but yesterday (4th Sunday) the theme was pretty cool - as people anticipated what might happen next - a banner was placed down the center aisle that said:

"the way of the Lord"

with the kids again at the manger without the baby ...

I thought it was really well done!  and a lot of comments from parishioners, as well!

here's what we look like for Advent - there will be a few tweaks for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

How great it is to have the new "team" adding to the sensory pieces of worship!

 

Had numerous good responses to "Pray and Listen" last Sunday, if you listen, may you be blessed as well.  Was enjoyable to give Mary some honor in this whole season of preparation ... as I mentioned she really could have messed up Christmas for all of us ... but thanks be to God she was faithful!

Getting ready for weekend services today (Monday) - not my style, but would be holding back too many people if I didn't do so.  Met with Jeff (Fam, Life) and Bev (music) to get the services in order this morning already.  I know - in your congregations this was probably done two or more months ago;  it doesn't work like that for one who is wired more for the 'present' than the 'future' -  heh heh.

Enjoying the cards and stories that accompany them again this season;  Karina reminds me, that I have the privilege of writing one for distribution as well.  Looks like one more block of time getting filled.

Most exciting planning, of course, is for taking off on Sunday to SoCal to join the rest of the family there.

After we get back, Dorothy (Karina's mom), joins us for her birthday 12-31-11 - 80th no less! And the following weekend we head up to Tacoma for her celebration at her church, and Karina will stay a few more days as D undergoes her second knee replacement (her first was 17 years ago).

That's about it for today - hopefully enough to keep you updated ...

Jesus is coming!

love ya.

Karina and Dan