Hello Beloved,

Welcome to December and the Advent season. While our western culture can feel like a crazy train this time of year, you don’t have to ride it. That’s what I love most about Advent. It is a reminder of greater things, the bigger story, and our place within it all. It’s loving nostalgia and future anticipation all rolled into one. Jesus came for you and He’s coming for you again. Just writing that fills me with hope, peace, joy, and love. And so, while there are events and gatherings, celebrations and remembrances, giving and receiving throughout this season let us not be defined as “busy” but “beloved.” For in the Beloved One, you truly are a beloved child of God!

“He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.” Ephesians 1:5-6

I invite you to celebrate this reality at the Christmas Concert this Sunday, December 8th - 6:00-7:30pm (details below). Who around you is on the cultural Christmas crazy train and could use a pause to recenter? Who around you might the Beloved One be calling to? Who might be a perfect invite to join you at our Christmas Concert this year?

Be loved!

Jay Bennett, on Behalf of the Elder and Minister Team