Pointing to Jesus

John the Baptist is a fitting messenger for the season of Advent, a time for the church to prepare for both the nativity of the Christ and for his second coming. John's call to repentance in preparation of Jesus' arrival carries a challenge for us to rid ourselves of everything that obstructs our view. His proclamation is filled with images of cleansing: straightening paths, cutting down useless trees, and burning away chaff. John's baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins means cleansing as well as a changing of the mind, a turning toward Jesus, so that one's whole self is pointed toward the Lord of this world and of eternity.

Undistracted even by thoughts of our own worthiness, the church's focus year round is turned toward the coming of Christ. John points to Jesus, never to himself, and in so doing becomes a model for discipleship. Having heard John's cry, we join the chorus, becoming messengers in turn. All our efforts in worship and evangelism, education and social ministry point, not to ourselves, our programs, our skill or our saintliness, but only to Jesus. Preparing the way of the Lord is very much about pointing others to his real presence in and among us.

This Sunday's Isaiah reading ("the grass withers, the flower fades") and that of 2 Peter ("all things are to be dissolved") reinforce the church's teaching that amidst all that is transient in our lives, and creation, only God's word is eternal. John the Baptist's testimony points us to that Word made flesh, who brings with him a new heaven and a new earth after all else has passed away. John directs us in our faith journeys as individuals and communities toward a witness that is forever pointing to Jesus. [Sundays and Seasons, 2016]

Hope to see you in worship this week as we gather to wait and anticipate hope.

Bill+

Confirmation Group

Our confirmation group for youth in grades 7-12 meets monthly and gathers this Sunday, December 4th 12:30-2:00 pm at First Congregational Church Wolfeboro. We are using an animated video series and discussing different faith topics each month. It's not too late to join us!

Welcoming Advent Tuesdays at 4:00 pm

We will gather Tuesdays, December 6th, 13th and 20th 4:00-5:30 pm at First Congregational Church Wolfeboro. Each week we will share reflections and readings (provided) to allow people to participate as they are able at one, two or all three sessions. Join us as Pastors Bill and Gina guide our reflection and preparation for the incarnation during these Advent days.

Hanging of the Greens

We gather on Monday, December 19th at 5:00-7:00 pm for a new event: The Hanging of the Greens to prepare our worship space for the Nativity of Our Lord. We will decorate our two Chrismon* Trees, hang swags and garland. Please bring Christmas cookies or an appetizer snack to share. All are invited and welcome to assist the Flower Guild and staff, hope to see you there!

*A Chrismon tree is an evergreen tree often found in the chancel or nave of a church during Advent and Christmastide.  The Chrismon tree symbolizes the eternal life Jesus Christ provides and is decorated with white lights and white and gold "Chrismons" ancient symbols for Christ or some part of Christ's ministry from star to cross.

Standing with and Supporting Standing Rock

The continuing actions of those opposed to the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), who call themselves water protectors, continues even as winter settles in.  The Episcopal Church is formally supporting the indigenous peoples' actions at Standing Rock against the pipelines path through their Sioux Nation sovereign territory and land they consider sacred. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has visited the site and on the ground the Rev. John Floberg Priest-in-charge of the Standing Rock Episcopal Churches (St. Luke, St. James, and Church of the Cross).

Episcopalians are continuing to provide support to the water protectors standing in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe as allies who are prayerful, peaceful, nonviolent and lawful. Your prayers and support are encouraged during this time of peaceful protest in the face of the Governor of North Dakota and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers orders to vacate the water protector encampments. Support may be directed via: http://standwithstandingrock.net/ or http://sacredstonecamp.org/supply-list/. 

God of Mercy, Justice and Peace, we lift up to you those gathered at Standing Rock to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline which runs through contested land. We pray for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe whose homeland and sacred places, including burial grounds are in the path of what the proponents of the pipeline sees as a combination of public and private property. We pray for the safety of peoples who traveled to this site to stand in solidarity; for young and old, for men and women who seek hope and for racial divides to be bridged. We pray for water that is life;  for the Missouri River, and for Lake Oahe under which the pipeline is planned and from which comes the primary water source for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. We pray for the tension between two peoples trying to share one land. We pray for the tension between our dependence on fossil fuels and the commitment we have as followers of Jesus to care for creation. We pray for peace between our brothers and sisters who are Native American, who are farmers and ranchers, who are law enforcement and elected officials, and who are protestors and pipeline workers. Grant your mercy, justice and peace O Lord. Amen.