Experience the Joy of Christ at The Well                      November 26, 2014
From Our Pastor . . .   

advent candle. first candle lit during advent represents the candle of hope  
 Even though it happens every year, I cannot get used to it.  Just when the day begins, the day seems to be over.  I don't know if it's more correct to say that less light fills the day, or that the darkness seems to be growing.  I guess it depends on your perspective.  When the light is growing dim, the candles of Peace, Hope, Love, and Joy can be difficult to see. 

The people of Ferguson are angry.  Some are angry because of the reoccurring narrative that black lives don't seem to matter.  Others are angry because their business is in ruins.  Some are angry because of years of racism and suspicion.  Others are angry because they feel not enough force is being used to quench the violence.  A reporter asked a woman on the street, "Do you think it's ok to loot stores?"  The woman replied, "Don't tell me how I'm supposed to be oppressed."  

It's bold and presumptuous for me to offer comment on what the people of Ferguson should do, but I can offer some guidance for my friends here.  First, with the Christmas season right around the corner I am reminded that Christ was born in the midst of a dark world.  Moreover, Christ's birth motivated the powers and principalities to unspeakable violence.  The Gospel of Matthew records that upon hearing the news that a new king was born Herod gave orders that all male children under two years of age were to be killed.  The words of Brooks' hymn, "O Little Town of Bethlehem," seem chilling:  "O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie.  Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by.  Yet, in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.  The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight."  The line between hope and fear is so thin that I'm not sure what one is without the other.  It may sound strange, but my prayer today is for a world with no need for hope because it would be a world in which fear is no longer in charge.  

The second thing I would offer is for us to assume the role of compassionate listener.  I'm not sure how effective more words will be, especially from folks on the outside looking in.  I do know that a revolution doesn't begin with the person standing on the chair speaking truth to power; a revolution begins with the first listener.  Listening with patience and compassion is a spiritual discipline that offers peace and understanding as its fruit. The first candle of Advent is the candle of Peace, and it is difficult to find when our ears are deaf to each other's needs.  "Let anyone with ears, listen," Jesus said almost more than any other phrase.  So no matter your perspective, whether you feel there's less light in the day or the darkness is growing let us be quick to listen and slow to speak so that the candle of peace might lead us into hope.

See you Sunday,

Matt 

 

  

What's Happening at The Well

 

 

  
 

Sunday, November 30 - Hanging of the Greens Service, 5:00 pm
Join us as we decorate the sanctuary for Christmas and sing some of our favorite Christmas songs. Punch and cookies to follow.

December 4-9 - "In the Neighborhood" Advent Carafes Begin:
12/4-12/18 - Thursdays at the church, 6:30 pm, childcare provided
12/4-12/18 - Thursdays at the church for youth, 6:30 pm
12/8-12/22 - Mondays at the Hobgoods' home, 6:30 pm
12/9-12/23 - Tuesdays at the church, noon
12/9-12/23 - Tuesdays at the Teagues' home, 6:00 pm

Sunday, December 7 - Young Adults Christmas Party, 4:00 pm
at Chad & Kelly LeBlanc's home
Bring a gift under $10 for a "dirty Santa" gift exchange, and an appetizer, side dish, or dessert to share.
Childcare provided at the church.

Sunday, December 14 - Christmas Family Night, 5:00 pm
Enjoy a Christmas performance by members of our church family, and end the evening around the bonfire with hot dogs and s'mores.

Wednesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve at The Well
4:00 Christmas Eve Service
5:00 Birthday Party for Jesus
6:00 Christmas Eve Service

Sunday, December 28 - Carols & Cocoa Service, 10:00 am
We will have one service at 10:00. Wear your pajamas and bring your favorite Christmas toy! We will sing acoustic Christmas carols and enjoy some hot cocoa.



***We need a trailer for a Christmas Caroling event! Contact heather@thewellumc if you can help!*** 

 

 

        

Poinsettias may be designated in memory or honor of a loved one for $10 each. Forms are on the connections table. They may be taken home after the Christmas Eve services. 

 

  

Upcoming Worship Series

    
During the Advent Season the church often talks about Jesus as "The Incarnation" or "The Messiah" or "Prince of Peace, King of King, Lord of Lords."  All of these titles certainly point to the Christ child and his saving work, and these titles certainly warrant a heavenly host of herald angels singing "Gloria in excelsis Deo!"  However sometimes these titles make Jesus distant and separate and far more "other" than the Christmas story intends.  The Message translation says, "The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood" (John 1:14).  Would our holiday traditions look any different if Jesus set up shop next door?  If Jesus moved next door would you even know it?  Would the gifts we buy look different if Jesus saw the trash cans outside the house on Christmas morning?  Join us beginning November 30th for "In the Neighborhood," the new Advent worship series at The Well United Methodist Church.
 
 
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 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.   
21400 S I 12 Service Road Ponchatoula LA
985 542 1911
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The Well is a United Methodist Faith Community dedicated to connecting persons to the joy of Jesus Christ and the Body of Christ through worship, study, fellowship, and service.