HELLO!

I received this arresting photo from one of our church members recently. I love the colours. I am not one moved by shiny or beautiful things, but I do find striking or arresting visuals memorable. I am drawn to that which is “out of the ordinary”. The world offers a lot of “ordinary” and my life, if it is anything like yours, has more than it’s share of “ordinary”. When visuals, words and activities move me out of my “groove” and into an unfamiliar pathway, I take note. I pay attention. I am alert. I am awake.

Here are some upcoming experiences, not ordinary, that may move you to a new pathway. You may not be drawn to all or most of these, but what you cannot say is, “Woodlawn United seems so ordinary these days”.

• Week 2 of our Advent Faith Study is Tuesday December 9^th at 7 pm in the Sams Room. We will be examining what the Gospels say about our Christmas Story. If you missed week one, come anyway.
• Bethe is offering a gathering to help us find healing during the holidays. Join her Wednesday December 10^th 9 am-12 noon in the Sams Room. This is a safe space led by someone with caring hands. Please let Bethe know if you plan to attend 902-856-0101.
• That same day, 7 pm, Bethe and I will offer a BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE. This annual gathering is typically an intimate gathering for those feeling overwhelmed by the season. Please invite a friend.
• CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS on Sunday, December 14^th at 3pm for “arresting” music with Brass & Choir Boardwalk Brass, Polyphony, and Woodlawn United Choir. This is a reunion event. In 1987 two Cape Bretoners, Wayne Hagget (Band master, Fairview Citadel Salvation Army Band) and Dianne Hill (Woodlawn Gospel Choir director) imagined what a gift God was offering in their midst. The tradition went on for many years, often the church was filled.

Speaking of an arresting beginning…this Sunday December 7^th features Matthew’s introduction of John the Baptist. No Hallmark card for John, “You brood of vipers!” John’s message was, God expects us to be transformed, made over. The character and ways of persons, like trees and their fruits, ought to be consistent — and consistently good. The saying of Martin Luther is fitting here: “Good works do not make a [person] good, but a good [person] does good works.” Hypocrisy, not being consistent (our words/actions) is something all of us need to address. John helps us get there. He helps us find new life, in places/people/practices we may have overlooked. John uses arresting words and visuals (John wore camel hair, ate wild locusts and he was known to be loud) to wake us up. The ordinary can be overrated.

I hope to see you Sunday. Peace, Kevin

PS If you missed Ralph Higgins funeral service today, here is the link: https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZVYVC5ZKRn649JgRCuj4kkWHnfb1k2kUVyk

PPS The funeral for Shawn McCormick is Saturday, December 6^th at 2 pm at the Atlantic Funeral Home in Dartmouth. I am honoured to be presiding/participating. Please keep this family in your prayers.