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Moderator's Advent Message
Dear
Friends,
When my thoughts turn to Advent, I often recall a remarkable worship
service on a first Sunday of Advent many years ago.
At the time, good friends Bob and Gwynneth Wallace were serving my
congregation and encouraging us all, especially children and youth,
to bring our artistic gifts into worship leadership.
From the balcony on that particular Sunday morning, a young man's
clear voice floated gently above the congregation, piercing the
quiet as we gathered for worship. The opening of Godspell's 'Prepare
ye the way of the Lord' filled the air. It was quiet at first, then
the volume rose. A rock band composed of three more teenaged boys
added the harmony of electric guitars, then the driving percussion
of the drums. In moments we had moved from a gentle invitation to a
lively, participation. We were on our feet, swaying and clapping,
ready to prepare the way of the Lord with our whole being!
I pray that your experience of Advent will build with joy,
expectation and preparation for the power of what's to come.
As Advent begins I am meeting with church leaders from around the
world in Durban, South Africa at the United Nations climate change
talks. I see our presence here, among other things, as an Advent
action and witness. We are encouraging national leaders of our
global community to take steps to mitigate the effects of global
warming and prevent further threat to God's creation, and in so
doing to help prepare the way of the Lord. And if, at times, we feel
that our efforts resemble "a voice crying in the wilderness" - well,
that too is an Advent task. But we know we are not alone.
There are many ways to make straight the path and prepare the way of
the Lord. Your solidarity in both prayer and action during the
climate change talks is one.
http://www.wondercafe.ca/blogs/moderator-mardi-tindal/moderator-mardi-tindals-blog-changing-climate-gaining-momentum
http://www.wondercafe.ca/blogs/moderator-mardi-tindal/moderator-mardi-tindals-blog-road-durban-what—love-requires
I mention a few others in this Advent video message which is
available for use in Sunday worship if you wish.
http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/moderator/111122
http://www.united-church.ca/fr/communications/news/moderator/111122
In
what ways are you and your community 'preparing the way of the Lord'
and making way for new life?
May all that you do to mark this start of the church year be
experienced as God's blessing in your own life, and in the lives of
others.
May we all rise to our feet with the energy required to prepare the
way of the Lord.
In the abundant joy of Christ,
Moderator,
Mardi Tindal,
The United Church of Canada
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