While we're waiting....

What do we do while we wait?

​This question has been part of Jesus followers’ lives since the first announcement of the Christ’s pending entrance into creation. And even before that, Noah waited for the Dove’s clues, Jacob slipped a word of waiting for salvation into his last words to his sons, and Moses learned to wait for the LORD on the mountain.  Into the warp and weft of God’s ongoing creation masterpiece, we are woven in a pattern that continues to emerge.
 
Waiting has never been easy. Not for children eager to see what shows up in a stocking, and not for adults who would really like to see into the future.  But waiting is where God spends time preparing us for what comes next.  Waiting is the place of prayer and practice, not passive submission to whatever will be, not busyness that disguises our real human need to be engaged in God’s creation of the beloved community.
 
Today I had the pleasure of sharing lunch with a number of our retirees.  Caroline Young Coffin (from Auburn UMC) sang one of my favorite advent songs, “ You’re Almost There,” in her beautiful alto.
 
Mary, full of innocence
Carrying the Holy prince
You're almost there, you're almost there
Mother of the Living Word
Trusting in the voice you heard
You're almost there, you're almost there
 
You're almost where the angels see
Redemption's plan unfolding
All hope is in the Son you'll bear
You're almost there
 
A lonely road, a willing heart
Pray for strength to do your part
You're almost there, you're almost there
Trust the Father to provide
Bread of heaven prophesied
You're almost there, you're almost there
 
You're almost where the waiting ends
Delivering the life within
The answered prayer, Emmanuel
You're almost there
 
You're almost where the journey ends
Where death will die and life begins
The answered prayer, Emmanuel
      You're almost, almost there
                                        (by Michael W. Smith)
 
You’re almost there. God’s grace is at our finger tips, in all times and all places.
​Reach out.
Touch the thread of the promise, the opportunity that is rising to meet you.
 
In God’s Grace, Karen
 
Please keep the youth gathering at Mechuwana for this weekend’s Rally in your prayers.  This IS church for many who attend! (We should probably pray also for  leaders who will return to work sleep deprived on Monday!)
 
Here’s a glimpse at some of what’s happening In and out of our MidMaine churches during Advent:
 
Vassalboro UMC published their 2017 community calendar that includes community birthdays and church events. Marketing and distribution take church members out to meet their neighbors.
 
Readfield UMC and Belfast UMCs are  hosting  Children’s Christmas shopping event with all gifts $1 or less. Volunteers will help children age 5-12 shop and wrap present while parents relax with coffee or tea and donuts.
 
Searsport UMC will collaborate with their UCC neighbors on Fair Day.  The UCC church will offer brunch and Searsport UMC will offer lunch. 
 
Auburn UMC collects gently used baby’s and children’s books for families that visit the local food pantry.
 
Cox Memorial UMC  has begun an Advent Study of a different sort, inviting community members to explore “The Redemption of Scrooge” (curriculum by Rev. Matt Rawle).
 
North Pownal UMC  features a little free library right in front of the Parish Hall Entrance.
 
Auburn UMC  is being invited by Rev. Steve Bascom to add Jesus to their gift-giving list. What might you give Jesus for the celebration of his birth? (some ideas:  15 minutes of daily prayer, a good turn, forgiving a wrong, joining a bible study, helping with Youth Group, helping at your local food cupboard….)
 
The Green St. UMC UMW (United Methodist Women) is sewing, knitting, and crocheting preemie items for area hospitals.
 
The great article Lisbon Falls UMC submitted to “The Times Record” listed 5 community events and the weekly worship and study opportunities as well as where to find them and how to be in touch. Bath UMC, in the same issue of “The Times Record,” offered their new “P.R.A.Y.” game based activity and education program for children.
 
Brown Memorial UMC in Clinton is reaching out through an active facebook page and feeds 24-30 each week in their Wed. fellowship meal, supported by partnership with workers from SKILLS, INC, Sabbassacook Valley Healthy Eating Program and the Moodytown Farms marker share program, creating enough soup for guests to take some home. 

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