This past Sunday evening, I attended a very lovely little party. It was somewhat low-key as parties go; no blaring music or flowing cocktails, but a very enjoyable event none the less. It is a little hard to characterize this party since it combined a number of different elements. First of all, the party celebrated Christmas which is January 7 on the Russian calendar, just two days earlier. Second, the party recognized Epiphany on January 6, the date on the Christian calendar that marks the arrival of the Magi from the East to visit Jesus. Third, there were also elements of a New Year’s party, complete with party favors such as giant crackers, paper hats, jokes, riddles and little surprise toys for the children.
But this party was a fun celebration of the first gathering of 2011 for a group of people that didn’t even know each other six months ago. This was a meeting of a small group that we hope will eventually lead to a new congregation in the city of Barrie; one of Ontario’s fastest growing communities. The theme of this party was “New Beginnings,” a phrase pastor Matthew Swain upheld to the group and promised to continue to talk about for a long time to come.
There is something refreshing about a group that gathers together to celebrate a future that cannot yet be seen and must merely be dreamed. Oh, it is quite true that contacts are being made and possibilities are being discussed, but no one can say with any certainty what the future of this new baby seedling church plant might be. Despite all of that, there is reason to celebrate: possibilities exist, new friendships are being formed, opportunities are being explored, and dreams are being shared. In fact, there was a fair amount of all of those things being talked about at the party.
New beginnings; the first gathering of 2011, the first Christmas/Epiphany/New Year’s party of this new community, and further more, the first time two young guitar players demonstrated their brand new skills in public! That is all cause for a celebration.
Hey…we should have a party!
Posted by Carman
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I appreciate being mention in the blog today.
ReplyDeleteWhether we realize it or not, our church and our congregations are all at a new beginnings.
There truly is no better time to celebrate something then at the start. When everything is new and fresh, our tendency is to make a big fuss. It will be a challenge to keep the new fresh spirit and not allow complacence to creep in.
The example in the story of the magi is not lost on me. These men travel in faith to celebrate the beginning of some new. Will I travel as far with only faith and a few companions?