Questions and ponderings
Prayer: Genesis 3: 8-10
i want to
walk with you
by my side,
but i am
fearful
that you might want
to go to those places
i try so hard to avoid
i long
to talk with you,
to hear your voice,
but what if
you ask me
to speak words of hope
to those i cannot stand
believe
you are always
watching over me,
steadfast love
watches over us
in every
moment.
Story: Advent in Ukraine
December 8 Isaiah 25: On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines.
Plan some down time and pop the popcorn! Here is a list of some seasonal movies to relax with or to inspire your decorating. (listed on the CBC LIFE page) – some laughs at the silliness, and some laughs because the scene is funny. Take a break. Feel the anticipation.
Little Women – (2019 film) While it may not be a holiday film proper, Greta Gerwig’s unmissable 2019 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s literary classic Little Women features some of the most beautiful Christmastime decor
“The Holiday” a 2006 romantic comedy (shameless confession – I love this movie!) Let the easy, romantic wonder of The Holiday inspire you to go simple with your holiday decor this year. All you really need to turn your space into a comfy British cottage is a pile of warm blankets. Drape yourself in enough chintz and paisley, and it’ll feel just like you’re next to a roaring fire.
The Christmas Prince – 2017 netflix – If you’d like to take your cues from this fictional nation’s design book and go full European castle this year, fill your home with thrifted gold accents and adorn your staircase or mantel with lush, red velvet ribbons from the dollar store.
Birdman – 2014 Academy Award darling Birdman is anything but a holiday film. But the mind-melting philosophical drama makes this list because of a scene in which Michael Keaton’s character, Riggan Thomson, visits a liquor store in downtown Manhattan. Featuring stunning camerawork from cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, the shots are dripping in bright, eclectic Christmas lights.
Mrs Harris goes to Paris – feel good feel not so good, a fun story.
Make your own movie – preserve memories on film, photographs or journal entries. Bring them out next year when you unpack your Christmas boxes. Definitely popcorn worthy too.
Prayer: God of glory and peace, bless our time in this season of waiting. Fill us with expectation for gathering with family and friends, and with our church community. Surprise us with unexpected gifts of your presence in this time. Open our hearts to the love of your kingdom coming and here. Amen.
Music: this song from the Philippines is in traditional language which might be unfamiliar to you, but the feeling given by the music is quite understandable (im thinking trust, gentleness, acceptance). One description shared that this song shares the words of Mary as she agrees to Gods bidding – “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior” See the image around time marker 2:50. It clearly shows how Jesus brings healing. May your devotion time be a blessing.
If the video link does not work, go to Youtube.com and past the link into the search bar. https://youtu.be/4JzeYYLpV0?si=5EhsCO3hze-p8EVG (its there in dark purple ink)
*Note from November 26: * I’ve been monitoring this video and it has been hit and miss. These are the details for your own search if it is not readily available here.
“Ang Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri” (“My Heart Praises the Lord”) by Bukas Palad Ministry
I hope it works for you.
pastor Pam
here is another song of hope.
Pamela McNeil is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Worship link for October to December
Time: Oct 6, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Sun, until Dec 22, 2024, 12 occurrence(s)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84783339349?pwd=VJMhRIGbCgDKD1LgXwQNooXIc77dMa.1
Meeting ID: 847 8333 9349
Passcode: 431173
Dial by your location
Meeting ID: 847 8333 9349
Passcode: 431173
Prayer: Luke 21:25-34
When
we have fallen into the pit,
the walls as slick as glass
and everyone walking by
tossing platitudes down to us, (Sayings like….. ‘things happen for a reason, it will turn out okay, it will make you strong, God is just testing you’ …. and such nonsense)
You jump in
and grab our hands
saying
‘trust me,
I know the way out’
Theme: 1 Be on guard so your hearts are not weighed down (…) with the worries of this life. 2 Stand before the Son of man. 3 We lift our hearts to the Lord
story: Advent in the Philippines
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Dec 1: Isaiah 40 – He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
As we prepare and plan our Christmas events, memories of loved ones pop up. The love we shared with special people still remains and this is a time that memories of those relationships return. Is there a Christmas decoration that reminds you of someone and warms you with joy? Sit with those emotions for a bit today. They are precious.
This image reminds me of a glass decoration which was part of a flower arrangement i sent my parents the first year i was not able to come home for Christmas. It was a plexiglass center-piece that lit up. Years later, mom told me that the flower arrangement was the only decoration they put up that year, and it gave them as much joy as possible, without having family around them that Christmas. I now have that ornament, and feel the longing for family along with the joy of many years of gathering. Two sides to memories, right?
Prayer – Ever present God, you are the source of all love. Through your gift of Jesus we know the joy of salvation, and live in the hope of uniting in your kingdom. Christ, shine through our darkness. Amen
Music: There is no child so small. Waterloo Inshallah choir during the pandemic. So many places where Jesus is needed. We wait and long and hope.
Prayer: John 18:33-37
Holy God, The words of this world whip around us like a mighty wind.
We are caught up in news reports, in text messages, in emails and notifications.
We are drowning in updates from the media, caught off guard by the constant hum of it all.
But here on this bright or grey morning we remember: you too are speaking.
Still the voices around us. Calm our minds and center our hearts so that we can hear your words of truth above the wind of the world.
We are leaning closer. We are at the edge of our chairs. We are beginning again. Speak to us, as only you can. Amen
finding Grace in Surprising Ways