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OUR MISSION IS SIMPLE

 

FAITH . FAMILY. FUN.

 

Whether you grew up here, or moved here, you belong here! 

You are family!

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  • MONDAY MUSING

    Friends

    In winter, we go to bed in darkness, we wake up in darkness, and even when there is light, clouds frequently obscure the sun. Gray days and dark nights cause me to be lethargic. Even Bingo seems to prefer the couch to long walks outdoors in the cold and snow. There are several cures to the winter blues: hot chocolate with marshmallows, homemade chicken noodle soup, and a good Agatha Christie mystery. One might also try snowshoeing, ice fishing, or a good game of scrabble with friends in front of the fireplace. A popular gift at Christmas, or even on Valentine’s Day, is an amaryllis bulb. The amaryllis is a symbol for determination, beauty, and love. The Victorians associated amaryllis with strength and determination because of their height and sturdiness. Amaryllis is a Greek female name that means “to sparkle.” Throughout December, January, and February I frequently give them as little gifts. The amazing thing about the amaryllis is how quickly they grow from a rather boring bulb into a tall slender stock with beautiful blooms of red, yellow, orange, and pick. Yesterday, I received a picture from a friend of her amaryllis in full bloom. Suddenly the dreary day turned bright and joy filled!

    January 6th is Epiphany, or for some, “Three Kings Day.” For many Christians, it marks the day when Magi, mysterious travelers, arrived in Bethlehem and laid gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh in front of the Christ Child. It is the day marking the manifestation of Jesus' divinity to the Gentiles. Thinking about it this way, the Magi’s gifts paled to the gift God sent the world with a Christ Child born of Mary. We know very little about the Magi. However, every year as we sing “We Three Kings” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas” our faith in Christ is renewed. This year, we should sing louder than ever the Charles Wesley hymn, “Hark! the Herald, Angel’s sing, Glory to the newborn King. Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” There is little doubt that this year peace in the world seems elusive. The world is rife with  Herod-like leaders who reject Christ’s message of peace and love and instead sow seeds of hate, war, and division.  

    It was just a little over a week ago that I was handed an envelope from the very same person who sent me a picture of her amaryllis in full bloom. When I got home, I opened the envelope. On some beautiful needlework were attached five letters from a scrabble board spelling out the word “F A I T H.” Wisely, this gift came with magnets and is now in the permanent art collection on my refrigerator. Every time I open the door to grab half and half for my coffee, I see the word faith! My prayer is that we will find ways to renew our faith in Jesus Christ just like I need a bit of cream to renew my coffee!  Afterall, if we renew our faith in Jesus Christ, maybe we can help the world to not forget Christ’s message of loving God and loving neighbor and can finally bring peace into the world.

    Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! Glory to the Newborn King.