First of the lasts.....

It was my turn to lead the lunchtime worship today. Because I was leading worship elsewhere on Sunday - I simply slimmed down the hour to a half hour for today - I really put little effort into it.

But that didn't bother me too much because I liked the message - that in all the hustle and bustle of our Christmas traditions we forget the real anticipation of Advent and close ourselves off the work of the Spirit as a result.

Just before the service was about to start I suddenly realised this was the last time I would lead this particular group of people in worship. I was quite a realisation. I have really enjoyed being part of the lunchtime worship - usually coming along even if I wasn't leading. They are a diverse group - some people who turn up to all worship, some fitting it into their lunch hour, for others this is their weekly service. We have our lunch together first and then move into worship. There is always a real sense of fellowship - and quite often people are squeezed in tight. But no one minds.

This coming week is quite busy with worship prep and leading - but in there I have to find time to say some farewells. I also have some people I need to see to say thank you to, for being part of my support group. They have been great - quietly supporting me - always there if I needed them and that is despite having to deal with quite difficult personal tragedy and illness. Each one of them has had something to deal with.

Tomorrow is another 'last' - my last time in the office with the whole team. I will probably be handing back my office keys too. But then we are off out for our 'Office Christmas Lunch' - really looking forward to that.

A week of lasts is ahead - but I am glad to being doing it in this Advent time - as we anticipate the coming of Jesus, I am also anticipating a new adventure in the New Year..... and trusting the Spirit to be there to guide me.

Preparing 2

I write this in the lovely surroundings of the Crieff Hydro. Neil is at work today down in Leven and I have a day to myself. So far I have had a long lie, watched JK, been on FB, written part of my address for the Rotary Christmas Party tomorrow night, been to the Spa and am currently sitting with my trusty netbook having a naughty glass of wine looking out of the Winter Garden conservatory of the Hotel. Nice except I am bored of my own company lol.

Neil & I take off for a couple of days each December - normally to do some Christmas shopping but more importantly to spend just a couple of days just the two of us. This year it has been especially important because the next month will see huge changes for us, as we prepare for the move to the Manse. We are both looking forward to the move and to settling in a new community not too far from home. We still have lots of decisions to make - primarily what to do with our own house. It's been our home for 15 years and we built it - so a lot of love and sweat has been invested in it. We are not sure what is best - rent it out? Sell it and buy something else as a wee bolt hole? Keep it as our bolt hole? I am sure things will become much clearer.

Then there are the decisions we are having to make on the Manse - colours, carpets, curtains, furniture, where to put all our stuff!! We started off 21 years ago in a wee 2 bedroomed house in Carluke and now have a big house FULL to bursting with stuff!! I think the local charity shops may see a lot of it - but what to keep? What to ditch?

Advent is a time of preparation - as we look forward to Jesus' arrival as a tiny baby. For us it is also a time of preparation as a family as we prepare to move and settle in a new home. Both come with many expectations. I just have to trust in the Lord that all will be well.

Advent & Hope

The coming weeks will be a blur of excitement and preparation...preparing for the coming of our Lord and Saviour as a tiny baby. All of our hopes and fears resting on such a beautiful, tiny infant. That is the awesomeness of God! But isn't each new born baby not born with many hopes and aspirations invested in them? Each new life offers us hope of a better world. Who knows who will grow up to be an inspirational world leader or peacemaker. Each new life gives us hope. That IS the awesomeness of God.

This video has been around for a wee while but I like it's hopeful message - appropriate, I think, for the beginning of Advent - a time of hope.