Preparing the Way for Christ

In the readings this past Sunday and in my sermon, we were all encouraged to prepare the way for Christ. I pointed out that Christ usually doesn’t come in the way we expect, yet we are urged to prepare ourselves for when Christ comes. We do this primarily because we don’t want to be found unprepared when Christ reveals himself. We also don’t want to miss an opportunity to see Christ.

I took a very rough poll of the congregation to see who is engaging in the “tried and true” methods of preparation–praying regularly, reading Scripture regularly, and engaging in acts of service regularly. Our congregation is certainly active, so lots of hands went up with the latter. But only a few went up with the first two questions. This is understandable in our culture where we have little time to give for much of anything. Also, as Episcopalians, we have allowed other denominations to corner the market on praying and reading Scripture, so we tend to back off from those things. I’m certainly not judgmental of our folks. I have refrained from praying and reading Scripture and have done my fair share of beating myself up when I didn’t do it. That’s not the point. The point is engaging God and “tilling the soil” in order to have an opportunity to deepen your faith. Read more

Discover the Holy Family

Join Father Tom in an Advent Adventure

Adult Formation Class beginning November 28, 9:45am

Advent is an exciting season. It spells new beginnings and hope for me. I know that our culture tries to manage two overlaying stories. The story of Santa and the story of the Christ child. I have to struggle sometimes to keep my focus.

Fr. Jeff has invited me to lead the Adult Christian Education in Advent. Beginning on November 28th, we will explore each person from the Holy Family. I would like to peel back the plastic wrap that is often found around this family. What was it like to be an unmarried pregnant teenager? Who was this person, Joseph, and how did he shape the life of the boy Jesus? How important is the creedal statement that we believe in the virgin birth? If it’s that important, why did the Gospel of John and Mark not include it in their account?

This 4-week course will give us all a fresh appreciation of the life and journey of the Holy Family. I will offer my insights for the first 15 minutes and the balance of our time will be open for a healthy discussion.

Advent is the springboard for knowing and experiencing the life, joy and hope of our faith. Join me in this Advent Adventure.

Fr. Tom Jones

Music Notes from Sam

Advent/ Christmas 2009

Happen to miss Christmas Eve and/or Lessons & Carols at St. Nicholas Church? Well, you missed a treat! The music by our new choir, guest singers & special soloists certainly uplifted our High Holy Days worship experiences!  Joyful music of the season soared through our beautifully decorated church.

Thanks to each you who participated in our special services during Advent and Christmas. Your congregational singing brought our music up to an even higher level of celebration! I hope our Allen Organ (“the organ transplant”), will continue to inspire you to sing joyfully in weekly worship!

Please extend a word of thanks to our St. Nicholas Choir members.  Their faithful commitment went above and beyond “the call of duty” during December. Several extra rehearsals were needed to prepare our seasonal music. The choir enthusiastically shared their time and talents in preparation for Christmas 2009. Read more

Advent Devotional

One of my good friends, the Rev. Ben Rockwell, curate at St. Paul’s in Mobile, Alabama, had the great idea to make an Advent Devotional for his youth group and asked a host of his clergy friends to provide the individual entries. Ben sent them out to his kids this past weekend and to all of us who contributed.

I was so impressed and thought that while these were written for teenagers, they might be good for parents, youth, and practically anyone to do individually or as a family this Advent season. So, with Ben’s permission, I am offering them to you to use for your Advent reflections as you prepare for the coming of Christ into your own hearts. Ben organized them to be printed as a booklet, so for maximum readability, be sure to print it out. Enjoy!

Advent Devotional