We hear a lot of words and phrases around Advent like “stillness,” “quiet,” “making room in our hearts,” “preparing the way …” The idea of Advent is that we take this time before Christmas to ready ourselves for Jesus' birth. Officially, it is a season of fasting* just like Lent is the season of fasting before we celebrate Easter. 

But that isn’t how our weeks leading up to Christmas usually work for us, is it? We rush to finish projects for our jobs before end-of-year reporting; we cram social engagements into our calendars, often to the point they overlap; we stress about finding and buying gifts, traveling, or hosting for Christmas, and maybe about the finances attached to all of that. It's hard to imagine making any time or quiet or room or preparing for Jesus at all. It feels more like chaos than peace.

You may have figured this out about me - I thrive in chaos. For a long time, that was a source of stress for me - not because the chaos bothered me, but because I was worried about what other people thought about it. Isn’t that a source of a lot of our stress this time of year? What is everyone going to think about my work when the score is settled on December 31? Will everyone like the gifts I’m buying? Who is going to be disappointed in our travel plans? Or the food we cooked? Or our Christmas decorations? Or how clean our house is? We’re worried about how other people are going to judge our chaos, or at least, the way we have dealt with our chaos. 

For me, as someone who knits energy out of that chaotic skein, I had to come to terms with the fact that I was focusing on the wrong thing. Once I realized that the chaos wasn’t the problem and that my fears of failure were, it allowed me the joy I get when I accomplish things. Philosopher Frederich Nietzsche said, “You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star.” We need that sense of play - of trying things out, whether they are going to work or not - to create something new. And then once we’ve tried something, we look at what works and what doesn’t, and we learn and grow from it.

What if we take that sense of playfulness through Advent with us? We are going to be presented with chaos whether we like it or not, so why not have fun with it? Let go of the fear and if plans don’t work out, learn from what you did and try something different next time. This is another way of being mindful in a season when it is really difficult to make time for quiet.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Pablo Picasso: “God is really another artist. He invented the giraffe, the elephant and the cat. He has no real style. He just goes on trying other things.”

What kind of chaos are you going to play with this Christmas season?

 John Johns, Music Director

*if anyone is interested, ask me about why Advent isn’t really the fasting season before Christmas but before another feast day … it is worth a whole other blog post.

When Sister Maria is sent to serve as the governess to the seven cloistered children of the von Trapp household, it doesn’t take her long before she begins to open their minds to the joys of music. Teaching them some basic theory and inviting them into the structure of melody, she sings, “Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.”

The beginning is indeed a very good place to start and can be an energizing location. The start of something new can bring new experiences and learning. Crossing the threshold into fresh territory can invite exploration and growth, as well as nurture the perfect atmosphere for cultivating something new.

Beginnings can also be a place filled with anxiety and apprehension. Each step is filled with the unknown.
We may be overwhelmed by the uncertainty ahead, concerned about how ill-prepared we may be for the uncertainties, and even paralyzed in some situations by fear of that which we cannot control.

When I think of a beginning, I think of a do-over or a back-to-basics moment. When learning how to drive using a clutch in a 4-speed Chevy Citation, I heard, “Let’s start from the beginning!” more than once, as the vehicle jolted back and forth looking for the sweet spot. Putting the finishing touches on a musical during dress rehearsal, our high school theater director would say, “Let’s take it from the top!” inviting us to start the production from the beginning one more time. Coming up short on a cut, my drywall partner on Appalachia Service Project, said, “Let’s measure that again and start over.” Each of these start-at-the-beginning moments were a refresher course. A reminder of how something was done or could be done.

The Advent season is one such refresher. We put up lights to remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world. We methodically light our Advent wreath week by week, naming hope, peace, joy, and love as centerpieces of our lives of faith. Moving furniture and decorations around in our home to make room for Christmas decor, we mimic the way that the Spirit of God continually creates space in our hearts and minds for Jesus. We take these four weeks of Advent as an intentional time to hear ancient narratives which center us once again in our origin story.

What are some of the words you need to hear to take you back to the beginning? Where are you longing for a fresh start? How is God using this season to reorient your heart and mind?

Our theme for this Advent is “Words for the Beginning.” Grounding ourselves in ancient stories of God accompanying God’s people, we embrace themes including: “You are a blessing,” “We can’t go alone,” “Do the good that is yours to do,” and “Hope is worth the risk.” Each of these tether us to our Source and speak a deep truth of how God’s enduring and unconditional love embraces us and fuels us for all that is ahead.

Whatever today and this Advent season holds, you are not alone. God is here and various people and communities surround you in love. We long and look for the coming of Jesus and pray with the Korean songwriter Geon-yong Lee as we sing:

Come now, O Prince of peace, make us one body.
Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile your people.

Come now and set us free, O God, our Savior.
Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile all nations.

Starting over every day,
Pastor Lowell

This summer at camp, I was leading an adult bible study at family camp. Family camp is a weekend program where families can come to camp for the weekend and spend time together. On Saturday morning, both the adults and kids have the choice to go to Bible study. Our theme verse at camp was Psalm 139:14, which says, “I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, wonderful are your works that my soul knows very well.”

I spent the whole summer thinking deeply about Psalm 139:14 and thought I already knew so much about it. However, the parents shared that they wrestled with verse 14 because the world had ideas of what “normal” was and their children did not fit into that. It was difficult to get their mind around what being fearfully and wonderfully made truly means.

Perhaps you can relate to also struggling with what it means to be fearfully and wonderfully made. Especially in a world that narrows the definition of who people really are. However, the word of God reminds us of how God created all people in his image.

Another way to understand being fearfully and wonderfully fashioned is to understand it as being set apart and marvelously crafted. Because God has molded us, we can not help but praise God. The message translation says, “Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made!” Ecclesiastes 11:5 says, “As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.”

God doesn’t put us in boxes or have a definition of what “normal” is. We all are uniquely crafted with our own unique personalities and gifts. Each one was created in the image of God, and in the waters of baptism, we are claimed as God’s beloved children–even those on the fringes of society and those we struggle to see in the image of God. I am thankful that God molded all people so uniquely and different. Life would be boring if we all looked and sounded the same.

In this season of gratefulness, I invite you to take some time to thank God for making everyone in the image of God, including yourself. Take comfort in knowing that God is bigger than the ways the world tries to categorize you.

Wonderfully crafted,
Pastor Nicole

My daughter is coming home from Denver for a visit in a few weeks. I asked if she was planning to see friends or do anything special while here. Her response, “I just want to snuggle with Myah” while I’m home. Myah is our 13-year-old lab-pointer mix or at least that is what the rescue organization guessed about her heritage.

Most of us can relate to the comfort and unconditional love that a dog so freely gives (no disrespect to cats!). It’s the kind of love that when you leave them inside for 2 minutes to walk to the mailbox and on your return are greeted with a wagging tail, melty eyes, and wiggly body as if you were gone for weeks.

A relationship with a dog can sensitize us to a deeper connection with all of creation. We are part of this wonderful world that is ultimately interconnected. It’s a comforting reminder especially in this time of division and strife.

Unlike humans, many who may love conditionally, dogs offer an unbiased and unconditional love. They don’t care how we look, how successful we are, or the mistakes we’ve made. They’re incredibly forgiving. They think we are better than we are. Their endless affection reminds us of the kind of unreserved love God has for us.

God tells us we can learn from all the animals. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; Ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being,” Job 12:7-10.

In the story of Job, his faith is tested through the unimaginable loss of his wealth, his children and terrible physical afflictions. Job had every reason not to trust in these words, yet he remained steadfast in his commitment to God. God teaches us that the world, and what happens in it, and what happens to it, is in our hands, too. This is the purpose for which God has created us, to love the Lord our God with all the heart, mind, soul, and strength; and our neighbor as ourselves.

Unfortunately, the world does not always give back with unwavering gratitude like our furry friends. Yet, we persevere knowing that God will be holding us always. Creation needs us to care for each other, our community, and the world regardless of the ultimate outcome.

Whether you are with your beloved pet or have memories of a special pet, hold fast to the snuggles, bask in their unconditional love, find joy in their care or even in struggling with their care, and ask yourself, what is God teaching you in those moments? Can your care and their need for you to be their caregiver be the catalyst for how you go into the world?

Living and sharing in God’s love with you,
Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation

“It is so refreshing to be listened to without the fear of judgment.”

“My Stephen Minister is a blessing and she has become a valued friend.”

“I know that I can tell you about this and you (the Stephen Minister) won't think that I am crazy.”

– A few quotes from Stephen Minister care partners

In the fall of 2017, Seminary Intern Lucas McSurley and Ava Fiebig trained to be Stephen Leaders and recruited eight Lord of Life members to also be trained as Stephen Ministers. As we begin our eighth year of ministry, we are very grateful for your support and for surrounding this caring ministry with prayers! Prayer is a foundation for our ministry and informs all that we do!

You may be wondering “What is Stephen Ministry?” Stephen Ministry offers compassionate, confidential, non-judgmental support to people during difficult times. A Stephen Minister is available to walk alongside a person who is suffering. Galatians 6:2 invites us to “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Stephen Ministry makes these connection points possible.

A few terms: A Stephen Minister is someone who provides high-quality, distinctively Christian care to someone who is going through tough times, following a period of training. The Stephen Minister meets regularly with a care partner, offering a listening ear, support, encouragement, and prayer. All of this happens in an atmosphere of respect and confidentiality.

A Care Partner is an individual who is facing tough times and could benefit from care and support. Stephen Ministers are prepared to provide emotional and spiritual support when faced with a crisis or difficulty such as the loss of a loved one, hospitalization, separation or divorce, discouragement, loneliness, spiritual crisis, unemployment, chronic or terminal illness, aging, birth, adoption, miscarriage, infertility, relocation, and recovery from injury or illness.

Pairing up in this intentional format helps congregations carry out Christ’s commandment to “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12) in powerful and practical ways. Stephen Ministry gives pastors a team of gifted, trained, and committed caregivers ready to minister to hurting people. Stephen Ministers nurture and use their gifts in meaningful ministry, growing spiritually as they serve others and those who are hurting have a caring Christian presence to provide emotional and spiritual support. In short, Stephen Ministry helps carry out the mission of the church.

If you think you could benefit from the confidential, individual care of a Stephen Minister, contact Pastor Lowell or Cindy Campbell for more detailed information.

If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, please do the same. Training consists of 50 hours on topics such as listening, confidentiality, communication, boundaries, assertiveness, and more. Our next training session starts in January 2025.

Please continue to pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry. Keep this option in mind when you are in need, and tell a neighbor, co-worker, or relative who is hurting about our Stephen Ministry team.

One of our Stephen Ministers recently said, “It is an honor and a privilege to walk beside someone who is suffering. I feel that I can be the ears and heart of Jesus to them.”

This Sunday, November 10, Stephen Ministers will be available in the Gathering Space after each service to answer any questions you might have about this ministry. Refreshments will be provided and we will even be giving out a book called "Holy Moments." Please stop by and talk with us!

Love in Christ,
Tom Barth, Cindy Campbell, Ava Fiebig, Barb Mackey, Dave Mackey, Dave Matthews, Denise Matthews, Aleen Miller, Lynette Rice, Amanda Spangler, and Michelle Swinney

P.S. - We would like to publicly thank Cindy Clay, Becky Mastalerz, and Jenny Smith for their years of service as Stephen Ministers. They recently “retired” and they were instrumental in our success! Thank you for being faithful, dedicated, and caring! We will miss you on the Stephen Ministry team!

My polling place at Union Elementary in West Chester is usually buzzing on election day. There isn’t a line out the door or around the building, but the turnout is strong, especially in years when there is a presidential election. Historically, during my brief fifteen minutes on the campus, I see a steady stream of people flowing into the building with many voters pausing to greet neighbors and connect with friends. From time to time, I even bump into someone from Lord of Life. It is encouraging to be part of the energy and enthusiasm around making a difference.

On election night, as polls close in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, it is fun—and a little stressful—to watch the results roll in for local, state, and national contests. It continues to amaze me that a vote cast earlier in the day or during the early voting season makes an immediate impact! Even though I imagine that there may be some elections that will be unresolved for several days in our upcoming election, every vote matters.

We don’t always get instant results in the same way. You may have heard that we’re collecting autumn leaves from our yards to be dumped on the Lord of Life community garden. Later this fall, those will be tilled into the soil and will provide essential nutrients for garden vegetables in the future. The future! 

A big part of what happens at Lord of Life is future-focused. We gather for worship and hear the promises of Jesus that not only impact our current situation, but also create a trajectory for where we are headed in the months and years ahead. Sometimes, we don’t see any immediate results. Reconciliation takes time. Forgiveness is a process. Generosity takes a lifetime to cultivate. Loving your neighbor as yourself can be long and tedious work, especially if you don’t much care for your neighbor or have difficulty seeing the value and beauty in yourself. 

Ministry outcomes can be slow, too. You might faithfully have your dollars pulled from your bank account or place them in the offering plate, but might not see any immediate return, since they help pay for the copier, snow removal, coffee supplies, insurance, youth retreats, as well as staffing and worship supplies. You might volunteer and serve with our Family Promise guests next week, but there is a good chance that you won’t develop a deep and enduring relationship with them. You might sit on the floor and read a book to a child in the fellowship hall during a learning moment on a Sunday morning, but won’t see that seed of faith sprout in that young heart and mind for years. You might prepare food for a funeral luncheon without ever having an awareness of the solace it will provide for the tough days of grief ahead.

Beyond our view and understanding, God promises that growth is happening! The apostle Paul writes, “I pray that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love” (Ephesians 3:17). Our roots are plunging deep and holding firm as God helps us grow in faith. Our trunks are strengthening and pushing upward as God urges us forward in hope. Rooted and grounded in God, our lives branch out as the love of Christ grows through us and extends to the world. We are growing in God!

Thank you for being part of what God is doing in and through us! Plan now to be part of Celebration Sunday on November 17. We’ll say “Thank You” to God for all that we have, elect some new leadership, and vote on our mission spending plan for 2025. Nominee and mission spending plan information is available in the gathering space.

Growing with you,

Pastor Lowell Michelson