Happy Sunday before Christmas

This morning, the fourth Sunday in Advent, we had a full-blown Lessons and Carols service.  It was fun – as my friend Mark N. (who sings in the choir) said, “It was not professional grade, but it served its purpose.”  True enough. Though it wasn’t professional grade I was very pleased: our choir stepped up to the challenge of learning a 125 page work during a busy season.  There were only minor solos, and they went well (including a solo by a woman who had never done anything of the sort before).  The instruments were really fun to have as well – there were 4 violins, 2 violas, 2 cellos, 2 flutes, 2 trumpets, a french horn, 2 trombones, 2 percussionists, and there was a harp, but she got snowed in this morning and couldn’t come.  You can listen to the recording of the service here, or by searching for SBCRC in Itunes and subscribing to the podcast.  It was a very rewarding service, and God was worshiped.

A follow up picture of our small group gathering last week:  What did Jeff think of our white-elephant gift exchange?

On the Jan Simeon front things are great.  One of the (many) ways we have been blessed is that he is a good sleeper.

He naps when we put him in bed, he sleeps through the night (an occasional peep around 4:00 am is about it), and he wakes up happy.  Quite charming, really.

He also got in on the music-making today:

I was teaching him Ere Zij God.  If you have to ask what that is you didn’t grow up Dutch or Reformed.

The renovation is going well.  I’ll put up pictures tonight or tomorrow night – we have now hung 32 sheets of drywall.  The bathroom is enclosed and the back room is half done.  I estimate another 15 sheet or so, and I hope to finish that up tomorrow.  I’ll put up pictures then.  Our next step is to (temporarily) install a toilet and sink so we have the main-floor bathroom in use while we have company here.  I’m excited.

My job continues to grow and evolve.  It appears secure, as we’ve created a new budget that reduces costs in other ways.  The council passed the new budget unanimously and with great relief.  I’m pretty sure the congregation will also approve this budget.  Overall, I would say this has been a good experience even though my job felt pretty insecure for quite a while.  Many people stepped up not only to affirm me, but to show our council and congregation that what I do fits the vision of our church, and that this work should continue.

I love what I do.  I love the way I’m challenged and the way God provides me with the means to meet the challenges.  I love my colleagues and even spend time with them outside of work.  This is a long way from where I was two years ago, and I am grateful.  Grateful to God for his provision, but also to Wendy and to our friends and family who helped to sustain me through some pretty low moments.  Thanks.

Happy Christmas.