Rector's Rambling - 12/13/2012 - Gaudete!

We are past the mid-point of our Advent observance, which means we have come to Gaudéte Sunday, sometimes known as Rose Sunday.  It is a chance for us to “lighten up” in the heaviness of a penitential season, which is signified liturgically by the use of the rose colored vestments and altar hangings in the place of the “heavier” purple.

Advent is certainly not the heavy penitence of Lent, but is still one of repentance of sin since being in a state of repentance is a part of that preparation for Jesus’ return.

But with Christmas Eve only eight days away, one’s heart certainly should be lightening up in anticipation of the coming celebration of the Feast of the Nativity at St. John’s.  Enclosed as an insert in today’s Order of Service are several copies of our Christmas invite.  Please give them to people you would like to see here Christmas Eve!  Offer them a ride, or offer to have them follow you down here for services.

This past week we mailed 2000+ invitations to those on our mailing list, to neighbors around the church, and to those addresses submitted to us by parishioners.  Some members have already informed me of their plans to be out of town for Christmas, others about their plans to have people here with them (we will have nine houseguests at the Kelly house coming to services).  Christmas Eve is a time when people who are not regular about Church attendance are looking for a place to go to Church – you need to invite them!  Advertising may be good, but person to person invitation has shown to be the most effective (and affordable) method of church growth.  St. John’s is a great place – God is powerfully at work – and you should be sharing St. John’s with others.