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How can we thank God enough for you in return for all

the joy that we feel before our God because of you?

1 THESSALONIANS 3:9

Friends,

What is Advent? Advent, sometimes known as the season before the season which matters- AKA Christmas, is a season of regathering. Regathering as we come together around the mystery of the promised messiah and ready ourselves to watch and notice his arrival. An arrival which comes in the most unlikely of ways.

 

Or so Paul is reminding the people of thessalonica in his letter which opens our conversation today. After a period of separation from them, paul is giving thanks for their reunion. A reunion which his whole letter is focused on helping them anchor their faith in hope.

Anchoring their faith in hope was more than wishful thinking, but an invitation to look back at the faithfulness of Gods presence in our life. A faithful presence which has brought us to where we are today, with all our skills and abilities. A life of skills and abilities which asks us how we can use them to help others thrive too.

A thriving which is not a hand out but a hand up. A thriving which starts by growing in community with those God has caused to be in our lives. Which for us is our neighbourhood. A neighbourhood we are busy getting ready to welcome this sunday at our Christmas Market.

 

I hope you can come down and join in the fun of celebrating the joy of reunion with our neighbour at the dawn of this new season we call Advent. As we gather, celebrate, make new friends and reminisce with old ones too. Our Christmas Tree is decorated by Tiddly Cove Preschool, we have gifts of all kinds for your shopping list, and mulled apple juice and an amazing luxe hot chocolate bar.

All of which is possible because of you. You who I give thanks to God for because of the Joy your presence here in this community brings to my life- and the lives of all who come to work alongside us as we build community with love at its core.

Come Sunday, bring a friend- bring 12!! (please carpool, our parking isn't our greatest asset!)

Alex+