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Who Will Be with You, This Advent?

I recently received an article from the Alban Institute with the following headline: Who is with you this Advent?  

My thoughts returned to Advent 2020.  

When September 2020 was approaching, we were all praying and hoping: at least by Advent, we will be able to open up for in-house worship. We soon learned this would not happen.

Who was with us in Advent 2020—a throng of faithful, faith-filled members of St. John’s, along with people from Canada, United States, and various parts of the globe!

30+ plus years ago, when I was ordained a priest, none of us had any idea we would be learning new skills, with the tools for electronic communications!  

In those intervening years, I had no idea that people outside of the local parish might be interested in what I had to share, in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. To my surprise, many were!

When I went on vacation, or missed a week, it was evident by the messages received: people were missing worship. Why—even having a miscued recording, and people were expecting a fix on my end. I have learned my technological skills only reach so far!!

The health precautions of COVID-19 have changed the world of worship.

  • “who will be with you”?
  • “how close can we sit in church?”
  • “can we sing?”
  • “do we have to wear a mask?”

There are endless questions.                

The second part of the question—who will be with you this Advent—centres around those familiar faces we see each year at Advent, the Christmas Lessons and Carol Service, the Christmas Eve Service, and the Christmas Day Service.

One writer observed: on Sunday, the preacher can no longer see, clearly, who is sitting in the pews. Hopefully, one day that will end, also. At this point, it is hard to even imagine worship without masks.  

During this Advent season, we are seeing some refreshing faces return to worship. At the same time, there are those who are not quite ready. They are watching online.

We are all together, sharing in the same walk to Bethlehem, with Mary and Joseph.

My only qualification is to ask for your patience in receiving the recorded versions. (We are fortunate to have a group of volunteers at St. John the Baptist who assist in publishing these services.)  

Last year, we recorded a Service of Lessons and Carols, with only six or seven in the church. Who would have thought we could have such a meaningful time of praise with so few people? What made it so great was the people who volunteered their words of encouragement, when they watched the service.  

This year, on December 12th we will have a church with 50% capacity sharing in the familiar story, along with the host of favorite Carols. The Lessons & Carols service will be part of our regular worship at 10 am. Watch for the video in your in-box!  

We have been reminded by many: the process of rebuilding is overwhelming. I know, just presenting yourself at the door of the church can be overpowering, even without COVID!

What is key in all of this, is our faithful online community. We need to all stand together, as we work to rebuild in-person worship (encounters).

Let it not overwhelm us.

Susan Beaumont, who I had the good fortune to participate with in an “on-line seminar” reminds us: “Overwhelmed” is not a problem to be solved; it is a feeling that requires tending as much as (or more than) the work itself.  

It is with that in mind that we will have “ZOOM Coffee Hour” on December 16th, and 23rd!

Don’t forget to have your favorite beverage, and Christmas baking to share with us. Tell us the story behind your choices.  

Blessings in Advent,

Archdeacon Brian+