Merry Christmas Schweitzer!
This past week we have seen Schweitzer at its best. When the ice storm hit our neighboring communities, the disaster relief team began making preparations. The
big yellow truck has been to Joplin to bring supplies and assistance. Area churches are calling in to connect with our ministry team.
Wednesday night, youth small groups were meeting, new ministries were being discussed, choirs were practicing, children were learning, meals were shared and trucks were being unloaded. This place was bustling with activity.
Thursday evening, three busloads of children from three different Boys and Girls Clubs pulled up to our doors. They were greeted by you and fed a wonderful meal. Meanwhile in the gym, two hundred of you gathered to help these children assemble bikes. You laughed with them and gave of yourselves. It was a beautiful sight and one that I know made God smile.
This weekend the sanctuary was filled with music. The Christmas musical
at 8:30 and 11:00 on Sunday was beautiful and lifted our hearts in worship
to God. The 5:30 Saturday and 9:45 services adapted familiar Christmas
hymns to a modern experience of worship. In all the services, the reminder
of Emmanuel, God with Us, was felt and shared.
It is in reflecting over this past week that I am in awe of all that God is
willing to do with the people of Schweitzer if we will just make ourselves
available to God’s call. When we open our hearts and doors to others, we are
living proof of the presence of Jesus Christ. As we enter this final week before
Christmas, it is with great anticipation of the miraculous birth of Christ and
with the expectation that because He is here all will be well. With all of life’s
challenges and difficulties, we are never alone. God has come in the form of
His Son Jesus Christ. The impossible is possible.
Come, Let Us Adore Him!
Blessings, Lori