As We Gather, May God’s Spirit Hold Us Close

This afternoon at 2 pm, we will gather online to celebrate the life of our friend, Johnny Johnson. Please click here at 1:45 to hear prelude music that has been carefully chosen in remembrance of his life and his love of music. As we gather, may God’s Spirit hold us in our grief.

This evening at 7 pm, we will gather for Preacher’s Porch on Zoom to look back at last Sunday’s worship service and begin to prepare our hearts for what God has for us next Sunday. John will lead tonight’s conversation of Psalm 126 and Luke 1:46-55, Mary’s magnificent Magnificat. As we gather, may God’s Spirit open our ears and eyes to receive an encouraging word in these difficult days.

On Thursday at 8 pm, we will gather for Vespers, a time of conversation and reflection based on the beautiful devotional book, “Those Who Dream.” As we gather, may God’s Spirit revive in us the will and the desire to live into God’s dream for the world, for all of creation, a dream of hope, peace, joy, love, and so much more.

Next Thursday, December 17th, we will gather for our annual Blue Christmas service online at 7 pm. Come with the names and faces of those you are mourning this year. Come with photos or other reminders of those you miss and love. Come with a candle to light. Come with your hopes, your expectations, and your dreams for God to ease your sorrow. Come as you are. As we gather, may God’s Spirit meet us right where we are, as we are.

The links for Preacher’s Porch, Vespers, and next week’s Blue Christmas service (which will be the same link that we use for Vespers) are in the email that brought you to this blog. If you have any questions, please reach out to John at jcleghorn@caldwellpresby.org.

Friends, as we gather, as we weep, as we celebrate, as we pray, and as we worship, may we remember that the Spirit of God gathers with us. May we sense that the Spirit of our Living and Loving Lord is holding us close and holding us up and holding us together. And may we find ways to give God all the glory, honor, and praise – even now, perhaps especially now.

May the peace and comfort of our God rest and abide in and with us all.
Your sister and friend, Gail