Dear Friends,
The angel Gabriel’s appearances announcing two births (John the Baptist and Jesus) to the parents, is a curious thing. Matthew says, Gabriel only appears to Joseph. While Luke says, Gabriel appears only to Zacharias (John’s father) and Mary. We assume that the spouses had good communication skills and that they told their husband or wife what was about to happen. Otherwise, all (you know what) would break loose.
In an effort to keep you well informed, we have some announcements for you regarding the Sanctuary Renovation Project:
- We have scheduled the removal of our pews for Friday, December 18, with Cardinal Furniture Company.
- Work to remove asbestos will be from December 28 through December 31.
- We hope to have various contracts signed by the time you read this article —
- West Cal Construction Company
- Rister Organ
- AMT Systems (electronic work)
- We will be worshiping in the social hall (our church’s original sanctuary) for the next several months.
Gabriel’s announcements were definitely Good News. It indicated that God would be doing something special in their lives, in the community, and for the world. But with this news also comes a plethora of other feelings — anxiety, doubt, fear, worry. At times, perhaps the parents might be thinking, I wish this wasn’t happening.
Similarly, we will encounter some of those feelings. It will open up a Pandora’s box of human emotions. But after months and months of waiting, the time is here. It is to be received as Good News.
In the period leading up to the arrival of the babies, I’m sure the parents witnessed many beautiful and joyful moments. In spite of the tremendous odds, God enabled such a plan to unfold. May we experience beauty and joy throughout our new project, and may God give us to the courage and faith for what lies ahead.
— Pastor Bob
