Roy’s Ramblings

This Sunday is the third Sunday in Advent – The Sunday Of JOY!!! We light the rose colored candle this week – you say it is pink?? Nope – actually it is rose colored (which in my book looks pink as well). But, there is a reason it is rose. As tradition has it, in ancient times, the Pope would give a rose dipped in gold to a private citizen that had brought about Abundant Joy in the previous year. So we have a rose colored candle to honor that tradition – same with rose colored paraments, stoles, robes, etc.

So I started thinking about what gives me joy. Not mere happiness (like chocolate, or pizza) but full force joy. Thinking of family, my hobbies, of my community, my church … all of which bring me joy in one way or another. But since this is my ramblings for church, lets go there.

NUMC is amazing – the ministries that we have, the generosity, the fellowship, the support, the various worship services, the look, the feel – I could go on for a long while with this list. I mean, we offer space to weekend backpacks, scouting, Chamberfest, Fab 50, artist space, yoga, etc. We have our own sponsored ministries that make a difference to folks in Sunshine Friends and AA. And the ministries that we support outside of our building with Mother’s Cupboard, Habitat, TRIAD, Pregnancy Center, Do Something, St V, and so many more is astonishing. And I haven’t even mentioned that we just had our 52nd FallFare where we gave $17,000 to help others in need. That my friends brings me JOY!!!

In conversation with a small group from the community, I received an amazing complement for our church that I think we all need to hear. They said that we as a church bring legitimacy to our community through our ministry. Do you hear that?? Legitimacy!! (aka – authenticity, credibility, validity) That ROCKS!!!

Our vision is to Love God, Love All, and Serve Joyfully – and the community sees us doing that and acknowledged it.

So on this Sunday of Joy I encourage you to see the beauty in what we do and for whom we do it. I encourage you to have Joy in your heart and soul and share the light of Jesus with all. I encourage you my friends to keep on keepin’ on! And to continue on our Advent journey toward the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child.

Have (And Celebrate) Joy My Friends – Pastor Roy