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In This Issue:
MEMORIZING MY CHRISTMAS
PROGRAM PART
My introduction to children's
Christmas programs was not positive. The woman "directing"
the program was more drill sergeant than teacher. She knew how
to put the "fear of God" into youngsters.
It did not take me long to
realize there was no way I'd be able to remember by two lines
and repeat them in the children's Christmas program. Just seeing
her frown at me during rehearsal had me so stressed I could
hardly remember my name.
It was likely that experience
that has always made memorization very difficult for me-I feared
failure and the resulting humiliation heaped on by the "drill
sergeant".
Of course, I expect I am overstating
her attitude but my opinion then was that she was not cut out
to work with children (and maybe not even adults.) Vivid images
of the church sanctuary where this occurred still come to my
mind as I write about this experience.
A few years later when we had
moved to a different church I began to feel more comfortable
and appreciated the attitude of the nurturing
workers when they told us we could take a copy of our Christmas
saying to the chancel when it was our turn to recite.
I had found a church family
with whom I could be comfortable and I could relax and be a
part of the wonderful traditions of Advent and Christmas.
My early experience helped
me to understand readily "age appropriate" activities
and focus on nurturing rather than stressful expectations.
As your Advent and Christmas
activities continue take time to reflect on the child's perspective.
How and what are they learning through your congregation's activities
in this season. If Santa is beside Mary and Joseph how do you
explain who is real? Can a child understand your explanation?
I'm not anti-Santa, but I am
rather partial to Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Enjoy all the season
has to offer but join me in showing partiality to Jesus. If
we as his followers do not no one else will get the message
delivered.
May the Love, Joy and Peace
of the Season come in the birth of the Christ child surround
you now and in the year ahead.
Arlo R. Reichter
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A GATHERING OF BAPTISTS
New Baptist Covenant Celebration
January 30 - Feb. 1, 2008
Atlanta, GA
"Prophetic, but not partisan
and focused on Jesus' reading of Isaiah as recorded in Luke
4:18-19
The gathering will include persons
from all major Baptist denominations in the U.S. and Canada.
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AMERICAN
BAPTIST BREAKFAST
FOLLOWING THE GATHERING OF BAPTISTS…
Saturday, February 2 there will be a free breakfast
for American Baptists at the
Atlanta Sheraton. Details are available on the New Covenant
Website
www.newbaptistcovenant.org
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DECEMBER
/ JANUARY PRAYER FOCUS:
Church:
Mauston-First
Pastor:
Pastor: Jay Cronholm
Began 11/06
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CELEBRATING
The more you praise and celebrate
your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.
- Oprah Winfrey
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SEMINARY CLASSES
OPEN TO LIFELONG LEARNERS
January-February:
Christian Heritage II
Adam Bond
The Practice of Preaching
Eleanor Cardenas
March-April:
Hebrew Bible II
Timothy Ashley
Caring Ministries of the Church
Maxine Ashley
Richard Olson
Lifelong Learners may contact the region office for registration
information. LL are not required to complete homework or take
exams but participate fully in the class sessions.
The cost is $300/course.
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15th
Baptist World Youth Conference
July 30-Aug. 3, 2008
Leipzig, Germany
"Dive Deeper"
Info. At:
www.dive-deeper.org
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