St. Barnabus Anglican Church, First Advent

I’m not used to 10 am Church.  I’m often late even for 11 am services. But not wanting Gilbert to occasion a loud doggie greeting from the Reverend’s pouch I endeavoured to get us there before the start of the service.  Gilbert was disappointed because his evangelical friend wasn’t present.  The church though was brimming with families with children and all sorts of “salt of the earth’ folk.

The pianist Sathia Aruliah really is a god send. She was practicing hymns with the congregation until Rev. Emilie appeared in her new coloured cloak.  Purple, blue and violet are the traditional cloak colours for advent in the liturgical calendar. It was the first day of Advent.  Reverend Emilie’s  enthusiasm was joyous.

We sang the first hymn, O Come , O Come Emmanuel. It felt so good to sing in unison as a congregation. . Anglicans love to sing.  So few realize that Elvis Presley era and later 60’s, 70’s and 80’s music was as original with such great musicians and singers thanks to so many beginning their rock and roll career in church choirs.  Country and Western music is still under pinned by the training musicians and singers gain in church.  Seeing the young people listening and following Sathia ,I thought of these unsung contributions. 

Later when Reverend Emilie asked if anyone knew what Emanuel stood for, I loved that a beautiful young girl raised her hand. Called upon, she said in the sweetest voice. “God is with us.” And Reverend Emile said , Yes Emmanuel means God is with us.  

And it felt like God was with us there in that church as we all partook in responsive readings, shared in prayer, and the first candle of Advent, symbolizing Hope, was lit.  The sermon from Thessalonians was moving too. Hearing of this early congregation of Christians in what is now Turkey was moving.  Learning the meaning of “Don’t be a Jeremiah”and history of the first temple of Jerusalem.  I love the reverend’s sermons, always something to learn, inspirational,  but down to earth.  Gilbert loves the peace because then he can walk about and sniff everyone’s legs.  I like the prayers of the people and enjoyed the quiet time reflecting on those and asking help for those I personally know are suffering this time of the year.  Eucharist and then more songs and the closing prayer

“Glory to God

Whose power, working in us, 

Can do infinitely more

Than we can ask or imagine

Glory to God from generation to generation

In the church in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever.” Amen

There’s coffee after in the hall but I’ve not yet had time to enjoy. I do look forward to eventually being able to. Much of the joy of church is coming to know other parishioners.  Some of my best friends today I’ve met in the after church coffee years past.  No better place for conversation and cookies.

Thank 

There’s a craft and bake sale, I think, Tuesday, December 11, sounds tasty.