On the Downward Slide to Advent

I've always called Northview CMA's missions conference the highlight of our liturgical year as a sort of joke because of course most people in the church would sniff at the idea of liturgy yet they want things done the same way, especially when it comes to the revered (and necessary) missions conference. It was no different this year as the committee, which I chair, received lots of pre-conference negative comments as the folks ancitipated (rightly) some changes this year. Nevertheless, the week was a rich one of interaction and challenge (and work for the committee--I'm still tired--that will probaby just carry over to Thanksgiving). People even liked the food that they thought they couldn't make for the international dinner because they couldn't pronounce the names of the recipes (we had five continental/area "stations" fully decorated (thanks, Lucy!!) and only food from that place allowed on that table--this was one of the "huge" changes this year) and some asked for the recipes. A few folk are getting the idea that they can bring non-churched friends to the dinner for the food, fellowship, and pre-evangelistic challenge. Julie told stories from her times in China that kept us all in stitches and then ended with a poignant story about God bringing her and a seeker together in a karyoke (sp?) bar that she did NOT want to go to a full six hours from where they both lived (it turned out their apartments were only an easy bike ride apart). We even reinstituted the traditional parade of the nations (although only in miniature), complete with costumes and banners, which ought to satisfy the congregation's soul-longing for liturgy.

Now it's on to Thanksgiving, to be held at Jenny's new apartment this year--the first time in ten years that we will not gather family and their friends and students in Wooster--talk about traditions!--and Advent.