from the desk of B. Mike Alexander, Jr.
She made my day as she told me about her recent experience at the Dollar store. A relatively new member at Belin Memorial, she took an Operation Christmas Child shoe box that was distributed weeks ago. With excitement in her voice, she couldn't wait to tell me about what happened when she took her shoe box in the store to fill it up.
It seems that while she was there, a number of other people from Belin Memorial were doing the same task, thinking about underprivileged children overseas. While she didn't know the names of other church members shopping at the same hour, she did recognize the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes. Slowly, a number of folks appeared on the same aisle with her. With box in hand, they began to ask one another, "Do you go to Belin?" One by one, they all acknowledge what a great church Belin is as it attempts to reach out to those near and far away who may be in need. And they introduced themselves to each other. A connection was made.
That's exactly what we do at Belin, and that is what we want to continue to do as we move into an exciting future. We want to connect, and we want to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ. With the Angel trees in the Sanctuary narthex and the Harbor lobby, you can take a child's name and wish list and bless a child this Christmas. Remember: all gifts must be returned by noon on Sunday, December 2.
Plan to attend the Town Hall Meeting this Sunday, November 18, 4 PM. Our Building Team will share "initial" campus site plans for the future. This will also be an opportunity for you to make some suggestions as together we work toward some God-sized dreams.
It's hard to believe that the Advent season is rapidly approaching. Just after Thanksgiving, our focus will turn toward the coming of the child whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. On December 2, we'll celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. As a church family, we'll connect with each other around the table. On December 9, our Chancel Choir will offer its cantata, "A Christmas Collage." Later that afternoon in St. John's Chapel, we'll have our annual Blessing of the Animals, 4PM. On December 16, 6 PM, our Blue Christmas service will be held for those who struggle this time of year with loss or sadness. On December 24, we'll hold 4 services of worship at Belin---4:00 PM in The Harbor, 6:00 PM in The Harbor AND The Sanctuary, and 11:00 PM in The Sanctuary. What a special and holy season is soon to come our way.
Now let me tell you about another person I know and come in contact with from time to time. I've listened to her over the years. She isn't aware of how often I hear her words and pay attention to her tone. While she has been blessed far beyond measure, she seems to always complain about something. Every day it is the worst of the worst for her. What breaks my heart is that she doesn't even look happy. I wish that I could help her.
The apostle Paul wrote, "I have learned to be content with whatever I have." Paul wrote these words while he was sitting in a prison cell in Rome, waiting for the news of whether or not he would be executed.
As I write these words, I have two people in my mind and heart. One is so excited about a shoe box, and the other is not excited about anything.
Today, let me suggest that you find something good on which to focus. Let me suggest that you try to do some little something for somebody else. Remember: it is not about you. Let me suggest that today you work hard to develop a grateful heart. Gratitude is essential if you are ever going to be content in this life. Let me suggest that you realize that you will never be satisfied in life if all you seek is ease, luxury, comfort, and money. The Bible tells us that satisfaction, content, is found only in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Today, make your life count!
