Together at the Lights

Photo from Press-Register

One of my favorite events of the year in Fairhope is the Lighting of the Trees.  If you're new to the community (as many people in our church are each week), you are welcome to come to the event with me.  I'll be the guy with the big, goofy grin on his face.  Here's the way it works.  On the Thursday before Thanksgiving, the city closes the downtown streets.  Large crowds congregate at "The Clock" at the intersection of Fairhope Avenue and Section Street.  The school bands play and the mayor makes a speech.  As the clock strikes 6:00 p.m., he flips a switch and the darkened streets are illuminated in a moment.  A million Christmas lights, which have been carefully placed in the trees alongside the streets, warm the night.  A loud cheer goes up from the crowd and the music begins again.

To some, that may sound like a rather silly thing for all those people to get excited about.  But I guess the thing that I like about it is just that: we all get excited about something together.  A divisive election season will be over.  It will be a few weeks before the Iron Bowl.  And for one evening, we can all come together to get excited about something--even though it may seem silly to some.  We put aside our differences and unite for a small celebration.  People cheer with wonder and awe about the same thing at the same moment.  I'll admit that I don't even look at the lights at first.  I look for the light to shine on our children's faces as they react to the spectacle.

As we head into the holiday season, I wonder if we could find more things like this to get excited about.  What if we came together in the Unity of Christ in the midst of Thanksgiving?  What if we shared that same wonder as we anticipate the coming of the Christ Child?  What if we put aside the competition of gifts and parties and instead celebrated the purity of the Hope of God?

The Lighting of the Trees kicks off the Holiday Season in Fairhope.  Maybe I'll see you downtown that night coming for the same reason I am. Then let's be in worship and study together throughout the Season as we pray that we will let God bring us all together for His purpose today and forevermore.

Routine?

Routine. Many of you have shared with me how much you enjoy the routine of the new school year. For many it means a regular weekly schedule where we can “get things done.” In the body of believers, there are new opportunities for growth now that we are in our “fall routine.”
Prayers. Are you praying for your church? The mission of the church in the world? The opportunity to be involved in that every day? I encourage you to pray, not only on Sunday mornings, but everyday for your part in God’s Church.
Presence. While we may be “back in the routine,” many things can distract us from Sunday worship. MAKE IT A PRIORITY to be in worship. You have a profound impact on others by your presence. When you can’t make it, be sure to catch up on each week’s message by listening online: www.fairhopeumc.org. In October, Mike and I will teach a six-week study on the book of Romans.
Gifts. God has called each of us to share the gifts He gives with others. We do this with joy, because God is the one who has called us. God has called us to be a part of another’s life by using His gifts. Thank you for committing to this work this month.
Service. Joyfully serving others is a powerful way to grow in faith. This month we continue work at the Habit for Humanity home, serve in post-hurricane clean up, work towards rebuilding tornado damaged homes, and much more. See below for details.
Witness. One of our greatest privileges is to tell another about what a difference God has made for us. There is someone in your life with whom God wants you to share His love. Will you do so? Pray daily that He will show you how to do so.
What a joyful routine, to be faithful in our Christian walk together.
One great way to do so is to participate in serving others and here are several opportunities:
Ecuador Medical Mission Team for Spring 2013 is now forming. Please prayerfully consider how you might be involved. For more information, contact Rob at rob.haynes@fairhopeumc.org.
The Habitat for Humanity work will continue until the work is done. Come out any Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday to 27711 Tallent Road in Daphne. For more information contact Rob at rob.haynes@fairhopeumc.org.
Our next Family Promise week is November 18. Let us welcome, with open arms, homeless families from Baldwin County during Thanksgiving week. For more information contact Lany Simmons at owen_simmons@ml.com.
Hurricane Isaac Clean up teams. We have been invited to participate in clean up teams in Louisiana and Mississippi teams. ERT Training is required. Dates will be determined upon availability of team members. For more info, contact Rob at rob.haynes@fairhopeumc.org.
April 2011 Tornado rebuild teams. Let's finish strong in rebuilding homes in West Alabama.
ERT Training is NOT required. Work is light and available to all skill levels. For more info, contact Rob at rob.haynes@fairhopeumc.org.