Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church

I’m not sure if I’m going to make any resolutions for 2021. We’ve all been through a lot these past twelve months and perhaps now is not the time to add more pressure by setting goals for radical changes in our lives; particularly if we didn’t ask ourselves the best questions beforehand. Things likeWhy do I want to do this? Who am I doing this for? Will this change really improve my life and the lives of others? How does this express who I am at my core? I’m not sayin...g resolutions are a bad thing, not at all, but sometimes we listen more to what other people tell us we should be doing rather than to ourselves, and frankly, we probably listen least of all to what the Spirit is urging us to do. We (and I include myself here) have mastered the art of selective hearing when it comes to how we make decisions and whose voice carries the most weight. So this year perhaps instead of a radical change, maybe an intentional, slowly evolving change is in order. It starts with praiseit starts with God and giving thanks for our place in His story, His life, and the life through which we are invited to participate in all that God is doing. When we start with a point outside ourselves, bigger than ourselves, and begin with praise, then we are preparing not only our mind but our heart for change that is truly life altering. For when we praise, we have to stop and think about all that God in Christ has done for us, and it re-orients our perspective. Suddenly, all of life is a gift and we are given the freedom to celebrate that gift in so many ways. So this year, perhaps I will start with praise and see where it leads meI suspect that it will lead me to listen more closely to what God is saying, I suspect it will allow me to see where my gifts are most needed and will best serve God, I suspect that it will deepen my relationship with God and with my community of friends, family, and even with strangers. So I invite you to join me in praise this year and see where it takes us. Grace, peace, and New Year's blessings, Pastor Nadine photo source: "First snow of winter #14 (Explore #177)" by Feggy Art is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Sunday's Coming! December 27, 2020 Please join us in person or online this Sunday for worship at Reid! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYZVmCw6_WE

Merry Christmas.

I have to admit, I am as susceptible as anyone else to the allure of beautifully wrapped boxes and bags festooned with ribbons and glitter that promise to reveal some new treasure, some desire of our materialistic little hearts that we just can't wait to tear into and clutch to our chests declaring "it's just what I wanted!" One year when my niece was very young, she pronounced every gift she received as her favorite gift, yet she did it with such enthusiasm and conviction t...hat we truly believed each one somehow managed to simultaneously occupy the coveted spot of "favorite gift." In my hopeful heart, however, I want to want just one thing: Christ. I want the incarnation of God, God enfleshed in our small, limited bodies to be the one desire of my soul. If I could wake up Christmas morning - or better yet - keep vigil with the shepherds through the night, and simply revel in the dawn of those Advent promises of peace, hope, love, and joy that are borne in Christ then I might have some idea of what Christmas is truly all about. I'm still struggling to be that wholly Christian, but I hold this prayer in my heart that one day it will truly and utterly be all that I want, not just on Christmas day but every day, and it will indeed be my "favorite gift" - ever. Blessings to you and your family, and all those you welcome as family, this Christmas. Grace and Peace, Pastor Nadine

Christmas Eve is Coming! Services at 4:30 (now indoors) and 6:30 - please watch for important information and updates. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C--Y8I0GZzo

Sunday, December 20: Livestream of Worship, which includes confirmation recognition and celebration.