It happened in December…

… but I I did not find it time to mentioned it so far.

Two services in one night

On Christmas Eve, Irvin, his sister Chris who came to visit from Idaho and me took part at two Christmas Eve services. The first one was at Indian Fellowship at 6:00 PM. About 60 people came. Two of the ladies told us afterward they had been very moved: this was the very first Christmas Eve service they had ever attended. We read verses from the Gospel of Luke, sang traditional carols, and lighted 12 candles one after the other, throughout the service. Irvin and I even sang together an old French song – in French!

First Pres had two services that night, a traditional one at 7:00 PM and a contemporary one at 11:00 PM. There is a musical dividing line throughout the American Christianity. Some enjoy singing like they always have, rejoicing and feeling inspired by the songs they grew up with. Others, usually younger folks, request more modern and stimulant music that some call “praise music”. Churches of the size of First Pres often have two services on Sunday morning – or Christmas Eve – so both groups worship with the music they need. Since I enjoy every opportunity to sing, traditionally or otherwise, I had the pleasure to sing with the praise team at 11:00 PM. Sue offered Irvin to serve communion with her. So we had two wonderful opportunities to celebrate Christmas, in varied atmosphere but each time with joy. In each setting, it was the time to «sing to the Lord a new song, Sing to the Lord, all the earth» (psalm 96)

Houses and cars are also in tune with Christmas

Since the beginning of Fall, houses and sometimes even cars follow the rhythm of the celebrations. From Halloween, to Thanksgiving then Christmas, decorations change the look of the neighborhood. In December, houses are almost transformed in Christmas trees, with their own lights and ornaments, many referring to Santa Claus. All Santa’s history, in all its details, is also a traditional part of the American celebration. Each deer that pulls Santa’s sledge even has its own name! The most popular is Rudolph, the “red nose deer” who has its own story told in an animated movie. One day in December, I parked by a car who had been “dressed up” as Rudolph ! Only in America… 

Beginnings and Endings

So it is our turn now. We just got out of 2010. We are almost the last ones to do so: Australia was celebrating the first minutes of 2011 as our morning was ending on December 31^st.

Around 3:00 PM not only 9 hours was separating us from France, but also a whole year. When it is out turn to leap into 2011, the whole year has already done so, except Alaska and Hawaii.

Temperatures got colder those last days: 25F (-3C) under an unusual sky: without a cloud. While our delighted pups ran after the fireworks coming from the neighboring yards, we enjoyed the view of the many stars that we have so few opportunities to admire in our area where the sky is often overcast.

Let’s not rush moments of transition, suggests this author. "Beginnings and endings are so very sacred, to give honor to all that has transpired, every experience, every joy, every pain, is a doorway to the magical. Hold your entire year between your hands, every day, every thought, every breath. Now bless it with gratitude, love and humility. You have done more to transform this new year than a thousand resolutions". (K. Allen Kay) Happy New Year!

Santa and the Spirit of Giving

Before the representation, our congregation shared an abundant meal – each of us bringing turkey, or green bean casseroles, or potatoes and pies…

Then Santa Claus arrived with lots of gifts - children were overjoyed. Adults also enjoyed sitting on his lap for a fun picture!

Richard and Santa

Our church was not forgotten, as Santa giving spirit manifested itself through another person. Julie, whose family has been part of the life of this church since the 50s when she was a little girl, kept early memories of our congregation. She came with her sister Ada, her niece Bonnie as well as Laura, Bonnie’s daughter and her husband Tyrus who have been coming regularly. Julie’s brother, Marv, shared those childhood memories. He had been active in our church several years ago. He suddenly passed away of a heart attack in 2006. Julie told us that she sold a piece of property in California and she was advised to consider a donation to a charity. At the same time, she heard about our financial vulnerability and our efforts to raise funds. She brought a card in which she shared with emotion how much this little church has meant to her and her family. There was a $10,000 check in it!

That same afternoon, Pastor Sue from First Pres let us know that the session had decided to send us a very generous contribution. Those exceptional donations are such a life saver as we continue our efforts to come up with creative fund raising ideas. This Christmas season is indeed a time for gratefulness at our church.

Next to Irvin, from right to left: Bonnie, Ada, Julie and Laura.

Memories of Christmas, the Wisdom of our Elders

Last week, our church celebrated Christmas in its program whose aim was to narrate the events of the Nativity with the children playing the characters of the Bible, while including older folks of our congregation.

Irvin interviewed two of our members who were born at the time of the Depression. Ace is a member of the Arikara tribe from North Dakota. Eleanor’s parents came from Germany and Irland and she grew up in Minnesota. Both agreed to share their Christmas memories with Irvin. They also shared pictures with him. Irvin created a PowerPoint presentation that was part of the program. Children also led traditional Christmas carols, and were joined by the assistance.

 

At the end of the program, Eleanor showed us a night stand table that had been crafted by her Dad. He was a carpenter and he would construct such pieces of furniture that he would sell for $1 and he would buy toys for Christmas with the money. He was awarded with a blue ribbon, the highest distinction, at a State exhibition, for his carpentry work. A wonderful testimony of love and art through time.

Angels and Shepherds ready to go!

This afternoon, we had a dress rehearsal at CIF. The children from our Creator Talking Circle (our Sunday School) came to try their outfits and review their roles.

Tomorrow Sunday, a potluck dinner will take place directly after our worship and our Christmas program will follow. It should start around 2:00 PM. The children will interpret several key scenes of the Nativity – the angels sharing the good news with the shepherds, Joseph and Mary looking for an inn – and Christmas carols that will be sung along by the audience.

Christmas memories from two of our parishioners who were born right after the great depression will also be shared with a PowerPoint presentation.

Irvin is the director of the program, and he is actively assisted by Danielle, one of the teachers. She ingeniously created beautiful angels costumes, taking into consideration that our church funds are at a lowest point. A friend of the church let us use the costumes she had created for the shepherds last year.

If everything goes as it went today, that should be a great program! 

 

December Goal: Becoming a savvy craftswoman (checked).

Curves, my welcoming club has already awarded me with a free weekend in the countryside (see November 5^th). They also have showed kindness as Christmas is approaching: they allowed all the craftswomen among their members to exhibit and sell their works. For the past two weeks, an aquarellist, a skilled crochet expert and a creator of children’s games put up their folded tables in the big room where members work out.

So did I, girded with many necklaces.

Irvin taught me the basics when we met. Like many Natives, Irvin makes necklaces that men and women wear in every circumstance. The first time I followed him in one of the huge stores where he would go and purchase wire, clasps and beads, I found myself in presence of one of my childhood fervor: turquoise, opals, amethysts, agates, jade, lapis, in other words, gemstones.

The strange absorption that settles in your mind when you create a necklace sounds like the obstinacy that you may experience when you try to solve an enigma or a puzzle. What you are putting together already exists – you are only reconstructing it.

However, this kind of informal sale can also bring some trouble: one’s artistic heart can be bruised when the delicately laid out pieces stay untouched day after day. The first year I participated, I sold two necklaces during the whole two weeks. I was delighted, the following year, when eight necklaces found a new home. This year, the bad economy may have encouraged Christmas shoppers to turn to local craftsmanship. More than twenty necklaces were sold, to my own surprise. This was a very satisfying experience.

Alas, the sale time just ended. On December 15^th, all of us sellers wrapped up our folded tables and picked up our business cards. This ends the 2010 season for my jewelry business. My proceeds will allow me to pay my subscription to Curves for the whole coming year.

2011 will be a fitness year!

Invictus Without Boarders

William Ernest Henley was 25 and suffered with tuberculosis of the bone. Several years before, his foot was amputated. Now the doctors were considering amputating his other leg. William Henley refused. A pioneering surgeon would eventually save his leg.  

In the midst of those circumstances, William wrote a poem «Invictus» (which means unconquered in Latin). Did he ever imagine that a century later in Africa, this poem would give strength and courage to a political prisoner who stayed behind bars for 28 years? Some words provide the gift of energy our soul requires to overcome the worse situations.

That’s what Nelson Mandela shared with the captain of the rugby team when their victory meant so much for the unity of South Africa – according to Clint Eastwood’s movie which borrowed its title to the poem. Determination and resolve have no boarders.

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.