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By Kristy Berrott, Elder When I was first told about the Spire’s theme for Advent, I immediately knew that I could connect. I had been feeling weary with the world as it was, and I was looking for a way to overcome this feeling. My daily interactions were leaving me with less and less hope for humanity. Therefore, when the Adult Spiritual Development Commission was looking for people to run some n…
By Laura Ecklin, Youth Ministry and Administrative Manager “What is the most important thing I need to know about you?” The question Ed Sutter asks every new student who walks up the ramp entering the youth wing. You can imagine that question gets a variety of answers from middle and high school kids. They talk about the sports they play, their favorite school subject, pets, video games, a spe…
By Denise Burke, WECEP Executive Director Children teach us so many things that we never realized we needed to know. Not that long ago, I witnessed a precious moment among three little boys on the WECEP playground. The three boys pictured in the photo worked up a great thirst while running after each other during a fun game of what I would call tag. They all paused from their fun to run over to…
By Dave Davis, Sr., Member, Stewardship Commission The Advent season will soon be upon us. In the church this season is dedicated to the hopeful arrival of Jesus the Christ. Yet in this season of hope, there often is a spiritual weariness. Every day we are overwhelmed by stories about our world, our nation, and our communities that contribute to spiritual weariness. Each of us can compile our own…
By Christine Hestwood, Music Director A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” The Christmas season, and especially Christmas Eve, just isn’t complete without the beloved carol “O Holy Night.” Jesus’ birth brought a thrill of hope to a weary world, one that “lay in sin and darkness.” The birth of Jesus brought about a “new and glorious” day. And that’s certainly worth celebrating! A friend recently sent me th…
By Faith Kemmler, Director of Children's & Family Ministry Grief, lament, and sorrow are unavoidable aspects of the human experience. But we know that our God is walking alongside us, ready to listen to all we have to say. Practicing lament as a family helps children and adults process difficult times and situations. Use the following questions to guide your family in lamenting: What are the…
By Erik Wiesemann, Light in My City, Founder It’s that time of year. While many people are giddy with excitement for the holidays, there are those who are too weary to rejoice. Both groups can relate to weariness. Even the most optimistic get worn down by life. When family and friends walk with us during trials and discouragement, it gives us a sense of hope. Ultimate hope, however, is found only t…
By Rev. Ann Morris, Parish Associate “Sometimes in a weary world you have to sing yourself back into belief,” says Sydney to Freddie in James Runcie’s The Road to Grantchester. During the Christmas season the music and lyrics of “O Holy Night” are a sure tonic to strengthen a fragile faith. The history of the song is rife with controversy, legend, and popularity. It began in 1843 as a poem by Placide C…
