DETOUR
When Life Gets in The Way (Advent 2018)
ANNEMARIE'S STORY
December 9, 2018 • Annemarie Russell
It is the 2nd Sunday of Advent. Today we hear from Annemarie Russell as she shares her and her family's story -- their detour -- of becoming Matthew's adoptive family. Just as Joseph and Mary had to recognize the alternate route their lives would take with the birth of Jesus, we are invited to consider how our families reshape our paths, and even our very concept of family.
ROADWORK
December 2, 2018 • Sara Wolbrecht
Advent, the four darkest weeks of the year leading up to Christmas, is a time for slowing down and paying attention. Yet – the expectations we feel to shop, party, cook, and eat – clutter our days - often leaving us scattered, stressed and short wicked. Each year, we mark our experience of the season around a particular theme. This year, our theme is DETOUR: When Life Gets in The Way. The story of Jesus’ birth, God’s love coming to us in the flesh, is not a story with a simple interpretation. In fact, the entire story is divergent from what was expected, not only at that time in history, but also today. What does it mean for us to embrace the alternate routes on which we’re lead, especially when our personal, cultural, and religious expectations are telling us another thing? This season, join the journey of Advent and embrace the detour.