THE PASTOR'S CORNER FOR DECEMBER, 2021

Reflections from Pastor Kim

​Home –
      noun
      The place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household.
      A place of origin
      adjective
      Relating to the place where one lives.
      adverb
      To or at the place where one lives.
      verb
      (of an animal) Return by instinct to its territory after leaving it.
      Move or be aimed toward (a target or destination) with great
      accuracy.
      intransitive verb
      To move to or toward an objective by following a signal or landmark —usually used with on or in.

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​Home. That word means so many different things, depending on your experience – the lens that all things filter through in your thought process. For some it is an amazing and love filled space, and a sense of belonging. For some it is a place of longing for what the possibilities are. For still others it is a place of pain, neglect, anger and hopelessness. Home can be a many faceted experience, not just a place.

An introduction to “Come Home for Christmas” from UM Discipleship Ministries:

“Advent is an invitation. For many, it is the invitation to get into that Christmas spirit, to count down the days to the grand celebration, and let the holiday transform everything around us.

But there is a deeper and more profound invitation being offered in the season of Advent. The invitation is to re-member that we are heading for home. Or if we’re not, if we’ve forgotten that there is a home toward which to head, it is the invitation to long for the home we call the kin-dom of God. It is where family resides, where peace resides, where justice abides, and hope will rise. Advent reminds us that we shouldn’t be complacent about the way things are – not that we want to become angrily attuned to every perceived failing in those around us or the world at large; but that we want to be those who look forward to something greater, something more that is just on the horizon. Advent is the call to come home.” https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/come-home-for-christmas

From the first Sunday of Advent through the Sunday after Christmas, we will explore home and images of home that cling to us. We might even find some new images of home. You’ll hear from me, and from some other voices, very familiar voices from this church home in Oakland. Do you know someone who might benefit from this experience? Bring them along!

I look forward to spending this season of anticipation and contemplation with you for the first time! Together we develop a space that brings a sense of home to others. Might the result be an outpouring of the love, grace and mercy that God has shown each of us. Might we experience the expectation of what is yet to be in faith as the Holy Spirit leads us with intent and God’s will.

Be blessed, be a blessing, and take someone with you on the journey! Pastor Kim