The Rev. Doug Peterson preached on Christmas Day at St. Michael’s and quoted from the journal of that missionary Jim Elliott, who was martyred in 1956 in Ecuador:
“He makes His ministers a flame of fire. Am I ignitable? God deliver me from the dead asbestos of “other” things. Saturate me with the oil of the Spirit that I may be a flame….
Make me Thy Fuel, Flame of God.”
What a great prayer for all of us! Amazing things happen when people ignite over the Gospel. We witnessed that over the Christmas weekend. Nearly 1,500 people filled the pews with 110 children alone in the pageant! I thank God for the way our various teams worked together so beautifully to make this such a spiritually powerful weekend. Let me highlight five specific inspiring events:
The first happened on the last Sunday of Advent. I preached on the power of singing and how singing transforms the heart. Right after the sermon Bishop Dickson fainted in his pew and in those very uncertain scary moments of not knowing what was going on, the entire congregation of 440 people, prayed as one and then sang, and sang and sang, until the EMS teams arrived. Thankfully Bishop Dickson recovered beautifully, but to hear the church sing with such prayerful passion was beautiful and moving.
Second, dear St. Michaelite Jane Waring while attending the Christmas Eve Pageant, tripped in the balcony and broke her finger. It was Bill Hewitt who came to her aid. Vestry member Nicole Nicholson immediately came to her side as well and prayed for Jane. By the time I saw Jane (as she waited for her ride to the hospital), it was clear she had broken her finger, but was in complete peace thanks to the help and prayers of Bill and Nicole!
Third, on Christmas Day, a beautiful new bicycle was taken down the center aisle to give to Col. Mac Radcliffe. Several weeks ago, Mac was out getting food for the Tuesday morning breakfast when he was run over by a garbage truck. While Mac sustained injuries to his leg, his bike was destroyed. So the members who attend that service and breakfast sprung into action to give him a new bike! It is wonderful seeing the body of Christ at work in quick response!
Fourth, at that same Christmas Day 8am service we also had the renewal of vows for Dr. George and Elizabeth Cooper, with their son James present. It was a beautiful experience on Christmas day to celebrate God’s gift of marriage and again the Body of Christ circling around a couple!
Fifth, at the later service on Christmas Day, and complete with a bow on top, I gave our large lectern Bible back to the family of Frances Grimball who had gifted it to St. Michael’s decades ago. As you recall we transitioned the church Bibles to the English Standard Version. Many thanks to the Grimball family for their love and support of this church!
Christmas Pageant Photos by Bill Lyles
Christmas Eve and Day
As a priest, Christmas is perhaps the most wonder-filled season on the calendar. The interior of St. Michael’s looked amazing, even the tower had garland this year. There is nothing more beautiful than St. Michael’s decorated for the Incarnation! Even more beautiful were all the hearts that came together making this Christmas both glorious and smooth! From the hard working:
Altar/Flower Guilds
Buildings and grounds team
Jessica Lee Wood and the wonderful collection of parents
Choirs
Readers, ushers, greeters
Prayer Ministers
And so many more! We are so grateful to all who made this Christmas and our 50th Pageant celebration so amazing!