Repeat the Sounding Joy
Walking into our church this past Christmas Eve almost took my breath away! The exquisite nativity scene, the angelic music, the decorations’ twinkling lights, and the excitement of both the children and our older congregation all added to the “Joy of our dear Savior’s birth.” What an evening!
However, we are all now faced with the challenge of carrying that joyful spirit into the new year and beyond
But, can it really be done?
The late acclaimed author and theologian, Howard Thurman expressed the dilemma best in his powerful,
“The Mood of Christmas.”
“When the song of the angel is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the king and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flocks,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost
To heal the broken
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring music in the heart.
Thurman’s words are so powerful. But is it possible for each of us to carry out all his directives? How about starting with just one?
At our church, we have at least 30 ministries where a person can volunteer to walk the path that Christ would welcome. If you are willing to help, so many lives could be affected. So many choices of where to serve.
What about becoming involved with one of our ministries that “heals the broken” as Thurman mentioned? I strongly suggest looking into the life saving work of our RECOVERY CAFE.
Anthony Eaton knew he was broken. He was both an alcoholic and an addict who lost almost everything. After years of working and achieving “success,” he plummeted into despair. He wiped out his finances, was estranged from his twin daughters, and burned bridges with his friends and other family members. In and out of rehab centers for years that did not work, Anthony FINALLY became clean and sober.
The turning point he said was realizing that “getting clean” trying to work a program “Anthony’s way, ” was never going to work. So, he decided to let go and let God. An expression that may sound cliche, but worked for Anthony. Today, his relationship with Christ has never been stronger.
We are so blessed that Anthony Eaton is the dynamic Executive Director of our Recovery Cafe. He took over after serving as Operations Director when founders Dennis and Dawn Paschke had to move out of state.
Just spend five minutes with Anthony and his PASSION for the program would excite any skeptic. Watch out. You might sign up then and there to help!
The opioid crisis is now a full-blown epidemic. Fentanyl, today’s #1 killer is now being mixed with so many other illegal drugs. One pill laced with a small portion of this can be deadly. The addiction rate is staggering. The number of deaths…shocking.
Anthony needs your help as a volunteer or donor…now. Please, keep that Christmas spirit of Mary’s Son alive and well all year long by reaching out to those who need Christ’s love more than ever. 480-530-7090
(Mark your calendar: RECOVERY CAFE’S “Standing in the Gap” annual fundraiser takes place on Friday, February 21, at 5:30. Avion Center, Chandler, AZ.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKET PURCHASE INFORMATION
