EmmanuelJ2A

If I was to anwer my own question, I would have to say “no” I do not have all my shopping done! But…when I stop and think of this week (work has been very busy, I have an awful cold, blah…blah…blah…) I am very excited about Christmas. I LOVE Christmas Eve and the anticipation of it all!

In our class tomorrow morning we are going to celebrate the birthday of Jesus with a yummy cake (and candles, of course) as we talk about how we can each do something special for someone else as a “present” for the baby Jesus. (I wouldn’t know what to get Him anyway - my guess if He wants us to serve each other in this holiday season., and all the time for that matter…) I believe we are all being challenged to reach out to one another as Jesus calls us in our everyday life. I work with folks every day who mourn not having any financial resources to buy what they would like for their families and friends. It is hard for me to sit here and say that Christmas is not about money or giving gifts, etc., especially since I DO have the financial resources to at least buy everyone at least a little something. I still worry that I will not get just the “right gift” for someone, forgetting that it is really not what is important during this season. Being present for my children, family and friends is what it is all about, isn’t it?????

We in J2A are being present for your teens as they move forward in their spiritual journey to adulthood. ALL of us at Emmanuel Church need to be present for your teens in our words and our actions…love, support and encourage them. They need you…

As Lauren communicated in the email, we have exciting things happening in the next few months:

An activity that has been finalized is the Rhode Island Community Food Bank on Thursday February 7th from 6-8 PM. We will be looking for chaperones for the activity as well as drivers. If you have not had the opportunity to see how the Food Bank works, think about helping out this night. You will not be disappointed, come see your teens work together as a team! It’s an awesome sight!

There will be more commmunication in the next few weeks about future activities - tomorrow we are going to start identifying what issues your teens are most interested in (for example - hunger, teen depression, the environment, etc.) Their interests will drive what activities are planned for the next several months. As soon as we know, YOU will know. I promise…

Have a peaceful weekend, yes, even in the Emerald Square Mall parking lot!

Peace,

Carol Mowatt