Advent Begins with Hope (and Music!)
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Welcome to the first week of Advent. This past Sunday, we lit the Candle of Hope. And what a hopeful day it was. I’d like to offer a whole litany of thanks to a whole host of people for their help in such a fine Advent beginning.
Our Morning Worship: First of all, we had a terrific and very energetic crowd in Fresh Start. Special thanks to Shelley for her great sermon, as well as her behind the scenes preparation with the lovely decorations and new seating arrangement. She and Mark have also been coordinating along with our Fresh Start Planning Team. Well done all and thank you!
In our Sanctuary Service, we also got to enjoy gorgeous decorations and glorious music that nicely reflected the “bigness” of the idea of hope. Musical minor and major keys wove us in and through this mysterious concept so central to our Christian experience. Special thanks to Kathryn, Daniel, Cheryl and the choir for helping to facilitate our journey. And additional special thanks to Ann Smith and her fine group of Christmas Elves who magically make our worship space look so festive and worshipful.
The Decatur Fine Arts Academy: Following our morning worship experiences, our afternoon began with the remarkable talent of our instructors from the newly formed Decatur Fine Arts Academy. As an introduction and beginning welcome to the DACC concert, the instructors of the Fine Arts Academy graced us with an outstanding series of fun musical Christmas pieces that left us all in smiling wonder. As I said in my welcome to the concert, we are the most fortunate people in Decatur to have this kind of talent as our partners and in our building virtually every day of the week. Violin, viola, sax, drums, piano, voice and the fine people who play and sing and teach others to do so … we are truly blessed. And regardless of age, they are still taking students, so don’t miss out!
The Decatur Avondale Children’s Choir: Following the DFAA music, with 110 strong voices, these children and young people also wowed us. The sanctuary was filled with our church members and families from all over our community gathering to hear these young voices and to enjoy the great work of Mark Green and his many workers and volunteers. What a treat to hear them singing a sophisticated array of complicated, joyous music. We were left in awe and great gratitude. Thanks to their hard work and amazing sound, all of us present now feel completely ready for a good Christmas season.
Much more is on the way in the coming weeks, so be sure to take advantage of the many opportunities to share in this very special Christmas season here at First Baptist Decatur. I am so thankful to be a small part of the fine legacy First Baptist offers to our community and beyond.
If you have not already, I hope you will join us!
Love,
David
David Jordan
Senior Pastor