Today my Thoughts on Thursday Blog focuses on expectations and fulfillment. Today is the day after Candlemas. It was yesterday. Candle – what? I thought February 2nd was Groundhogs Day. That day has a huge and sad meaning in my family. But, thanks to my friend Amanda, I have been reminded about Candlemas, the day of presentation of the baby Jesus at the temple by his parents, which is celebrated Feb. 2. It is a day about anticipation and expectations – clear ones that were met and fulfilled.
As I understand it on that day the Spirit of God was all over the scene (read Luke 2:22-40). Jesus’ parents were Jews who followed the law and went to the temple, in accordance with purification laws for a mother after birth, to make an offering. They didn’t have to bring the child to the temple but they did. The Holy Spirit moved Simeon, a prophet, to go to the temple. There he met and took the child into his arms, and gave thanks to God. He blessed the child, saying that the babe was fulfillment of prophecy. Anna, a prophetess, who lived at the temple, also joined them, rejoiced and gave thanks to God for the babe.
Here was Jesus, the child, who was the fulfillment of prophecy and expectation. Of course Simeon had a bit more to say about Jesus and how he was to affect the religious and political life in Israel, but that is a topic for another blog.
The Christ Child brought joy and fulfillment.
Having said all this, I want to focus on anticipation that we have as Christians.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are a new creation. As we mature in our faith walk then our focus shifts from what is in it for us to how can we serve in Christ’s name. How can we bring our gifts and talents to bear on His behalf?
Here in the Copper Country and AGMK we anticipate and have expectations. We are expecting spring – really. Following spring those of us involved with the Amazing Grace Ministries are expecting a great summer of mission. In June we will go out in mission to Poynette, WI. We will be joining our great friends from the WI-VIM mission group and we looking forward to having a great team. We will host two, maybe three mission teams this summer to build and be the face of Christ throughout the area. We anticipate working on two projects currently under way. And we are looking forward to singing each month at nursing homes and at the March 27th afternoon of music along with other Christian musicians to support the heat fund for St. Vincent DePaul to help those in need.
Some of the core members of our ministry were recently reflecting how much we feel called to what we do. How it is a vital force in our lives. How blessed we feel to do what we do. Perhaps this is why we have a vision for our walk together to serve in Christ’s name. The Holy Spirit has called, and we are listening, and responding.
Schedules
Singing continues:
Saturday, Feb 5th at 3 p.m. at Cypress Manor in Hancock
Saturday, Feb 12th at 2 p.m. at Houghton County Medical Care Facility in Hancock
Sunday, Feb 13th at 3 p.m. at Portage Pointe in Hancock
Sunday, Feb 27th at 2:30 p.m. at Bayside Village, L’Anse. Meet at Julie’s at 1:30 p.m.
Construction: We need to schedule at day at the Hurontown Project. Please contact me so that we can determine what fits well with everyone’s schedule.
Prayers
– For little Adom, a preemie, and his parent’s Emmanuel and Esther. We give thanks that at a recent check his eyes will be ok! Continue to pray for his growth and health.
– For Karl, who is receiving treatment for cancer. We pray that the chemo eradicates the disease and he returns to full health. For his family.
– For Papa, who will be turning 94 on Feb. 7th. We will celebrate his life as a band family and sing for joy!
– For Our Hurontown project and the family.
– For Chuck, who is receiving treatment for Cancer.
– For Kathy, who is a generous soul.
– For traveling mercies, as Gary and Dianne return to the Copper Country.
– For Ron, who is recovering from shoulder surgery.
– For Pete, for remission, health and a match for a Bone Marrow Transplant.
– For our children and for those who do not know Christ as their Lord and Savior, that He may move in their lives.
– For members of the MTU Rotaract members and the MTU E-prise group who work with us in service to members of our community.
– For the supporters of the AGMK music and construction ministries.
– For those considering going on mission to WI the week of June 12th
– For our friends, family and mission team members that have served or will serve here in the Keweenaw as they deal with snow and ice and low temps. Be careful out there!
God Bless,
Bandmom