Advent Daily Devotional: WEEK of PEACE: DAY 13 – Fri, Dec 10
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. — Matthew 5:9
Listen to me, my people, and give heed to me, my nation; for a teaching will go out from me, and my justice
for a light to the peoples. — Isaiah 51:4
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Lighting two candles may be considered an act of creating peace in the community. You kindle flames that generate radiance for everyone in the vicinity.
At its best, peacebuilding grapples with human rights, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability. Acknowledging and responding to such issues contributes to your engagement in the world. It fosters the connection between your inner spiritual self and your community-minded actions.
In this season, do you support a nonprofit or charitable organization that contributes to the overall wellbeing of vulnerable members of your community? Or cares for the sustainability of the natural world? Choosing specific causes to which you give attention, time, and/or resources reflects your values.
By letting your words and deeds align with your priorities, you implement meaningful change based on those values. You feed your spiritual light as well as fueling light in the wider world.
— Rev Gail
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You will find peace not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously. — J. Donald Walters
Give light and people will find the way. — Ella Baker
Advent Daily Devotional: WEEK of PEACE: DAY 12 -Thurs, Dec 9
Peace be within your walls. — Psalm 122:7
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. — Isaiah 60:1
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The two Advent candles create more light together. The pair of lights suggest a relationship.
Peaceful relationships involve communication, reciprocity, and cooperation. People connected in such a way also recognize, accept, and trust each other.
How do you spend time being present to people with whom you have relationships? How do you ‘show up’? How do they ‘show up’ for you? How do you share time and connection? What forms of communication do you choose? In what ways do you build trust between yourself and others?
Clarity about being ‘okay’ yourself, so that you can be available to someone else, actually strengthens your ability to contribute to relationships. Think of it as the oxygen mask lesson on an airplane, when you are told to put on your own mask first, before assisting someone else. For instance, be sure you continue to be attentive to your own equilibrium via self-care: sleep, exercise, good nutrition, strategies for relaxation and renewal. Set reasonable limits to the way you offer your presence to others, whenever you can establish such boundaries, though sometimes caregivers are in situations that challenge self-care). Always check your boundaries within relationships.
Sometimes, when you are connected to people who are struggling with circumstances outside their control, and beyond your capacity to change, showing up is the most significant contribution you can make. In caregiving circles, this can be called ‘bearing witness.’ Sometimes it takes the shaping of being a consistent presence or companion, perhaps it takes the shape of mentoring or coaching, or just being a friend who listens and hangs out. This attentiveness may often be the best, most significant response you can offer someone.
Ultimately, peaceful relationships permit each participant to honor the light within other(s). Such a bond also enables you to shine your own light, too. Shine on! — Rev Gail
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No person, no place, and no thing has any power over us, for ‘we’ are the only thinkers in our mind.
When we create peace and harmony and balance in our minds, we will find it in our lives. — Louise Hay
Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. — St. Francis de Sales
Advent Daily Devotional: WEEK of PEACE: DAY 11 – Wed, Dec 8
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. — John 14:27
You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways. — Job 22:28
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For today, allow the lighting of candles to be an act of naming the blessings in your life. Let it bring awareness of how you can contribute to peace in your own heart and also in your corner of the world.
As you light each of the candles, name one thing you appreciate. For what are your grateful? Gratitude fosters perspective, which leads to a sense of balance and peace. — Rev Gail
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We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves. — Dalai Lama
No degree of worldly darkness can extinguish the glow of a soul’s inner light. — Wes Fesler
Advent Daily Devotional: WEEK of PEACE: DAY 10 -Tue, Dec 7
Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—
in peace because they trust in you. — Isaiah 26:3
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up quickly;
your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord
shall be your rear guard. — Isaiah 58:8
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When you light Advent candles or read and reflect, you are participating in a contemplative practice. Peace grows out of such habits.
Such practices strengthen the spiritual muscles upon which you draw. They create resilience and balance in your body, heart and mind. It can be a still and quiet experience: holding a yoga pose, maintaining a prayer position, or observing utter silence. Sometimes it involves movement of the body such as walking, dancing, or kinesthetic activities like knitting. Maybe it takes the form of unleashing a restless mind through journaling or creative expression. One way or another, set apart time and nurture your spiritual being.
By renewing your energy, you sustain radiance to share and nurture wellbeing to cradle the light within.— Rev Gail
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Sometimes you need to know that you have good people at your back when things go awry in your life.
Good relationships can bring peace of mind, not to mention longer life, companionship, health, happiness, and a host of other benefits. At bottom, we are social creatures who need each other. — Meg Selig
Never fear shadows. They simply mean there’s a light
shining somewhere nearby. – Ruth Renkel
JCC & Around Town: TUE, DEC 7 – SUN, DEC 12
TUE, Dec 7
- Community Event: CHAIR YOGA
9:15am • Zoom.
Pre-registration required. Register for the Zoom link. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvd-CpqD4sEtdFkuT2horCr6QrTMdCHnGD. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Options: 3 weeks, 6 weeks, or drop-in. / 3 Week Series Begins 11/30. / 6 Week Series Begins 1/4/22. This class is sponsored by the Whitney Community Center in Jackson for Jackson residents however, non-Jackson residents are encouraged to attend. Non-Jackson residents pay a class fee . Join Anjali for this exercises class using light hand weights, a strap, blocks and a tennis or myofascial ball. We will perform most of our exercises sitting in a chair with core strength and joint mobility as our focus. Chair exercises can be very effective in strengthening and stretching the body and is cued for individuals to listen to their own bodies. 3-week series – $30* / 6-week series – $60* / Drop-in – $12*. + 3% credit card processing fee if paying online. *A portion is donated back to the Whitney Community Center! More info: https://www.anjali-rose.com/yoga - Community Event: FLOW & ALIGN YOGA
4:30pm • Zoom.
Pre-registration required. Register for the Zoom link. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUrf-Gvqz0sRf0_-P230qBI9VLMei_Ytw Options: 3 weeks, 6 weeks, or drop-in . / 3 Week Series Begins 11/30 / 6 Week Series Begins 1/4/22. This class is sponsored by the Whitney Community Center in Jackson for Jackson residents however, non-Jackson residents are encouraged to attend. Non-Jackson residents pay a class fee. Props include a mat, eye pillow, and blanket. Fees: 6-week series – $60 / Drop-in – $12 + 3% credit card processing fee if paying online. More info: https://www.anjali-rose.com/yoga - Community Resource: LIBRARY OPEN
10am-7pm • Jackson Library
Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.org
WED, Dec 8
- FITNESS CLASS with Laurie McAleer
9am • JCC
Free fitness class. Personalize your wellness routine with Laurie McAleer - Community Resource: LIBRARY OPEN
2pm-5pm • Jackson Library
Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.org - ADVENT 3-Week Study Group: The Redemption of Scrooge
5pm: Dec 8, Dec 15, Dec 22 (zoom)- RSVP to jcchurch@jacksoncommunitychurch.org so we can provide a copy of the book.
- Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83028442916. Option: Call in via touch-tone phone: 929.436.2866 Meeting ID: 83028442916 (#)
- The Redemption of Scrooge is written by Matt Rawle. Book description: Is redemption possible for Ebenezer Scrooge? Pastor and author Matt Rawle discovers the teachings of Jesus in the words of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. Rawle dives deep into the dark, sad, greedy world of Scrooge and discovers a man in dire need of a second chance. Along with Scrooge, we meet the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future and in the process learn about living with and for others in a world blessed by Jesus. Rediscover and reinvigorate your faith this Advent and Christmas season and look at this familiar classic through the lens of faith.
- Combine with suggested social outing (for those who choose to participate in theater experience) to enjoy A Christmas Carole performed by M&D Playhouse.
THURS, Dec 9
- Community Resource: LIBRARY OPEN
10am-7pm • Jackson Library
Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.org - Community Service: WAY STATION SHIFT
All Day • Way Station, 15 Grove St, No Conway
Volunteers open day resource center for showers, mail pickup, grocery distribution, and more - Community Events: MUSIC AROUND TOWN
- Wildcat Tavern: Rafe Matregrano • 5:30pm-8:30pm
FRI, Dec 10
- Community Resource: LIBRARY OPEN
2pm-5pm • Jackson Library
Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.org - Community Resource: LIBRARY OPEN
2-5pm • Jackson Library- Masks and distance will be strictly required while in the building. If you’re unable to mask, you can still take advantage of our pickup or delivery service – simply let us know what you need.
- Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.org
- C3: COCKTAILS & CHRISTIAN CONVERSATION
5pm • Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83028442916
Option: Call in via touch-tone phone: 929.436.2866 Meeting ID: 83028442916 (#)
Bring your adult beverage and your curiosity for a conversation about our sacred texts. - Community Event: Mountain Top Music Concert: MAJESTIC CAFE: Al Hospers and Mike Sakash
7pm/8pm • Majestic Theater, Conway
$10/pp. More info: https://mountaintop.ludus.com/index.php?step=seats - Community Events: MUSIC AROUND TOWN
- Wildcat Tavern: Al Shafner • 6-9pm
- Shannon Door: Marty Quirk • 6-9pm
- Red Parka: Nasty Habits-Rolling Stones Tribute Band • 8-11pm
- Shovel Handle: Bobby Sheehan • 6-9pm
SAT, Dec 11
Community Resource: LIBRARY OPEN
10am-2pm • Jackson Library
Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.orgCommunity Events: MUSIC AROUND TOWN
- Wildcat Tavern: COld River Radio SHow: Cold River Radio Band with vocalist Cassandra McKinley, of course with Jonathan Sarty,•7pm – SOLD OUT
- Shannon Door: Marty Quirk • 7-10pm
- Red Parka: Rek’lis• 8-11pm
- Shovel Handle: Randy Messineo • 6-9pm
SUN, Dec 12
- INTERFAITH GATHERING
8am • Old Red Library next to church (indoors) & Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/142985761?pwd=T214WDhHRmxoYXE0dWRCNk53SFppQT09
Poetry and conversation. Join us. Bring your own hot beverage on cold mornings! - PAGEANT PREP
9:30am • JCC
Scheduled and drop-in pageant participants welcome: arrive by 9:30am to get a costume and assignment. - WORSHIP (Zoom) & IN-PERSON – Advent 3: Joy & CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
10:30am • Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/142985761?pwd=T214WDhHRmxoYXE0dWRCNk53SFppQT09- Join us for worship with music, scripture, prayer and reflection.
- Live music by Alan Labrie
- Advent 3: Joy candle-lighting by Battenfelder family
- Christmas Pageant written and narrated by youth
- In-person attendance requires social distancing and masking for all attendees (additional precautions may be changed based on COVID stats and CDC guidelines).
- Service will also be live-streamed to website and Facebook (if technology supports this function on the day of event). Afterward, recordings of worship service will be posted to Facebook, Vimeo.com channel & Youtube.com channel. Option: Call on touch-tone phone: 929.436.2866, Meeting ID: 142985761, Password: 603603
- CAROLING to COMMUNITY
1-3pm • JCC
Carolers visit local neighbors. Please RSVP to church if planning to carol!