Fr. John-Paul's Monthly Article   

           The season of Advent is upon us, and I’ve noticed that our church attendance numbers are slipping lately, so I’m asking you to please attend worship each and every Sunday morning (or Saturday night) as a regular routine. When you’re in town, please come and join your St. Michael’s church family at one of our three weekend services; and when you’re on travel, please find a good Christian church and worship God there.

           In a recent Epistle, we heard that “all Scripture is God-breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man or woman of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). That’s why it’s important to commit ourselves to worshipping God on a regular weekly basis, sitting under the authority of His Word, and opening our hearts to the reality of His presence.

           And while it’s true that we can meet God anywhere, at any time, we know that just entering into His sanctuary can help us step aside from the busyness of our lives so we can quietly meditate and pray. And we find joy there, too, in the prayers, music, lessons, sermon, and fellowship. We have so very much to be thankful for here in Ridgecrest, and high on each of our lists is our beloved church family who cares.

           The Christmas season is, for most of us, our favorite time of the year. There are Advent candles, Christmas carols, the Greening of the Church, and Christmas cards given and received – not to mention all the gifts! The manger scene has new figures added each Sunday, as we count down to the placing of the baby Jesus in His crib and the celebration of His birth. What a great joy it is when we gather to celebrate the spirituality of Christmas!

            So, dear hearts, as Scripture says, “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day [of His Coming] approaching” (Hebrews 10:23-25).

           Faithfully, in Christ’s service,

           P.S.: Just because Pam & I have moved out of the rectory and into a home of our own doesn’t mean I’m not still deeply committed to the work of the Lord here at St. Michael’s. What it means is that Pam & I have felt led to sink deep roots in Ridgecrest, and this is where we’re staying!