Overall Theme: As the congregation prepares to issue a call to a new pastor, it would be easy to think it is all about the congregation. It would be easy to think that the Call Committee has done it and the congregational vote has sealed it. As we enter this time of Advent, however, we are reminded that all of this has taken place according to the Spirit of God. As we prepare for the Advent of Christ, we are reminded how to prepare for the advent of a new ministry relationship. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, as he is introducing himself in the first sentences, he sets the context of his call and ministry in the call of God to all of creation from the very beginning. He recounts God’s call throughout the human journey, and then he centers his own call according to the Spirit. May this Advent Season be a time when we prepare not only for the coming of Christ but for the Call of God according to the Spirit.
