We are closing in on the end of another year! The end of 12 and the beginning of 13! The past 7 months have gone by more quickly than I would have expected. Closing the calendar year at Blomkest Baptist Church has been wonderful.
In traditional Swedish fashion we celebrated Julotta with Christmas Carols and a Christmas breakfast. This was my first Julotta and the tradition is wonderful! Imagining the faithful arriving at the church before the service with horse drawn sleighs and torches creates vivid pictures in my mind. We however kept the church heated so there was no reason for blankets or heavy coats inside. We sang Christmas Carols and laughed and remembered the promise of prosperity and hope through the tradition of Julotta as well as the message of the first Christmas.
Julotta celebrates Christmas morning, the time of the birth of Christ. That in itself is getting more unique in the world today. There are more and more churches who do not hold Christmas worship if it occurs during the week and there are some who do not hold Christmas services even when it occurs on Sunday! Unfortunate, because even if they do not celebrate Julotta in Swedish tradition, they miss out of a joyous event of community and faith.
And now we look to the New Year and all that God has in store for us, and there will be plenty! Last week the youth group went out carolling at the nursing homes around Willmar and it continues to grow. We have plans for activities and events to develop strong Christians for the future. The ministries will continue to grow and expand as we continue the work started 136 years ago! This will be more than a renewal of vision. It will include new vision and new direction as the world and life continues to change. The need for Christ remains and through God's grace we will continue to reach those in need and those seeking a church family.
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