Our bizarre weather in Chicago has preempted some of the news of the governor of Illinois and his travails. From record cold temperatures and snow to tornado warnings and 60 degree weather with flooding, things are pretty goofy here. It's been a good few days to stay in, when church life doesn't call.
It's been a wonderful few days, with services that couldn't have gone better (a 5:00 p.m. family service that was raucous and joyful and filled with children and their families and an 11:00 p.m that was moving to the point of tears, thanks to a brilliant young musician who partnered with me for a homily that interspersed thoughts about making a home for God in our hearts with the Christmas hymn, "In the Bleak Midwinter.")
Today, DH preached, I assisted, we had more glorious music and very thankful hearts for the gifts of young musicians home from college who were willing to share their gifts.
Now DH, FBC and SBC are off to southern Illinois to visit with grandparents, cousins and their four dogs. I'm going to stay here to celebrate a pillar of the church who passed away last week. Her service is on Tuesday, and afterwards, I'm going to hop on a train and head to the city, hop on another train (thanks, Amtrak!)and meet up with my family for two days of board games and storytelling.
The dog and I are having a lovely, quiet afternoon at home. I'm making lists, slowly putting away some of the Christmas decorations, rearranging some books and making plans for the new year. The sky is clear and blue, the air is crisp
Hope you're doing well.
Pictopia photo.
8 comments:
Sounds like a wonderful few days....I know the weather has been wild....took my daughter 26 hours to get home....she left Tucson Friday at 2pm flew to O'Hare where they circled the airport 8 times and then got diverted to and spent the night in St. Louis...finally arrived at O'Hare at 4pm Sat....
Now. What is the latest news with the Gov? From here it seem pretty astonishing that he is denying the whole thing and thinks he's "defending the people of Illinois" by remaining Gov....?
Well, anyway....hope you enjoy the family time later in the week!
I'll send you some of our nice weather. Almost all the snow is melted and the sun is out.
The 11 PM service sounds so perfect. It was what I was hoping for where I worshipped on Christmas Eve...but it was not. However the communion was by intinction which is my favorite style.
Enjoy your quiet time, train trip, and family time.
Your services sound wonderful. I missed the service at my church this year, as well as all the Advent services due to planned absense, 2 weather events that canceled a service, more dangerous weather, illness, family needs, and one choice. A very odd season indeed. Your New Years' plans sound cozy and nourishing.
absence . . . as a teacher I do know how to spell . . .I just can't type.LOL
Blessings to you in these Christmas days! Many thanks for the hospitality of word and image you offer in cyberspace. A wondrous new year to you and those you love. Peace.
hey! I used In the Bleak Midwinter for my Christmas Eve sermon too....
and interspersed it with parts of Frank McCourt's story Angela and the Baby Jesus.
I'd love to see yours...
Chicago weather sounds similar to ours! Blessings on your celebration and time with family
I wish I could have attended your services.
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