December 16, 2008

It's the day of the Living Nativity on the street. We (Parable) help a few other churches and a Christian dance company with a simple 'live' portrayal of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the stable for Jesus' birth. People carol and we help hand out hot chocolate to by-passers. Last year it was really cold and windy, but we persevered. Today, we have rain/sleet to deal with. As the day progresses, we are praying for clearing weather or just plain snow flurries. It's a fun way to be involved in sharing Jesus in the street at Christmas time. So opposite of the glitz and glitter of Rockefeller Center and Macy's and Saks' windows, but just as beautiful in its simplicity and honest message. May many people be touched and encouraged to seek Jesus this season.

We have 2 teams in this week to do some gift wrapping on the street and to also serve at a few soup kitchens and senior centers in Midtown. These are returning groups and they are such an encouragement to me. I pray we are all blessed as we celebrate Jesus with all we encounter this week. Pray for dry weather!!

Parable Church will be moving out of the Space by the end of December (just a few weeks). It is just so costly to rent this big of a space, especially when those that we cater to have no money to put on their shows. With Broadway shows closing, smaller shows canceling plans, and the economy getting steadily worse through winter, we decided we need to cut our overhead. This will be a very busy few weeks of packing up, liquidating, etc.The411 will be back to take their equipment and supplies. Parable will wrap up here by 12/31.

Even though we are down-sizing and are a little sad about leaving the place that has been an inviting place of ministry, we are very excited about having the time and resources to concentrate solely on the church body and the people who are seeking God (whether they know that or not) and to work on the simple task of building a body of believers and seekers. It is refreshing to be unencumbered by the responsibilities of the space. We will instead meet someplace for worship and fellowship, meet for ministry and service opportunities at various places, and the staff will work from our homes for a while. Although this may not sound 'stable' for some parts of the country, it is very natural for NYC. We are excited about our future.

I know I say this a lot, but I'm so blessed to work with Parable Church. It is so refreshing and energizing and encouraging to spend time with sincere, dedicated believers and to share myself with seekers who just want to have a relationship with someone they feel they can trust to share Jesus. God grows me so much through every encounter and acquaintance. My walk with God has grown, deepened, been filled with more intensity and awareness. It's like seeing a black and white drawing grow into a beautiful colorful masterpiece. The colors and textures become more detailed. Music becomes more rich through different instruments and tones and harmonies. It's wonderful to experience. All this comes about not just from the 'good times' but from those 'difficult and emotionally hard times', too. I'm thankful for them all. This time of serving in NYC will always be a huge mile stone in my life and in my walk with God.

Well, I'd better get back to work. So much to do this week.
I do wish you beautiful moments to share with our Lord this week as we prepare to celebrate His coming and as you look forward to being with family and friends. Share the Light of Jesus with everyone!

Blessings!!!