On The Table

Hi church,

Not much to say this week except for:

And also, because Christmas is a twelve-day-long season (don'tcha know),

Other than that, please note that we're not gathering at Jammin' Java on Sunday morning, because 10am is way too early on New Years Day. (You may inform your children that the Official Church Newsletter said this, so it is Totally Official.) Just like this past weekend for Christmas, if you're in the DC area and don't know who you're partying with yet, give us a shout, 'cause the answer is "us"!

See you back at Java on Sunday the 8th for a service designed by our Creative Worship team. And may all of our 2012's be filled with blessing. And, you know, a minimum of Mayan calendar apocalypse. 'Cause that could be a downer. The movie sure was, anyway.

Peace,
Mike Croghan

May everyone 'round the Table, near and far, have a

Whether your Christmas is bright or dark this year, may you know, beyond doubt, that you are loved.

We won't be gathering at Jammin' Java on Christmas morning (or at all this weekend), but if you're in the Northern Virginia area and need someone to spend the holiday with, give us a jingle.

May the love of the incarnate Christ warm you and yours.

Peace,
Mike Croghan

Hi church,

Well, this Sunday is the 4th Sunday of Advent, and so our shared journey, having taken us through Hope, Love, Chili, and Joy, now takes us to the final part of our preparation for Christ's incarnation:  Peace.  This week's service (10am Sunday at Jammin' Java) will be a "Radiolab"/Midrash service, with contributions from a number of us.  Here's what P3T3 has to say about it:

"Peace on Earth".  It's the stuff of χmas cards.  But what is the χtian relationship to Peace?  This week we're hosting a Radiolab format (classically Midrash) service to explore Peace, on this, the 4th week of Advent.  Reserve your guaranteed opportunity to share your thoughts (up to five minutes worth!) on Shalom/Salaam/Shanti, or simply come and respond during our discussion time.

peace out!

And a week from Sunday, it's Christmas!  There's been some talk of doing a House Church-style gathering that weekend at someone's home, for folks who are staying in the area (let us know if you're interested in hosting or helping dream up something like that).   However, we won't be gathering at Jammin' Java on Christmas weekend - nor will we be there on the Sunday after that (January 1st), because...party!  :-D

So if we don't see you, may your Christmas be warm and filled with Emmanuel's light, and may your New Year be richly blessed!

Peace,
Mike Croghan

Hey church,

If you've been journeying through Advent with us, I hope you've been as inspired as I have by our service on Hope, and our Love-infused service on Radical Mary, Badass Queen of Heaven.

So in this season of spiritual preparation, what comes after Hope and Love?  That's right, it's...

CHILI!  Please join us this coming Saturday, December 10th, when we'll be having our annual Christmas party/gingerbread extravaganza/chili cook-off from 4-8pm at the Fairfax Railroad Museum.  Bring your own amazing, punishing, chili creation!  Sample your friends' chilis!  Compete in our pro gingerbread architecture competition, complete with icing mortar technology from the Catharpin Ginger Bread House Research Lab!  This is traditionally an event that where the "extended" CT family comes and joins the fun, so YOU are welcome!

Then after Hope, Love, and Chili comes...Joy!  So join us as well at 10am on Sunday morning at Jammin' Java as the Liturgical Worship team leads us in a celebration of the theme of Joy for the third Sunday of Advent.  There will be liturgy, chanting, candles, and possibly people wearing pink.  Hope to see you there.

And that's the news for this week.  May your Advent be blessed.  O come, Emmanuel!

Peace,
Mike Croghan

Happy Advent! We hope that you've had a great first week of the Advent season and have managed to keep the Frenzy of the Season at bay.