Okay, folks this is a total vent. If you don't want to hear me complain just skip this one. <sigh> If you read it please pray that I'll recover my sweet disposition quickly and do what needs to be done.
We have a lovely woman in our church who ALWAYS does the adult Christmas program. She has been such a blessing. Last Sunday she came to me and said she couldn't do the Christmas program this year and I'd need to get it organized.
It's November. It's the END of November! I have writing deadlines (Nov 28 and Dec 1) and I preach every Sun night! I have a family, in case no one has noticed.
Okay, everyone knows that, but the program is scheduled for Dec. 18. What to do? What to do?
So, Monday, I printed out the Advent scriptures and have asked a few people to sing. We'll have a really simple program with the teens reading the scriptures and either congregational singing or some of our singers doing solos between the scripture readings. Our church is very small (about 60 people) so we don't have a lot to pull from. Everyone will feel ill prepared on such short notice. (Actually, we have some excellent singers. The problem is the short notice.
My husband suggested that maybe this is of the Lord. Well, if so, I still wish He'd given me a bit more time to put together a Christmas program!
Forgive me for being so grumpy. Maybe I need a Spirit-transfusion.
Any one with ideas that I could use to spice it up?
I would do exactly as you have done. Have some people do solos and duets and the like, and just add some other things like the Christmas story - you or your husband read it - maybe do communion, etc.
DO NOT STRESS YOURSELF OUT OVER THIS. DO NOT FEEL PRESSURED TO PUT ON A BIG PROGRAM.
If anyone asks why you aren't having something like as in the past just say, "Oh well, I wasn't aware that we weren't...this was just handed to me on such and such a date, and on this short of notice this is simply the best we can do."
I agree. Go simple. There does not have to be an elaborate production. You may also consider reading a poem. Last year I found a beautiful poem about ignoring the Birthday honoree called "Suppose." I also always love to sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus after communion or other solemn moment.
Thank you. I'm not simmering any more and feel a real peace about what we have planned. I'll work with the teens this week to be sure their readings are practiced. I'm grateful that we have good singers who are willing to sing on short notice!!
That program isn't far away now, but I feel God will bless our efforts. Thanks for your encouragement.
