A community event to celebrate

Unfortunately, it’s easy in our culture to see problems in Christian churches. I recently visited my family in Gainesville, Fla., and one of the topics they brought up for discussion was the Gainesville pastor who was getting national publicity by planning to burn the Koran. It turns out that he was in a very small congregation and not too well thought of in the community before the publicity. But, because of the outrageous act, and the resulting publicity, the reputation of all Christians was tarnished in some places.

Actually, we should not be surprised when we hear about problems in churches. God has acted in power and wisdom and love in creating the world and all people in it. God also acted in power and love and mercy when he came to this world and took on our sins in the death and resurrection of his only begotten son to win victory over sin and death. By his Spirit God calls people to receive his love and to serve him. This service to which God calls us is a holy work.

The only problem is that God has chosen imperfect and sinful people to do his holy work. So, we shouldn’t be surprised when we hear about Christians who misbehave or the church having problems. That is why all the letters to churches in the New Testament speak of problems. God is calling sinful, weak, and failed people to do his holy work of sharing his love in Jesus. But, it is sinners after all who need a savior.

So, while it is not uncommon to hear Christians failing to live up to God’s standards, it is a breath of fresh air to see the Christian church doing something positive in the spirit of faith and love and sacrifice which the lord Jesus called for and modeled. Did you know that such a positive, faith filled, love filled event has been happening in the Mat-Su Valley for 37 years?

At 7 p.m., Dec. 1 five Palmer churches will join together for the 37th time in a Community Advent worship service. Actually this event began when the three churches founded in 1935 on land set aside by the Alaska Rural Rehabilitation Corp. decided to celebrate their common heritage. (In 1935, in response to requests by the Colonists, the ARRC set aside a block that is still used the Palmer United Protestant Church, St. John Lutheran Church, and St. Michael Roman Catholic Church. Imagine the federal government today helping churches get started!) This common heritage was first celebrated in 1973 with an Advent service that celebrates and looks forward to the coming of Jesus. Since that time St. Bartholomew Episcopal and Trinity Lutheran Churches have also joined in this event.

This is really quite a unique event because these churches still have some teachings that differ from one another. In many places such a service could not take place. But, there is a common worship of Jesus as God and Savior that brings these different traditions together. In addition to the worship there is a fellowship meal served by the host congregation at 5:30 p.m., and a combined offering that helps a worthwhile cause in the valley. This year the offering is designated for the Family Promise Mat-Su ministry.

So, right here in Palmer, churches that in other places might disagree have found a way once a year to celebrate the savior, to work for a common cause, and to join in joyful worship. That unique event has been taking place for 37 years without many even knowing about it.

If you would like a good way to kick off the Christmas season, come and join in the meal at 5:30 p.m., join in the worship at 7 p.m., and experience the joy of the coming savior. This year’s worship service is at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, 440 East Elmwood, just across the street to the south of the Borough Building.

Oh, by the way, everyone is asked to bring Christmas goodies for a reception after the worship service — another great tradition.

Jonathan Rockey has been the senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer for the last 20 years.