Preparing for the Journey

preparing for a journey
a woman sitting in the middle of a dirt road on a suitcase, reading a map. Next to her is another suitcase with a globe on top of it; Image courtesy of Lorri Lang via Pixabay.

Next is a series on "Change" which will also include stewardship. Then it really will be Advent and we'll embark on the journey to Bethlehem together. I'm wondering what you need in your life and what we need in the life of the community to be ready for that journey.

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It’s October and fall is upon us. The trees are beautiful and the temperatures are mostly dropping. Even though I was away for the summer, I’m not sure how it got to be half way through October already. The Ritual Arts Team (RAT) folx are deep in the middle of Advent and we are currently finishing the sermon series on “Tending the Bodymind.”

Next is a series on “Change” which will also include stewardship. Then it really will be Advent and we’ll embark on the journey to Bethlehem together. I’m wondering what you need in your life and what we need in the life of the community to be ready for that journey.

This summer, before embarking on our six-week road trip, Erika and I spent six weeks building the bus. We covered everything from flooring to ceiling to plumbing to electricity. Then we had to pack the bus, trying to think of everything we might need from food and clothing to emergency supplies and all the things Morgan would need. We did pretty well.

Though, the first night, we had to purchase a few things we hadn’t thought about. As we prepare for the spiritual journey to Bethlehem, take a moment to think about what you might need. What are your hopes for this Advent season? What can you do to prepare so that your spiritual needs are met? What might we do as a community to ensure that we all make it to Bethlehem?

It’s not too early to check in with your spiritual wellness and ask yourself if there are things you could prepare ahead of time. It might make the journey a little bit easier.

About Rachael Keefe

Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe is the pastor of Living Table United Church of Christ. She was called to Living Table in 2015 after serving in many varied ministry settings since her ordination in 1992. She holds graduate degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Andover Newton Seminary at Yale (formerly Andover Newton Theological School). Her ministry and leadership often center around advocacy and accessibility. Her writing has been published by Chalice Press, The Christian Century, Red Letter Christians, Working Preacher, RevGalBlogPals, and others. She is grateful to be in ministry with Living Table today.

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