The last four group events for 2024 at Mountainview were worship services. It was the full range of our repertoire as we had a drama, lessons and carols, a classic Christmas service and an interactive intergenerational service. Those were wonderful and you all had and have access to them whether you were there as it happened or catch it at some point online.

What I want to focus on here is a whole bunch of events that happened in or near December that I was able to attend with a smaller group of people.

Let me start with the Friendship SinterKlaas party. I think it was named more based on the date (December 5) than the content. The highlight of the evening was not St Nick (though he did sneak into the picture with shepherds, angels, wisemen, Mary and Joseph). The highlight was a spirited retelling of the Christmas story narrated by John Teitsma and acted out by our friends. A beautiful celebration with our friends.

I also attended both the GEMS father (or uncle or grandpa) daughter event and the Cadets mother (aunt/grandma) son event. They were similar in format with fun games of all kinds at three stations. One thing that stuck out to me was how many people I did not know (and for once this was not because I didn’t remember). We can celebrate that there are a lot of people joining us for GEMS and Cadets as their participation at Mountainview. We can also celebrate excellent planning and leadership in these ministries.

Another event I was able to enjoy was the deacons’ luncheon for seniors. About 100 people gathered to share food, to connect around tables, and to learn a bit more about some of the idiosyncrasies of the Mountainview deacons. My role was to take attendance by name so that anyone unable to be there would receive a visit in their home. Along with deacon contacts, I see the reports of elder visits and am very pleased to see what kind of caring connections take place at Mountainview.

Our staff team has a Christmas lunch every year where we take the time to bless each other with the gift of words. PJ Vermeer joins us as chair of council and blesses us on their behalf.

I share this with you to help us all see that there are many wonderful community events happening at Mountainview. There are, of course, also small group Christmas gatherings, family gatherings and the sharing of many cards and greetings and individualized ways of celebrating in community.

It is a gift of God to be part of a community of faith that seeks to celebrate the gift of love that we receive in Jesus by sharing it with others whenever we can.

Blessings and peace,

Pastor Erick

What's Going On? An Awesome End to the Year 2024