When it comes to parish ministry, there is a high degree of burnout among people in ministry and we know that more and more parishioners are opting out as well. There are many contributing factors but one of them is the seemingly monotonous routine of it all. Sunday is always coming, and that never changes.
It can begin to feel relentless. To guard against that challenge at Nativity we’re very deliberate about “seasons” of parish life and very focused on what season we’re in. For us, the fall season, which includes the Liturgical season of Advent, runs from Labor Day to Christmas Eve.
The weekend after Labor Day is our official kick-off of this season. After two years of the COVID experience, with its fears and frustrations, its rules and regulations, this weekend has been muted. But this year we’re hoping for a really vibrant celebration in the very best spirit of pre-COVID Nativity.
Music & Message
Fundamental to our strategy as a healthy, growing parish is a commitment to quality music and relevant, positive weekend messages (homilies). For kick-off weekend our band will be introducing a whole new slate of worship music that will simply be outstanding. This weekend we will also be launching a new message series all about fresh starts and great expectations which the fall season always seems to bring us each year. We’re sure you’ll find this series exceptionally helpful.
NextGen
Kick-off weekend is also the weekend we bring back all our kids faith formation and student programs. There are five different programs for kids, 6 weeks to 18 years, as well as our college small groups. We’re especially excited this year because updates to our multi-purpose space which we call the Theatre is finally finished. This space, once the main sanctuary, has been transformed with some handsome refurbishing and major technology upgrades. The result is simply stunning and kids and students alike will love it. No registration is needed for Time Travelers and All Stars, but sign up now for the other programs. It’s all at churchnativity.com.
Café Fare & Fun Food
The celebration will spill over into the Vision Café and front plaza. In the Café you’ll find all the usual fare plus some special treats including free Chick-fil-A on Saturday evening. On the plaza you’ll find food trucks with fun food and some fun features too.
If you’re within driving distance of our Ridgely Road campus please plan on joining us this weekend as we kick-off the new season.
