Theme: Hope for our future
Scripture: Luke 21:25-36
Message:
Today, we enter the holy season of Advent, a time of preparation, anticipation, and reflection. The Gospel reading from Luke paints a vivid picture of unsettling signs – distress among nations, roaring seas, and people fainting with fear. These words resonate deeply with the challenges we face in our world today: uncertainties, crises, and struggles that can often leave us overwhelmed.
Yet, in the midst of this chaos, Jesus offers a message of reassurance: “Stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” This is the message of Advent – hope. It is a hope rooted not in fleeting comforts or human achievements, but in the unwavering promise of God’s love and redemption.
As a chaplaincy, we are stewards of this hope. Our role is not only to receive it but to share it – to become a sign of God’s kingdom here in Stuttgart. This means that, even when the path ahead seems uncertain, we trust in God’s promise and commit ourselves to building a future filled with hope, for ourselves and those we serve.
This hope is not passive. It calls us to act. It calls us to nurture this community so that it continues to be a place where faith is nurtured, love is shared, and God’s present is felt. This hope challenges us to grow in prayer, presence, and giving, ensuring that St. Catherine’s remains a thriving, welcoming, and impactful community of faith.
Prayer: When we pray, we lift up our hopes and dreams to God, entrusting Him with the work we cannot do alone.
Presence: When we show up – whether in worship, fellowship, or service – we strengthen the bonds of our chaplaincy and inspire one another.
Giving: When we give we make hope tangible, enabling this chaplaincy to flourish and expand its mission to bring God’s love to the world.
Key Call to Action:
This Advent, I encourage each of you – members and supporters alike – to reflect on how your giving can be an expression of this hope. Just as Jesus reminds us that redemption is near, let us also remind ourselves that our efforts, no matter how small, contribute to a future where the chaplaincy thrives as a beacon of faith, love and service.
Action Step:
Please read the “Vision for 2025” handout. This document outlines our chaplaincy’s goals for the coming year – goals that focus on sustainable, growth, and deepening our mission.
This week, I invite you to:
- Pray for the chaplaincy, asking for guidance and blessing as we embark on this journey.
- Reflect prayerfully on your role as a steward or supporter of this community, considering how you can give – of your time, talents , or resources – to nurture the hope we share.
Together, let us work to ensure that the hope we proclaim during this Advent season continues to shine brightly throughout the year and beyond.
Closing Reflection:
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may about in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
May this Advent season inspire us all to stand firm in faith, act boldly in hope, and give generously in love. Together, we can build a future where God’s kingdom is reflected in this chaplaincy and in our community.
