Advent Day 4 – Hope – Haywood Street Congregation
December 4, 2024 – Hope – Haywood Street Congregation
Dwelling in God’s Eternal Home
Psalm 90
"Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." (Psalm 90:1-2)
Psalm 90 begins with a profound declaration of God’s eternal nature and steadfast presence. From generation to generation, God has been our dwelling place—a shelter and refuge through the changing seasons of life. As we enter Advent, this truth invites us to reflect on where we find our home, both spiritually and physically, and to consider how we create spaces where others can also feel at home.
The Haywood Street Congregation lives out this vision by offering radical hospitality to those experiencing homelessness and poverty. Their work transforms the idea of "dwelling place" into something tangible. Through their Welcome Table meals, respite care, worship, and community support, they remind people who may feel displaced or forgotten that they are not only seen but deeply loved.
The eternal dwelling described in Psalm 90 doesn’t refer to a physical building but to the unwavering presence of God, who holds all creation in love. Haywood Street Congregation reflects this divine truth. Their ministry doesn’t just meet immediate needs; it restores dignity, builds community, and offers a foretaste of the eternal home we anticipate in Christ.
Advent reminds us that Christ came to dwell among us, making a home in the midst of humanity’s brokenness. In the same way, the work of Haywood Street Congregation is a testament to the Advent hope that no one is left outside the reach of God’s love. Their space is sacred because it embodies God’s enduring invitation to belong, no matter who you are or where you come from. As we meditate on God’s eternal presence this Advent, may we also consider how we are called to create dwelling places of love and hospitality for those in need.
Prayer: Eternal God, you have been our dwelling place in every generation. From the mountains’ formation to this very moment, your love remains steadfast, your presence unshaken. We thank you for ministries like Haywood Street Congregation, who embody your call to create homes of radical hospitality. Bless their work as they serve those experiencing homelessness and poverty. May their Welcome Table, worship, and care reflect your eternal love, and may all who enter their doors feel the warmth of your presence. Teach us to follow their example this Advent, so that we, too, may create spaces where others find refuge, dignity, and community in your name. Help us to remember that in serving others, we serve you. Amen.
Action: Today! Join the clergy and friends at Haywood Street Congregation for the Welcome Table and worship activities. Reflect on how you might extend similar hospitality more regularly—perhaps by inviting someone to share a meal, incorporating Haywood Street into your weekly rhythm, or simply offering a listening ear to someone in need. In creating dwelling places of love, we mirror the eternal refuge of God and prepare our hearts to welcome Christ this Advent season.
Psalm 90
"Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." (Psalm 90:1-2)
Psalm 90 begins with a profound declaration of God’s eternal nature and steadfast presence. From generation to generation, God has been our dwelling place—a shelter and refuge through the changing seasons of life. As we enter Advent, this truth invites us to reflect on where we find our home, both spiritually and physically, and to consider how we create spaces where others can also feel at home.
The Haywood Street Congregation lives out this vision by offering radical hospitality to those experiencing homelessness and poverty. Their work transforms the idea of "dwelling place" into something tangible. Through their Welcome Table meals, respite care, worship, and community support, they remind people who may feel displaced or forgotten that they are not only seen but deeply loved.
The eternal dwelling described in Psalm 90 doesn’t refer to a physical building but to the unwavering presence of God, who holds all creation in love. Haywood Street Congregation reflects this divine truth. Their ministry doesn’t just meet immediate needs; it restores dignity, builds community, and offers a foretaste of the eternal home we anticipate in Christ.
Advent reminds us that Christ came to dwell among us, making a home in the midst of humanity’s brokenness. In the same way, the work of Haywood Street Congregation is a testament to the Advent hope that no one is left outside the reach of God’s love. Their space is sacred because it embodies God’s enduring invitation to belong, no matter who you are or where you come from. As we meditate on God’s eternal presence this Advent, may we also consider how we are called to create dwelling places of love and hospitality for those in need.
Prayer: Eternal God, you have been our dwelling place in every generation. From the mountains’ formation to this very moment, your love remains steadfast, your presence unshaken. We thank you for ministries like Haywood Street Congregation, who embody your call to create homes of radical hospitality. Bless their work as they serve those experiencing homelessness and poverty. May their Welcome Table, worship, and care reflect your eternal love, and may all who enter their doors feel the warmth of your presence. Teach us to follow their example this Advent, so that we, too, may create spaces where others find refuge, dignity, and community in your name. Help us to remember that in serving others, we serve you. Amen.
Action: Today! Join the clergy and friends at Haywood Street Congregation for the Welcome Table and worship activities. Reflect on how you might extend similar hospitality more regularly—perhaps by inviting someone to share a meal, incorporating Haywood Street into your weekly rhythm, or simply offering a listening ear to someone in need. In creating dwelling places of love, we mirror the eternal refuge of God and prepare our hearts to welcome Christ this Advent season.
Posted in Advent 2024
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Advent Day 1 - HopeAdvent Day 2 – Hope – Emma Community MarketAdvent Day 3 – Hope – Angel TreeAdvent Day 4 – Hope – Haywood Street CongregationAdvent Day 5 – Hope – Youth MinistryAdvent Day 6 – Hope – Church and SocietyAdvent Day 7 – Hope – Children's MinistryAdvent Day 8 - PeaceAdvent Day 9 – Peace – Prison MinistryAdvent Day 10 – Peace – Creation CareAdvent Day 11 – Peace – Wilderness TrailAdvent Day 12 – Peace – Children's MinistryC4C Winter Coat Drive 2024Advent Day 13 – Peace – Habitat for HumanityAdvent Day 14 – Peace – United Women in FaithAdvent Day 15 - Rev. Ann OwensCentral UMC Visits First UMC, Moheto in KenyaAdvent Day 16 – Joy – College ChristmasAdvent Day 17 – Joy – Reconciling Ministries NetworkAdvent Day 18 – Joy – ABCCMAdvent Day 19 – Joy – Stephen MinistryAdvent Day 20 – Joy – Children's MinistryAdvent Day 21 – Joy – Youth MinistryAdvent Day 22 – LoveAdvent Day 23 – Love – Recovery ResourcesAdvent Day 24 – Love – Worship and the ArtsAdvent Day 25 – Christmas
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