December 1st, 2021
by Denee Bowers
by Denee Bowers

See, Hear, Imagine
Day 4
Wednesday, December 1
“Since before time began no one has ever imagined, no ear heard, no eye seen, a God like you, who works for those who wait for him.”
Isaiah 64:4
Reflection
This time of year explodes with sensual delight — holiday lights and colorful decorations, traditional songs and hymns, meals and treats being offered. All of this stimulates imaginations of what Christmas Day will bring — what surprises, what feasting, what celebration.
Advent invites us to consider that the true gift of Christmas exceeds all of this. None of our senses are enough to conceive of Almighty God and the plans he has for the ages. Israel could not imagine the coming Messiah as a redeemer for all mankind. Paul uses the same words to remind the Corinthian church that though we are limited in our understanding, God is for us. His plans are for good, for peace, for justice — for so many things we can hardly imagine for our world today.
Prayer
God, in all the excitement of this season, let me see and hear more. Give me eyes that see people rather than crowds and ears that listen to their voice. Let your love shine through me. Amen.
Reflection by Sherrill Wall
Wednesday, December 1
“Since before time began no one has ever imagined, no ear heard, no eye seen, a God like you, who works for those who wait for him.”
Isaiah 64:4
Reflection
This time of year explodes with sensual delight — holiday lights and colorful decorations, traditional songs and hymns, meals and treats being offered. All of this stimulates imaginations of what Christmas Day will bring — what surprises, what feasting, what celebration.
Advent invites us to consider that the true gift of Christmas exceeds all of this. None of our senses are enough to conceive of Almighty God and the plans he has for the ages. Israel could not imagine the coming Messiah as a redeemer for all mankind. Paul uses the same words to remind the Corinthian church that though we are limited in our understanding, God is for us. His plans are for good, for peace, for justice — for so many things we can hardly imagine for our world today.
Prayer
God, in all the excitement of this season, let me see and hear more. Give me eyes that see people rather than crowds and ears that listen to their voice. Let your love shine through me. Amen.
Reflection by Sherrill Wall
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Archive
2025
January
Happy New Year // M-Note 1.4.2025Cancel the Noise // M-Note 1.11.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 1The Beloved Community // M-Note 01.18.2025Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 2What A Coincidence // M-Note 1.25.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 3Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 4The Original Influencer // M-Note 2.1.25
February
The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 1Exploring New Sites…And You’re Invited // M-Note 2.8.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 2Uncovering Implicit Bias // M-Note 2.15.2025A "Flurry" of Activity // M-Note 2.22.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 3The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 4
2024
January
Clean Slate: Week 1 Discussion GuideStarting & Sustaining Change // M-Note 1.6.24Clean Slate: Week 2 Discussion GuideStarting Small, Dreaming Big // M-Note 1.13.24Clean Slate: Week 3 Discussion GuideTogether Towards Change...and Healthy Habits // M-Note 1.20.24Clean Slate: Week 4 Discussion GuideSlowing Down for God to Show Up // M-Note 1.27.24
February
More Isn't Always Better // M-Note 2.3.24Money Talks: Week 1 Discussion GuideAshes for Valentine's Day? // M-Note 2.10.24Money Talks: Week 2 Discussion GuideLenten Devotional 2024Money Talks: Week 3 Discussion GuideWhat's your legacy? // M-Note 2.17.24Strength in Numbers: Community in Ministry // M-Note 2.24.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week One
March
Entourage Discussion Guide - Week TwoUpdates from Clayton and Easter Invitation // M-Note 3.2.24Twenty Students Confirmed Last Sunday // M-Note 3.9.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 3How serving at Easter can really make a difference // M-Note 3.16.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 4Can You Know Joy Without Pain? // M-Note 3.23.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 5It's time for EasterSTL at The Factory // M-Note 3.28.24
April
Easter Discussion GuideScreen Time: Troubleshooting our Relationship with Technology // M-Note 4.6.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 1Springtime Reminders: Joy Comes with the Morning // M-Note 4.13.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 2Shaping the Future at the UMC General Conference // M-Note 4.20.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 3 General Conference Halftime Report// M-Note 4.27.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 4
May
Very Good News at the End of General Conference//M-Note 5.4.24Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 1Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 2Announcing The Gathering’s Church Planters Lab//M-Note 5.11.24My (Hypothetical) Commencement Address // M-Note 5.18.24Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 3Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 4
June
July
September
Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 1Transitioning...to 47 // M-Note 9.7.24Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 2Invitations Work in Mysterious Ways // M-Note 9.14.24Students Stepping Up: Getting Involved in Ministry // M-Note 9.21.24Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 3A Stressful Season // M-Note 9.28.24Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 4
October
It Doesn't Have to Be This Way // M-Note 10.5.24Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 1Love Thy Political Neighbor // M-Note 10.11.2024Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 2Fear is a Powerful Motivator // M-Note 10.19.24Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 3Why Do Bad Things Happen? // M-Note 10.26.24Why? Discussion Guide - Week 1
November
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