Advent Café To Go

 

We have learned a lot in 2020. How to wash our hands. How to make sour dough bread. How to be patient.

One lesson I have learned this year is how to think outside the box and be a little more creative.

Case in point: as the chairperson of my church's Fellowship Committee, I have to plan and coordinate social events. That was pretty difficult to do in a year of social distancing.

Last year, we held Advent Café for the ladies of the church and their guests. Coffee bars, hot cocoa bars, and cookie exchanges. Music and crafts and fellowship.

For all the obvious reasons, none of that was possible this year.

I was challenged to think of what we COULD do, as opposed to dwelling too much on what we could not do.

Last month, I had an idea. We cannot have Advent Café, but why not Advent Café to Go?

I ordered festive red To Go coffee cups, and filled each one with a package of Milano cookies, instant hot cocoa or coffee, and an Advent Devotion booklet. I placed them in white bags and had them at the church doors on festive holiday tables. I told the ladies to take one for themselves and for a church friend who may not be able to attend in-church services. 

I like to connect Fellowship with ministry and service, so I offered the ladies a chance to collect items for the residents of our local nursing homes.

And wow! This was the collection after the first week! I now have the back end AND the back seat of my car loaded with goodies to deliver to the nursing homes tomorrow! And in addition to that, the church is donating gift cards to the health care workers there to thank them for their dedication.

I am blown away by the generosity!

Thanking God in all circumstances, and finding the blessings even in the midst of a tumultuous year. All things do indeed work together for good to those who love God and who are called according to His purpose.