Morgan’s Moment…

‘Tis a time for truth-telling and credit giving. This, unlike much of the Christmas story is neither legend nor myth.

First, there would be no Moment Ministries without Paul Pritchard, my colleague and friend for over 40 years. He’s a musician, leader of music groups and choir and a gifted vocalist. I am none of those things. When in traditional (for us) ministry for eight and a half years we did two and often three services each Sunday morning. Moment Ministries had its beginning as a gathering of mostly family and a few friends to eat and sing and talk. Others wanted to be included, so we organized a bit as a “temporary” organization. We have continued for 32 years now. I write and talk. Paul does music. In addition he does some weddings and memorial services, both as presiding minister and vocalist.

Here he is with his wife, Mary. It looks like a 50th wedding anniversary event for someone. He dresses in everything from jeans to tux. Here he’s in between.

For some new to our list who I have never met, I include this photo of Jean and me. She wishes I would retire sometimes. I argue that I can’t retire because I haven’t been employed for over 30 years. Retire from what? She’s usually right, as in right beside me. Next September we will have 60 years together.

This photo is from our time on Broadway across from Swedish Hospital in Seattle at the time of my cousin’s death. She keeps track of people and names much better than I. Her dish cloth gifts have been given across the country. If you’ve spent an hour with us, chances are you have one.

Moment Ministries has had a base group in Corvallis that keeps us honest and provides relationships that we can’t do without. We also have an unusually diverse group of readers of all types scattered around the country, but most heavily on the west coast. They are loyal and encouraging, often sending along their own ideas about my thoughts. I love it. I’m always a bit humbled (not too much) and even embarrassed when I dare to send out a blue sheet mailing. I mutter to myself, “Who do I think I am sending this stuff out.?” Then I close my eyes and press the “send” button. Thank you for giving me reason to think and write. That is a generous gift on your part that I greatly appreciate.

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS FROM A GRANDPARENT’S POINT OF VIEW

From now through Christmas — and maybe a bit past — I’m sending out pages from a booklet that has been re-printed, but not lately. I’m sure someone must have done something on Jesus’ grandparents, but I haven’t seen it. Like Luke’s story, my thoughts have imagined what might have been or should have been. And beyond that, I draw on authentic personal material about how it feels to be a grandparent. I called the booklet:

IT IS THE WAY OF GRANDPARENTS

1.    “There were shepherds….” And a cast of others too         in Luke’s poetic drama         of the first Christmas.     Like Mary and Joseph…         Angels…         and the Heavenly host.     But he forgot         Grandparents!     How can you have         a wondrous birth         or any birth         without grandparents? Who do you think         would be the first         to spread news of great joy?     After all         it is the way         of grandparents. 2. “And Joseph went up         to the City of David         to be enrolled with Mary” Can’t you just hear         the grandparents to be         mumbling? “She shouldn’t be traveling         in her condition.” “Who will be there         to help out?” But as parents-to-be         tend to do         they journeyed anyway. And the grandparents         worried the time         anxious for news. After all         it is the way         of grandparents.

About a dozen more of these will follow. If you can’t stand the suspense of seeing how it all turns out I believe the whole booklet is on our web page:  www.moment-ministries.peak.org      Feel free to copy and forward these if you wish. I remain the originator of the booklet from which these come. For the Moment….Art Morgan