All our other regular services will stay the same, including a brand new service at Tower Grove on Saturday night.

So, take time this Sunday night. Host a party at your house. Have some friends over. Call someone that might be sitting by themselves in front of the television. Share laughter and community with someone that needs it. Be the church... on mission.

Advent is a time that Christians traditionally set aside to prepare for the celebration of the coming of Christ. Advent forces us, in the middle of busy and frantic lives, to slow down and focus on the true meaning of the season through two disciplines - celebration and expectation.

We look backwards and celebrate the deep and meaningful truth that God shone a light into our darkness by stepping down into our world of stone, earth, and flesh. We celebrate that the Infinite One who could not be contained by a thousand galaxies, became one of us, living as one of us. That the very One who breathed life into everything that exists and holds every atom in place by the word of his power actually walked around with dirty feet, ate food, knew loneliness, laughed with people he loved, and was betrayed by a friend. We celebrate that God made the first move towards us. In the story of Christmas we see an active God, a God who is on pursuit towards the humans he loves. So we pause, and we look at this story and remember in awe and wonder that in the simple image of this baby in a dingy stall we are met with the reality of God drawing near to earth. We look, remember, and celebrate.

But we also look forward in expectation, because the One who lived among peasants and outcasts is now a king. But not only is he a king, but this One who was once betrayed is coming back to make all things right. He will return, this King will, and when he does we will see him fully in his beauty, radiance, and power. So we stop and look around and come to grips with the fact that much of this life consists of waiting. Nothing satisfies fully and completely because it is not meant to; every joy and pleasure is meant to be only a preview for the whole and complete joy that we will know on that day when we finally see him face to face. We wait... eagerly... expectantly.

This is Advent: Jesus. First in a wooden box made to hold food for livestock, recognized only by a few nomads who watched wayward sheep for a living. But this is also Advent: Jesus on a throne, radiating light, recognized by every man, woman, child, and creature who ever drew breath on this planet.

Stop.
Remember.
Wait.

Do not let the simple glory of it all pass you by this year.
He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! - Revelation 22:20

But, we can make it better.

Relaunching Hanley Road simply involves investing the leadership and energy required to reinforce and advance this service. The Hanley Road service deserves this investment.

Increasingly, the Hanley Road gathering will take on its own unique identity as the atmosphere, worship style, and overall mood of this service are designed to fit the warm acoustics and intimate, sacred feel of the Hanley Road sanctuary.

The people of University City, Clayton, Richmond Heights, Overland and all of the surrounding areas need the light of the gospel to pour into their neighborhoods, their homes, and their lives.  The Hanley Road location is strategically positioned to be the Mid-County, missional outpost for The Journey.

Leaders, deacons, and key families are absolutely essential in establishing the gospel in this area. We need those willing to use the gifts, talents, and abilities God has given them in the Hanley Road service as we attempt to build a missional community for the good of this city.

Contact info@journeyon.net for more information about getting involved in the Hanley Road Relaunch.

God bless,

Jonathan McIntosh

Parking:
Along both sides of Maryland Ave
Commerce Bank parking lot (Maryland Ave) US Bank parking lot (Hanley Rd)
On Linden Ave