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From My Corner…
It’s called a flash mob. A flash mob is a group of people who organize an unexpected event, say a song or dance or something random to happen in an unexpected location in order to make a statement, bring unity, or simply to offer a moment of surprise or fun. On October 30, 2010, a “flash mob” somehow gathered inconspicuously in Macy’s department store in Philadelphia, PA. This store happens to house the Wannamaker Pipe Organ, the worlds largest pipe organ. This was no accidental gathering. We live in a culture with so many problems to address. This moment of cheerfulness could not come too soon. The event was staged by the Opera Company of Philadelphia who staged a public singing performance of The Halleluiah Chorus accompanied by the Wanamaker Organ (www.wanamakerorgan.com). The catch?
The store was crowded with shoppers and the opera singers were scattered throughout Macy’s department store. The chorus began at noon sharp with no warning, they simply began to sing. The entire store full of customers and employees were awed by the beauty of the songsters, and the message was declared, “King of Kings! And Lord of Lords! And He shall reign forever and ever!” As the song ended, applause broke out from the delighted crowd. What a lovely conspiracy!
At Heritage this year we have also found a rather lovely conspiracy in which to participate, its called the Advent Conspiracy. If you missed the two Sundays that the video promotion for Advent Conspiracy was shown, you can see it at www.adventconspiracy.org. The Advent Conspiracy is an effort to focus more on the real reasons for Christmas, Christ’s birth and coming to earth, and less on the stress, debt and unhappiness of being slave to the commercialism of today. The idea is to spend more time with your family and loved ones, fewer dollars on gifts, and then share the dollars you do not spend with someone in need. The original need identified was for clean water in third world countries. Heritage Bible Church has chosen to adopt this concept, with some options for our church members. You can choose to donate to the Advent Conspiracy through Heritage and direct your donation to one of three identified needs: our local Bakersfield Rescue Mission; a church plant we support in Utah; or a missionary effort in Thailand. Any of these three identified needs will be grateful to receive the gifts of those who participate. It’s as simple as attending worship services on Sunday December 18, or Friday, December 24, and place your donation, marked “Advent Conspiracy” in the offering basket. Or choose your own Advent Conspiracy project.
Can you imagine the joy of these ministries when they receive the Advent Conspiracy gifts from our church family? I think there may be a little “Halleluiah Chorus” singing going on, don't you think? And the rest of your holiday season will be joyful too as you adjust from a season of harried frenzy, shopping and wrapping, to a time of sharing, cookie baking, letter writing, prayer, Bible reading, sharing lunch or coffee or a meal with someone. There are so many ways to say “I love you” to another human being. Take a look at the Advent Conspiracy website www.adventconspiracy.org for some links and ideas to give you inspiration. Its never too late to take time to conspire to love one another. And maybe we could organize a “Hug Somebody” flash mob at the mall, what do you think?
