The church with the yellow shutters

(12/10/17) The first time I saw the little white church with yellow shutters I was smitten. This little church reminds me of the white clapboard church my grandmother attended.  There is nothing ornate or extravagant about it–just a simple building where one would expect to find comfort, peace and grace.  

The Hope Town Inn ferry driver was happy to take us over to town early Sunday morning so that we could find the church and attend the 9:30 worship service.  We weren’t sure if we would remember how to get there but it was a simple climb up the hill from the government dock, take a right and there it sat all decorated for Christmas.  We were early so a walk around town was in store on this quiet peaceful morning in which no one else seemed to be out yet.   

The arbor at the  Byrle Patterson Memorial Garden invited us to come in for a visit.  A path through the garden leads visitors to examples of local flora and to a spectacular view of the beach.  

After a slow meandering walk back to the church we found the doors open and people making their way inside.  We sat in the furthest row back that wasn’t taken–old habits. There were several young people in the service held by the youth minister and his wife, Aaron and Chelsey Braaksma. I estimate that there were about 30 people in attendance. The more formal service is held at 11:00.  Mr. Vernon C. Malone of Vernon’s Grocery presides over the latter service.  

Following the warm welcome and announcements, Aaron asked the visitors to introduce themselves.  Some of the Nashville songwriters/singers we heard Saturday night were sitting in front of us.  After we introduced ourselves a few of them turned around to say they had lived in Georgia before moving to Nashville. It was great talking to them and meeting the Kelly Archer, one of the women who sang during the concert series. 

Everyone quieted down and we got started on the Christmas carols.  Joy to the World and O Come, All Ye Faithful started off the service and I felt quite at home.  It’s funny how familiar songs can have that affect.  The youth of the church sang a beautiful Caribbean Lord’s Prayer just before the lighting of the Advent candle.  

The second week of Advent focuses on Peace.  This verse from  John 14:27 comes to emphasizes the significance of the advent candle for today –Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do no let them be afraid.”  

Aaron give a nice sermon titled Putting Christ Back into Christmas.  It was a simple and thought-provoking message on priorities at this time of year which can be carried out through the coming year.  Rather than thinking of all the things of Christmas–perhaps it would be better to focus on the message of peace,  goodwill and love throughout the Christmas season and beyond.  

The words of the final carol O Come O Come Emmanuel continued the message of the day:

O come Desire of nations, bind

All people in one heart and mind

Bid envy strife and quarrels cease

Fill all the world with Heaven’s peace

A world filled with the peace of heaven would be a blessing and an answer to prayer.   The view from the windows of the church offer a glimpse of peace as it might be in heaven.  

There is a story that in one of the former church buildings on this site, the minister was the only one who could look out and see the ocean while he preached.  One a particular Sunday, he asked the congregation to bow their heads in prayer.  While their heads were bowed the minister, who had spotted a shipwreck, slipped out the door to claim the salvage.  At that time, salvaging wrecked ships was quite a lucrative business.  

When it came time to build a new chapel, the congregation remembered the deeds of their wily pastor and situated the church so that the minister had his back to the sea.  A friend of mine mentioned that he thought it would be very difficult to listen to a sermon while gazing out at deep blue sea.  He could have a point.  

Hoping your Christmas season is on filled with peace

Joy