One day a person was walking along a beach and  noticed hundreds and hundreds of starfish lying in the sun on the beach.  There were starfish as far as the eye could see.  The person knew that the starfish would die in the hot sun. 

          As the person kept walking,  a child was carefully picking up the starfish, one by one, and putting them back in the water.  It would take a very, very long time - maybe even forever - to put all of the starfish back. 

          “Hey,” the person said, “don’t you think you’re wasting your time?  There are so many, many starfish.  You can’t possibly save them all.” 

          “Maybe not,” said the child.  “But I’m doing what I can.” 

          “Yes, but do you really think you can make a difference?” 

          The child picked up a starfish and put it back in the water. 

          “Made a difference to that one,” the child replied. 

          Advent is a season of preparing to make a difference in the world around us. This year’s theme is Beads of Hope and Stars of Promise.  The Beads of Hope campaign is in conjunction with an international campaign, to raise the level of awareness and funds for the AIDS/HIV crisis in the world, particularly in Africa.  The Stars of Promise is a local endeavour,  in conjunction with the
          Chancel Committee as we prepare the church itself, for the Advent-Christmas- Epiphany Seasons.  Advent marks the beginning of the church year and comes at the darkest time of the year, when the days are shortened and the sun is furthest from the earth.  Children of Advent do not walk, as those who do not      have light.  They walk in the light and towards the light. 

          On the following dates, Tuesdays: 7:30-9:00pm beginning Nov. 25th and/or Wednesdays: 1:00 - 2:30pm beginning November 26th, I encourage you to join the Spiritual Care group and gather to make paper stars.  Each star comes with a story of a person, a concern, an interest,  a celebration, etc. that we want to hold out as a place, a time, an experience.  Or perhaps the star is a person who needs to hear the promise that they are not alone in the world. 
          These stars will be placed in the Sanctuary as part of the Advent theme.  If you are unable to make the Spiritual Care group, where we will share with one another the human stories, but you would like to make a star or stars at  home,  please speak with me and we will make  arrangements. 

          In Advent, we slow down and look around for Promise and Hope.  You are invited to  join us on this journey and one person at a time,  we will make a difference. 

          In Christ, 

                                     Shaun E. Fryday