A United Methodist Church in Berkeley, CA was inspired by the hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and wants to collect the hopes and fears of people and turn them into an art display for Advent and Christmas.
"We met and talked about all the troubles in the world and what we should do for the Advent season," says the Rev. Ron Parker, pastor of Epworth United Methodist Church. "The words to the hymn 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' inspired us: 'the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.' Sharing hopes and fears is something personal that bridges people of all nations and faiths."
The Epworth congregation is doing this by e-mail, personal delivery, and postal services to the church. This display will be completed and available for public viewing from 11am to 2pm on December 14 and 21 in the church sanctuary at 1953 Hopkins St.
A wide range from fear to hope had already been submitted for the display. Of the entries already turned in, Parker commented that there was more that dealt with fear than hopes.
"You can take your hopes and fears to city council, where they may be heard and debated and tabled until next year," writes Parker. "You can take your hopes and fears to your stockbroker, where they may be listened to and hedged. You can take your hopes and fears to your doctor, where they may be drugged or dismissed. Or you can bring your hopes and fears to church."
More detail on submitting a contribution is available at www.epworthonline.com
By Tony C.