December 10 – “Through, though, and thoroughly”

Sunday afternoon Chris and I joined a horde of other worshippers in Galveston’s Advent Pilgrimage.  In fact, fully a third of our average attendance on Sunday morning was at the pilgrimage. That would be over 20 people with some connection to Seaside.

The event began at the First Lutheran Church with a Christmas carol and welcome from their pastor, followed by a Scripture reading.  That was pretty much the case at each place we went, as the whole bunch of us – there had to be over a hundred, but I’m pretty bad at estimating crowd numbers – walked from one downtown historic church to the next.  Five churches in all were included in the Pilgrimage.  Along with First Lutheran, we visited First Baptist, Trinity Episcopal, First Presbyterian, and St. Mary’s basilica, all among the oldest congregations in Galveston.  Two of them will be celebrating their 180^th year in 2020.  Another is considered the “mother church” of Texas.  Fascinating bits of history, and beautiful edifices, for sure.  After the walk we were treated to refreshments by the Knights of Columbus. 

We enjoyed connecting with several different groups of people.  Of course it was great to see the Seasiders and the folks they had invited.  We also saw several folks we knew from First Baptist Church.  Two of our neighbors were there.  We even saw the couple who led the dance class we took a while back. 

I think event organizers might have underestimated the sheer numbers of worshippers this year.  They had to make a quick trip to the store to get some more refreshments, and I know some people at the end of the line finally just gave up and went home.  We made our way through, though, and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with one of our Jamaica Beach paramedics and her brother.  Great getting to know them.

Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Father, thank you for the effort all those folks were making to discover just a bit of the unity among believers that you love so much.  Amen.