December 7-Advent 2025

Name: Judy Schober

Which Service do you attend: Sunday, 9:00 a.m.

Word: Alpha

Scripture: Revelation 1:8: I am the Alpha and the Omega-the beginning and the end.’ Says the Lord God. ‘I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.’”


Since by definition, Alpha brings to mind what’s the first, most significant starting point in one’s journey, I would have to share when my husband  and I decided to leave a religion that we had faithfully attended sixty years. We started what I later called a pilgrimage to find a new church home never leaving our trust in God that we would do so. For a year, we sat on a bench outside each Sunday, sharing our thoughts, prayers and needs with each other and the Lord. Our four children were out of the home by then, so this was a private journey. But, because we had both been active in our church, we missed the participation. So, Around Christmas, when a neighbor invited us to a play at their church of Mary and Elizabeth sharing news of their future births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, we accepted. After that, a different person where I exercised who also attended that church encouraged me to attend the following Sunday’s actual service. And from then our journey began. We attended there several years.

We found a similar church upon moving to the Villages. I thought we were home, as we tried several times to find our church. Then a neighbor invited us to Lake Deaton which was meeting at Eisenhower at the time. It seems, God who was always with us, had plans for us to be there. As it turns out, now that I am on this journey on my own, I get the meaning of the Alpha and the Omega for I often feel the presence of God “who is, and who was, and who is to come.” 

Prayer: Lord, today we pray for all those who are looking for something. Offer them guidance to find the right path. Amen! 

Action: Take the time to smile at someone every day, you might make that person’s day.

4 responses to “December 7-Advent 2025”

  1. Wonderful reflection! May we all find our new beginnings, in whatever form that takes.

  2. And as a great neighbor you invited me to LD and I immediately found “home” so thank you for who you are and what you do. My prayer is that we are forever friends

  3. Thank you Judy for your story. I also have been searching and I truly believe God led me to Lake Deaton, where I am growing in my faith.

  4. Gerald and Bonnie Schuff Avatar
    Gerald and Bonnie Schuff

    I also was guided to LDUMC in our search for a church where we could grow in faith and relationship with Jesus. Thanks for sharing your story and for reminding us all to keep searching and seeking God who is always present.

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