Wednesday, December 24, 2008
When our family received an email from NOW productions in October, asking if we would like to host the Christmas Eve seminar, we all immediately said “Yes!” So it was with great anticipation that my husband, Robert and I, and his parents, Pat and Margaret, longtime Ministers, headed down to Santa Monica on Christmas Eve, where we met up with Robert’s sister Lisa, and her husband Greg, to prepare for the event. Luckily, Lisa and Greg live on the same street as the USM building where the seminar was to take place, so we had a place to camp out, change clothes, and eat snacks. We had brought Margaret’s mother and her partner too, so it was a large crowd for a small one-bedroom apartment!
By 11 a.m. we were in the Brentwood Ballroom, where an alert and active host of NOW crew had already set up cameras, lights and sound equipment and a beautiful Christmas tree. We then practiced a run-through of virtually the entire program, with performers, video clips and announcements, learning how to hold the mic (only in the middle, not top or bottom), how to stand so we looked good as a group (you have to huddle together), where to stand (on the far side of the taped area), remembering to look at the audience and also into the camera—wow, it was more intricate than I had imagined! In between announcements, I lay down on my camping mat, as I’ve been having back trouble, but just as soon as I would lie down, it was time to jump up again. By lunchtime, we were glad of our packed lunches at the apartment, and then we began the elaborate choreography of getting changed and putting on makeup in a tiny space.
In what seemed like only a few minutes, it was time to take our seats in the Ballroom. Loving friends wished us well on our way through the excited chattering crowds of people. With so many there, filling four rooms, it felt like a privilege to sit in the front row of the main room. As three o’clock approached, Pat took the stage to encourage everyone to take their seats. Then we all stepped up to join him. As he introduced us, there was a cheer, and I knew from that moment that we would all be okay. Looking down on all the joyful faces, I felt at home and so grateful to be part of this community, as well as a wonderful family.
Robert called in the Light and then Margaret stepped forward to say a few words about John-Roger. As she did so, he entered the room—what great timing! He took a seat near the back to enjoy the occasion and we were all very glad to see him.
This year’s entertainment was focused on the younger members of the community—from Joshua Hayes’ passionately focused guitar playing (his own composition), accompanied by Erik Raleigh, to Ariel Downs’ pure and warm soprano tones—a courageous rendition of “O Holy Night”, sung a cappella—to Golda Berckman singing a Puccini aria at the age of 9! We also had an impromptu nativity play featuring the adorable HUGS MSIA children’s group, devised and presented by Tamsin Rothschild, which was hysterically funny, and particularly notable for a magically appearing Baby Jesus, the most recalcitrant donkey ever, and a total absence of shepherds.
We also had some striking Moments of Peace with John-Roger, a beautiful original song by Nat Sharatt, and then it was time for John Morton to take the stage. John began his talk by welcoming us all and talking about how we can take a look at the ways we can contribute to each other, even in times of economic challenge, and how we can extend ourselves both in giving and in receiving.
Unfortunately, I then realized that I was going to have to find somewhere to lie down, as my back pain had returned. As the crowded ballroom didn’t offer any possibilities, I reluctantly decided I needed to leave, and spent the rest of John’s talk lying on a bench outside the room. His voice was being piped over the address system, so I heard his comforting voice, mixed with the shrieks of small children running around, the sound of music boxes from the products table and many friends meeting and greeting. Needless to say, it was a little difficult to grasp the content at this point, although I felt the loving—so I strongly encourage you to watch or listen to the archived version of the seminar.
Afterwards, the audience was treated to delicious brownies, fruit, nuts and good coffee and tea downstairs, and had a chance to begin Christmas celebrations with friends and loved ones.
Greetings of peace and joy to all of you around the world for a wonderful 2009!
