Mark this date in indelible ink: December 5, 2008.

Or maybe just in pencil.

That will be tree day at St. John’s, a day that will be one of challenges, friendship and laughter; a day of celebrating the triumph of locating, capturing and taming the “Great Tree of 2008;” a day of joy for those of us on this journey.

Let’s look at our game plan:

We will go into the ‘woods’, find a tree (keeping in mind that we will never hear the end of it if it’s lopsided, too bare, too full, in general looks as if it got caught in a dark alley with a wood chipper), cut it down (Chainsaw Massacre part VII anyone?), load it, secure it, drive it safely home to St. John’s and deposit it in the parking lot where it will await a new home in the sanctuary, standing majestically and fully and brightly clothed in lights.

But what stories will be told of this adventure? Will it be that Pastor Frank forgot the directions to the tree farm? Will it be that I forgot Pastor Frank? Or perhaps Joe spilling coffee all over Greg when laughing at Dan’s lumberjack flannel shirt? Or will it be the bond that we, followers of Jesus, share together as we spend an exhausting day working as a team under the love, grace, and gentle eye of God? Or will the young people who hear our stories understand that to be able to embark together on a journey of faith is one of the greatest gifts that God gives us?

To rely on friends to help you carry a 25-foot tree from the ground outside to a stand inside requires patience, teamwork, and trust. It reminds me of our relationship with Jesus. How often do we ask Jesus, “Can you carry this for me? “ And Jesus is always there for us. What an amazing and loving friend…and savior.

But regardless of the stories, fanciful or otherwise, that this tree-hunting trip may inspire, I know it will be a wonderful day, another day to offer our thanks for all that God does for each of us and for all of us at St. John’s.

If you are interested in joining in on the festivities, contact Darren at youth@stjohnslc.org.