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Empowered through the Grace of God to love, lead, and serve
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From the NOV 2010 Newsletter
Wow! Coming off of our Reformation celebration and entering into All Saint’s Day reminds me of the wonder and miracle of Christ himself! Through all of the changes in our lives and all of the stresses and all of the celebrations, we are being loved by a faithful and steadfast God! What hope and what a great celebration as we begin each moment like it was the first! And into Thanksgiving! “Give thanks with a grateful heart! Give thanks to the Holy One! Give thanks, because he’s given Christ his son!” This familiar song that we sing in church reminds us of the gratefulness of the Psalmist and of the disciples and maybe even of ourselves. Giving thanks comes easily when things are going well. And giving thanks comes easily when we get what we want. But how do we give thanks in the difficult times? I think one possibility is to serve. When we are depressed or having a difficult time, sometimes volunteering pulls us up and out and allows us to give thanks to God for the gifts that we have taken for granted…even one another! I give thanks to God for all of you. These past two months have been filled with different kinds of transitions in my life and in the life of our congregation…all great transitions by the way! And through the transitions our Church Council has heard my weaknesses and my call for help and they have stepped up without even blinking! The congregation has filled in where I could not be present….they have visited those who are sick and in need when I was sick and in need…you have helped serve Holy Communion, shared your creative time and talents, and continue to share treasures even through difficult financial times. God’s faithfulness through you is so very inspiring and I give thanks with a very grateful heart! And, at the end of November we enter into Advent…again…a path lighted by the Gospel so that we can see the way of Christ…the long journey of unexpected grace…a journey filled with light and new birth, of hope and promise, eternity! As the days get shorter, give thanks to God. As the nights get colder, give thanks to God. As we are surrounded by the love of God the Father, Son, Holy Spirit no matter where we are or what we do…GIVE THANKS! God’s peace to you all as we begin this wonderful journey of light! God’s Peace,
Pastor Sherry McGuffin |
