Friends in Faith—
I want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! May you have a strong sense of God's abiding love and care for you and all of creation. And be sure to have that second piece of pumpkin pie to revel in God's abundance! The office will be closed today through Saturday.
As always, just as we are recovering from our Thanksgiving” food comas, Advent begins. This Sunday, November 27, is the first Sunday of Advent! So begins our journey of anticipation, mystery, and new beginnings, following the star to a manager in Bethlehem. As we begin this festive season, all are invited to join us to decorate the sanctuary at 9 a.m. this Sunday, prior to worship.
The first Sunday of Advent is focused on "hope." Our scripture passage will be from Matthew 24:29-30; 36-44. It is a jarring, challenging text, but as we unpack it, we find it is full of wisdom and hope for God's people. We proclaim just how important the gift of gratitude is in our lives and our faith.
Some of our Nov. 22 Hot Cocoa Ministry volunteers
A big thanks to everyone who came and helped out with the SSIP Cocoa ministry—hundreds of cookies and cups of hot cocoa were distributed to the kind clients and volunteers of the SSIP Food Closet. And a special thank you to Mission & Social Action Commission Chair Cathy Sapunor who got us organized and well-supplied!
Jackie Sneed & Cathy Sapunor at Monday’s Bake Day
"40 Days of Prayer" has begun! This is part of our participation in Project Regeneration—a Presbyterian Foundation project. 40 Days of Prayer promises to be a powerful faith experience. Click here for details.
NOTES & HAPPENINGS:
It’s not too late to submit your pledge for 2023. You can also mail your pledge card to the office. Your pledge helps our Budget and Stewardship Commission create a budget for the coming year. Thank you!
We'll be showing "Mission: Joy" featuring Bishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama on Monday, December 12, starting 10 a.m.
On December 24, Christmas Eve, our worship service will begin at 5 p.m. Immediately following our service, we'll have a gathering in our fellowship hall to sing carols together!
On January 8, we'll be having our workshop and congregational meeting with the Presbyterian Foundation immediately following worship. This event will be four hours long, so we hope you can clear the day! A delicious lunch will be provided!
“For each new morning with its light, for rest and shelter of the night, for health and food, for love and friends, for everything Thy goodness sends.”
Blessings,
Jesse
