Saturday, Nov. 23: Fall Bazaar, Bake Sale & Lunch, 9am-1pm Also, 1 pm: Open House at Thunderbird House Contact Pastor Paul if interested in attending.
Sunday, Nov. 24: We close out the season of Pentecost with Reign of Christ Sunday, and lift up our thanksgiving for God’s abundance in our lives. The UP Choir will be singing!Sunday Evening: In honor of his family visiting, Pastor Paul has reserved a few tables at Old Chicago Pizza from 5-7 pm. Come join us! NOTE: Some folk will be walking over to Bentleyville that eve, and you’re welcome to join!
Monday, Nov. 25: There will be NO Bible Study this evening, as Pastor Paul will be out of town.
Tuesday, Nov. 26:**Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service, 7 pm, Bethany Community Church. Local churches are gathering together to give thanks. Pastor Paul has a part in the service. Proceeds from offering are going to the Salvation Army. NOTE: There is a “pick-up choir” from all the churches gathering at 6 pm to practice. You are invited! No experience necessary!**Also, AA meets in Fellowship Hall, 7 pm
Wednesday, Nov. 27: There will be NO community potluck or choir practice as people are traveling for Thanksgiving. NOTE: If you are in need of assistance for Thanksgiving, please contact Pastor Paul.
Thursday, Nov. 28: AA meets in Fellowship Hall, 7 pm
Other Ministries and Events
**Thursday, Dec. 12: Cookie baking, 9 am. All are invited to come help bake & decorate Christmas cookies. More details coming.
**Saturday, Dec. 14: Bill Bastian & the Highland Quartet, 1:30 pm. Free of charge! Cookies & coffee in Fellowship Hall after concert. Bake sale to support the church.
From Pastor Paul: Toward Sunday“He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son…” ~Colossians 1:13 I smell the turkey…I see the steam rising from the mashed potatoes as they are stirred…I look closely at the stuffing to see what new alternatives were added for embellishment this year. (Giblets? Hope not!)…Thanksgiving is a feast of abundance in my world. I’m lucky. I’m privileged. Just as I’m privileged to ask “what do you want for dinner?” any day of the week and (by and large) have the resources to accommodate my hankerin’ for the eve. I’m also blessed with family and friends. And while I’m at it, I’m still blessed with a metabolism that permits me to eat until full, or over-full, without hesitation. Lucky boy, that one. So, how do I say thank you? I acknowledge my fortune. I remember the times when the table was not spread so wide with abundance, nor the seats filled with loved ones. I remember that all of these good things I have here and now are by the grace of God, but also remember that there are systems in place in our world that create, and often keep separate, the “haves” from the “have nots.| That’s where Jesus comes in. See, living (as I believe I presently do) in “the kingdom of His beloved Son” (to quote the letter above), I try to imagine my life as a walk with Jesus. I tend to walk a bit behind Peter, James and John on the trail, usually checking out the scenery, but I rush up beside Jesus when he talks and teaches and heals and loves. I like to think I’ve learned a thing or two, but the more I learn, the more it all seems to be a Holy Mystery. …And when I sit at the table this Thursday, with all the food and friendship, I know Jesus is there, and I know all of that Holy Mystery is there, and I know Jesus isn’t just talking and sharing with the folks at the table, but he is looking around, offering a welcome and inviting those that weren’t anticipated…perhaps those that aren’t even wanted. “Jesus!” I say, “Can’t I just eat in peace and abundance just this once?” But Jesus doesn’t answer. For he knows that I know the lesson already. In his kingdom, all are fed. And as a disciple I know that if all aren’t fed, then he puts me to work. Because when I was hungry, he put somebody else to work. When I was lonely, another disciple smiled at me and offered me a welcoming hand. Beautiful Kingdom, isn’t it?
Let’s Talk!
Pastor Paul