Dear Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope your day is filled with many blessings and conversations that lift your spirit. We focus on the meal and table setting, making sure everything is correct, and forget to acknowledge those who made it possible. This year, let’s give thanks to the people behind the scenes who are rarely noticed but vital in society.

I am grateful for our church staff who do their best to prepare and lead worship, conduct our various musical groups, and prepare activities for our children and youth. They are wonderful and seek to offer their very best. Thank you, Judy, Traci, Todd, Carol Ann, and Mary Kate. Let’s not forget Ann Hansen and Henry Davis who clean and prepare the facility for worship and general use. Our nursery staff: Lana, Sabrina, Emma, and Jenna care for our children. It is a joy when it all comes together and our members, visitors, and guests experience the presence of God. Thank you all.

The Adopt a Family tree is up. There are various tags for a family in need. After making your purchase, please bring your gift and place it in the AAF box located in the lobby. We need all items returned by December 11th, Thank you for your great generosity.

The Rolling Tones (handbell ensemble) will be in worship on Sunday, December 4th. It will be a very special day of music. The Cantata will be Sunday, December 18th, and presented at both services, 9 and 10:30 a.m. in the CLC. It will be spectacular.

Butter Braids for Thanksgiving were well received. There will be more available for Christmas so sign up for your favorite flavors and place your order. Proceeds from Butter Braid sales benefit our Youth Mission and programming.

I look forward to seeing you this first Sunday of Advent. The theme is “Hope” and our reading is from Isaiah 2:1-5. Take a look and meditate on the hope you have in Christ. Ask yourself, “What am I waiting for and when will it arrive?” The Hebrew people were holding fast to God’s promises spoken by the prophets Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Micah. The word of God spoken to us offers hope and expectation. What words offer you Hope? We’ll talk more on Sunday.

God bless us every one, Pastor Mark