Ah, November. The crispness of fall is in the air. For those that enjoy the cooler months, I can hear their sighs of relief. November also brings changes to the church year. This November will be a busy one at Christ Lutheran and Upper Fall River. November 2nd is All Saints Day. We remember those who have gone before us — the cloud of witnesses that gather around the Lord’s table with us. We especially remember this year: Lisa Bratton and Hurley Breech. Grieving, we name them as we celebrate the promise of eternal life given to us from God, through Jesus Christ.
This is also Heritage Day. There will be a joint service. The youth will sing, and three young men will be celebrating their first communion at our Lord’s table. Truly something to celebrate! After the service, there will be a hayrack ride, fun, and games for all. There will also be a potluck lunch, which always proves to have plenty of food for all and good fellowship.
November 9th, there will be a baptism and a marriage ceremony following the service at Christ Lutheran. The Holy Spirit is truly at work!!!
Then we celebrate Christ the King, our Messiah, who reigns with outstretched arms on the 23rd. Welcoming all into His bosom, we give thanks for the forgiveness that is freely given to us through His suffering on the cross.
Then we celebrate Thanksgiving. This is my favorite holiday! There are no frills, no trying to outdo one another in gifts or celebrations. This is the time when we get together to give thanks for our families, our health, and for all the blessings that God has freely given to us this past year. There have been deaths and births, our family dynamics have changed, yet this Thanksgiving, let us be grateful for all of the blessings that God has given us.
We are reminded this time of the year just how much God truly loves us all. We are told this throughout the year, but this time of the year it is brought to the forefront as we await the coming of Advent — waiting to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior.
God’s blessings to you all and Happy Thanksgiving.
+ Pastor Sue Ellen