In October with All Saints Day it is a time to remember our loved ones who have gone before us, to remember faithful Christians who helped build the church through doing God's works to brings the gospel of Jesus to the world.

In November along with the rest of the nation, we take time to express our gratitude, to give thanks to God for all that we have.

I'm wondering if this year we can't take those two months and come together for 61 days of gratitude. So much in our world does not seem to be something we can be thankful for. But in reality, our gratitude likely needs to focus more on being thankful that God is with is. If we add the Christian perspective to the national holiday of Thanksgiving, it would encourage us to remember God's faithful presence.

A presence that holds us, sustains us, brings us through AND makes us able in that process to share God's love. A love so fierce it took on sin directly and defeated it through Christ.

There are many things in our world, our country that can cause us to worry. But all these things should drive us to prayer and to gratitude for God being with us, for faithfully bringing us through and especially for helping us in the midst of storms to still witness to Christ.

We will hand out a calendar guide at church this Sunday for those who would like to join in. Or let us know in the office and we can email a copy. Blessings to all! May our focus and faith always be in Christ.

Pastor Alice