Dear <<First Name>>,

On this Thanksgiving week, let’s give thanks for our blessings. Even during troubles and trials, we can still find the blessing of family, our faith community and God’s gracious love in Christ. Please know that I am praying that everyone in our congregation will know the peace of Christ during these days. 

Join me in praying for our culture. We live in a highly dissatisfied society. The anger and frustration we see on the daily news networks are alarming. National studies show that social discontent is at an all-time high.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am convinced that the frustrations of our society are directly related to a critical, growing departure from Christ. The farther we get from Christ, the greater the chance we miss the blessings around us. 

As the Church, let us step forward everywhere we go to find the blessings and positives around us. Let us meet hatred with love. Let us, with joy, respond to discontent. Let us pour out a double measure of peace in a reactionary society. Let us be people of hope in places of despair. Like no other time, it is our time to be the Church that makes a difference. 

What shall we do? Great question! God does God’s best work when the night is darkest – that is when Hope is Born. This Sunday, we begin the journey toward Christmas. Each Sunday, I will address our need for hope in a challenged world. We are calling this series “Hope is Born.” This Sunday, we look at the promise of Jesus’ return in Luke 21:25-28. In the darkest moments of life, look up! Jesus is coming! 

Also this Sunday, Chris Fuitt will be leading our worship and music. Chris is one of our finalists for the Director of Worship and Music position. Come and experience the Spirit of God as we worship the King of kings and Lord of lords. 

One more thing—some of the online stewardship commitments have not been getting through to the church. If you did not receive a confirmation email about your commitment or if you have any questions about whether we received your card, please resubmit at firstchurch.net/commit or email Jenn at jmagill@firstchurch.net. Thank you in advance for your support.
 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

See you Sunday,

Pastor John Allen