We enter a season of thankfulness . . .

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:1-2

Thank you, God!

We enter a season of thankfulness . . .

Looking back, thanking God for the life God has given us and the people, places, animals, nature, beauty, challenges, joy, love, God has brought into our lives.

Looking back, thanking God for the departed saints who have blessed our lives with their witness of God’s love and examples of walking with Christ.

But we do not get lost in nostalgia or seeing the past as somehow better than our future. Rather, we look back upon how all these blessings have helped develop us into the people we are today so we can . . .

Step forward, equipped to follow Christ into tomorrow with confidence and joy.

Step forward, with this “great cloud of witnesses” as encouragement and companionship.

We celebrate All Saints Day this Sunday, remembering all those who have gone before us. You are welcome to add their names on the special altar cloth we continue to create together as community.

AND you will see on the pillar in the entryway a place where you can write the names of all your family members for whom you give thanks: young and old, living and departed, near and far. Leading up to Advent, each Sunday in November—including Worship in the Park on November 8, we’ll bring it with us (the paper, not the pillar!)—you’re invited to add your thankfulness for FAMILY (November 1), FOOD (November 8), FRIENDS (November 15), FAITH (November 22).

Thank you, God! We give you thanks and praise. You lift our hearts in joy.