From the desk of Rev. Michelle…
Thank you to everyone who came out to have their photo taken for the Photo directory. If you missed the opportunity but would like to submit your own photo, please reach out ASAP so we can have you included.
November brings several opportunities to gather as a community. Don’t miss the Community (Ham) Dinner this coming Friday, prepared by our very own Red Seal Chefs. There is a Soup for Sign fundraiser near the end of the month to help in supporting the costs of updating the church sign to reflect our shared ministry. And before we know it the Great ADVENTure will be here with its joyous opportunity to kick off the season of Advent. There are a lot of opportunities this month to engage as a congregation, so make sure you get your copy of the November church calendar, so you do not miss out!
Tomorrow is Remembrance Sunday. In worship we will be commemorating and acknowledging the commitment and sacrifice made by members of our congregation. As I seek to balance the traditions of both congregations, this year the commemoration will be at the very beginning of worship, before the call to worship, and we will be reading the names of those who died from the congregation during the WWI, WWII and the Korean war.
At a time when peace seems to be slipping through the fingers of so many places in our world, may this time of reflection remind us of God’s call to be peacemakers. In remembering that war has very real costs paid in flesh and blood, may we gather encouragement and strength to do what we can to promote and advocate for peace, both here and around the world.
As we move into Sunday, let us join in this prayer of commitment written by John Birch as we consider how we can make a difference, by preparing ourselves to live in peace. See you on Sunday!
God of Love, God of Peace
This fractured word
Cries out in pain
Burns deep into my soul
And challenges me
To make a difference
God of Love, God of Peace
God of this world
Scarred by grief and tears
Ignorance and fear
Soften hearts of stone
And begin with mine
God of Love, God of Peace
Create within me
A heart for people
A desire for change
For new beginnings
To start this day