PJ’s Page –
This month we have many opportunities to give thanks, culminating, of course, in that very American tradition of Thanksgiving Day on November 28th.
Early in November we observe All Saints Sunday, one of my favorite days in the Church year. We remember with thanksgiving and love those from our community of faith who have died in the past year. We also give thanks that they are with us in the communion of saints. As I was collecting their names, I was thinking of each one, and how they used their gifts for the ministry of the Gospel and for the mission of Luther Memorial. To a person, they gave of themselves.
Throughout this month we will also have the opportunity to consider how we give of ourselves to the Gospel. How do we use what we have been given….our gifts and talents, our passions and our hobbies, our skills and our treasure, for the life of this community as it lives out the Gospel of Jesus Christ? You will receive a letter from our Stewardship Chair, Steve Olson and a letter from me, and a final one from the Council. Please consider what they have to say with care. We are at a time in the life of this congregation when it will be important and necessary to strengthen our financial giving. Some of those aforementioned saints were very generous and faithful givers and financial supporters. Their absence from us is felt in many ways.
The theme of this year’s Stewardship emphasis is “Feast of Faith”. Each day we are fed by the very hand of God and called on to feed others in turn. In many and varied ways the ministries of this congregation participate in that Feast of Faith and your offerings equip and enable us for this work.
On November 10th, we will give thanks for the 530th birthday of Martin Luther. Come celebrate Luther’s birthday after worship with a Chili Cook Off and potluck! Bring a salad or side dish to share, if you would like. Sign up for the chili cook off in the narthex. (I will be making Roll Tide Red chili, by the way!) Votes are by $….the chili receiving the most votes (the most $$) will be declared the LUTHER’S BIRTHDAY CHILI CHAMPION! Proceeds will go to the feeding ministries of Luther Memorial Church.
During this time together we will also have our annual Fall Forum – a time to catch up on all that is happening in the life of the congregation. You don’t want to miss it!
We are also thankful for the many and varied ministries who meet in this building. One of those, the young fiddlers of Lilla Spelmanslag, will host an annual concert here, Sunday, November 3rd, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. I hope you’ll support them with your presence; their music is grand!
We’ll have an additional opportunity for a wonderful concert on November 17th as Cora Voce, a regional choir, presents their annual Seattle concert at Luther Memorial. Paul Olsen is a member of this choir and their work is such a gift. LMLC youth will be offering pre-sales of tickets to this event in the narthex and a portion of the ticket price will support our youth ministry at LMLC. Please support both Cora Voce and our youth!
During this time of Thanksgiving, I want to offer my own note of thanks to each of you. I am so grateful for the way you share the love and grace of God with me, with one another, and with the world. It is a privilege to serve God with you as your pastor.
Faithfully,
Pastor Julie Hutson