PJ’s Page –
November is the month when our hearts turn with intention toward gratitude and thankfulness. In the Church, this is the month when a new year begins in our liturgical calendar; the first Sunday of Advent is November 27th.
As I look back over this year, my own heart is filled with gratitude. The time spent on sabbatical was such a marvelous gift of renewal and refreshment. The decision of our congregation to partner with Compass Housing Alliance to provide affordable housing for families at risk of homelessness was a faithful one and demonstrates how we love in word and in deed. The opportunity to have Vicar Michael as our intern has been a time of growth for him as well as for us and a delight and privilege all around. I have said this repeatedly, but it is true: Luther Memorial is a congregation who understands well what it means to have an intern. That partnership is a gift to the whole Church.
Speaking of partnerships, we are eager to continue to explore our partnerships with Broadview UCC and St. Dunstan Episcopal congregations. Beginning on November 4th, we plan to hold quarterly Evensong worship services together, at the Chapel in the Highlands. The first Evensong service is a commemoration of All Saints, at 7pm on November 4th.
On Thanksgiving Eve, November 23rd, we will gather for a joint worship service at Broadview UCC. The theme is: give thanks. eat pie. We will do both of those: give thanks and eat pie. Take a break from your preparation to give thanks together, at 7pm on that Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
During Advent we will also share mid week worship opportunities with Broadview UCC. The first Wednesday evening in November is November 30th and we will gather at Broadview UCC for an Advent Evening Prayer service. On December 7th, we will sing Holden Evening Prayer at Luther Memorial, followed by holiday treats and cider. On December 14th, we will enjoy a noon Advent worship service, followed by a light lunch together at Luther Memorial. On December 21st, we will return to Broadview UCC for Advent Evening Prayer.
Luther Memorial is also in conversation with Harbor Church, a Christian Reformed Congregation, around possibilities for future partnership. Both Harbor Church and Broadview UCC will participate in a community Christmas Day worship service at Luther Memorial, at our usual 10am worship time.
At the end of this calendar year, we will conclude our agreement with Emmanuel Charisma Congregation, who worship in the building on Sunday afternoon/evenings. Your Congregational Council feels that the agreement is no longer a workable partnership, but gives thanks for the ministry of Emmanuel Charisma.
We anticipate news from Compass Housing Alliance in December around the funding for our housing and whether that will move forward in 2017. We have learned that there are 44 homeless children who are students at Broadview Thomsen School. The need is urgent and great. We hold in prayer this process and give thanks for the ministry of Compass Housing Alliance.
There is much for which we give thanks in this season. In all of this, I give thanks for you…for this community of faith as we gather. As opportunities for worship, partnership, service, and fellowship present themselves, I look forward to seeing you there. I would quote the words of the hymn writer and urge “Come, You Thankful People, Come.”
See you in church,
Pastor Julie+