I may say it every year, but it seems like just yesterday that it was January and now we are already welcoming November. This month is one where we focus on thankfulness and remember those who have helped to make us the people we are today. Our sermons this month will focus on Matthew’s gospel. We will see how we are encouraged to accept the mantle of responsibility for the work that God has called each of us. You might say that we are entrusted to do God’s work.

November worship begins on November 1 when we celebrate All Saints’ Sunday. It will be a full service with communion and a time of remembrance for members and friends who have passed away in the last year. This meaningful Sunday is one where we remember with gratitude the people who have gone before us. Our focus text for this Sunday will be Matthew 23:1-12 which describes servant leadership. I am so grateful for the many members of our congregation who have laid the legacy that we carry on every day.

On the second Sunday of the month (November 8), we will pause to remember and honor the veterans from our congregation. We will also explore how we can manage the things that God has entrusted each of us to do on our own as described in Matthew 25:1-13. There are times when we desire God to step in and make the path for us. However, there is a lesson to be found in the work of finding our way.

We will welcome a guest pastor on the third Sunday of the month (November 15). I am excited to share that the Rev. Dr. Don Dawson will join us to preach on Matthew 28:16-20. Rev. Dr. Dawson served 16 years as the Director of World Mission Initiative (WMI) at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the New Wilmington Mission Conference (NWMC). He is looking forward to joining us that Sunday.

Sunday, November 22 will be our final week in the Entrusted Series. We will focus on Matthew 25:31-46 and explore how we are entrusted with each other. What a great way to lead us into Thanksgiving Week.

We will hold our annual Hanging of the Greens on Saturday, November 28. This is always a fun morning getting the church ready for the Season of Advent.

The final Sunday of the month (November 29) begins the new church year with the first week of Advent. This year, Advent will begin with an extra special blessing: two baptisms! What a wonderful way to start preparing our hearts to welcome the miracle of Christmas!

I hope that you will be blessed by our worship this month. I am looking forward to seeing you there.

Blessings,

Pastor Emily