Eagerly Waiting

As a time of Thanksgiving approaches:
There is so much for which to give thanks! And by giving thanks, I mean remembering the abundance of God's grace and blessing in our lives. For the Harris household, an abundance in grace allows us to thrive in the joy of ministry with this community. Our connection with you in the Christian life gives us reason to say that we truly believe we were sent here to Love God, Follow Jesus, and Build Community!

As we build community together, I am reminded that this congregation helped more than 80 families last year with a Thanksgiving food drive. Your generous donations made that possible and showed your love for all in our area. Again, we ask that you join us in this annual sharing in the abundant harvest of our homes and church. See details in this Steeple News on how to participate.

As we celebrate in worship during November, we focus on the gift of love we know in Jesus Christ. We celebrate Hope, Victory, Confidence, and Love in Christ and for one another. I am so happy this congregation is sharing its public witness with neighbors, reaching out to young men seeking a new way, and offering a safe place for English speaking learners to gather here. The word of God in the revelation of Jesus Christ makes a difference in our world. Thank you for sharing it!

What do we say about a relationship with Jesus and how that can change a life and transform our world? You are saying that you care and that you love with these expressions of outreach. Thank you!

A look forward to Advent and Christmas:
How do we as Hunt UMC embody the Good News of Jesus? A question from the sermon today may prompt you to consider existing ministry and potential mission ideas as people who eagerly await the coming of the Lord - it comes from the scripture reading in Hebrews 9:27:
"And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him."
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Eagerly waiting is a faith practice that brings congregations together in vitality. Eagerly waiting for the coming of our Lord causes us to listen better to the opportunities around us. Eagerly waiting can lead us to give glory to God for all gifts, proclaim Jesus as the Savior, share unity of spirit with other believers, and walk in service to Christ within and beyond our community.

Thank you for the opportunity to be your pastor! And have a very happy Thanksgiving! I look forward to a new year in Christ with each of you!
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Pastor Paul