November 2021
Dear Saints,
If you’re a life-long Presbyterian or even a long-time Presbyterian, you probably remember the days when everyone returned to church on “Rally Day.” This was typically the 1st or 2nd Sunday after Labor Day when all church activities, including Sunday School, Music programs, meetings would pick back up as would ‘normal’ attendance.
That’s no longer the case. In recent years, the trend of ‘returning’ to church has been in dribs and drabs until the first cold snap of weather. That was the case even before Covid, and now? Who knows.
Every church is experiencing low attendance levels for various reasons; some are obvious, some are hidden. Still, we have been and continue to be a rich community of faith, and we will continue to offer the special worship services and activities that we have always cherished as well as creating new things to refresh the soul.
November brings our sacred All Souls’ service on November 6th, which celebrates all those who have gone on to their great reward. November 12th is the deadline for the coat drive and the Thanksgiving baskets, which are two missions that this church holds dear. The coat drive is on November 20th.
We are also adding a new and meaningful event on November 21st. A new tree has been planted on the upper ground outside the handicapped entrance. The Memorials committee planted it, and we will dedicate the tree to all those who have died from Covid and those who survived Covid. This will be not only a church but a community-wide event with the hope that it gives our whole community a place to come to visit or pass by where they can remember, hope, and pray.
And then…believe it or not, November 28th is the first Sunday in Advent!
We have activities, missions, and worship services all month long that speak of Faith, Hope, and Love, which is also our Mission statement. Therefore, it makes sense to use that as the theme of this year’s Stewardship campaign; “Giving in Faith, Hope, and Love.”
I want to thank all of you who have stepped up in any and every way to sustain this church in the midst of the most trying time in our ministry and history. Your creativity, energy, generosity, and support have made all the difference, and we are healthy and strong because of you. This year you gave in Faith, Hope, and Love, and it shows.
As we seek the future together, please prayerfully consider your 2022 contributions to mirror Faith, Hope, and Love so we can continue to bless others as God has blessed us.
Giving in Faith, Hope, and Love with you,
Rev Jen