Dear Beloved in Christ,

It's Thanksgiving time: travels, family dynamics, turkey, Black Friday, football, and all the other trimmings. All sorts of traditions abound, but hopefully the essential one has not slipped from our lists: giving thanks.

For what things are you thankful to the Lord these days? Every good and perfect gift is from God (James 1:17). Recount in your mind and on paper what God has done for you, your family, and your church. Thank Him for things both small and great. An old Puritan prayer gives us just the right start to a prayer of thanksgiving: "Thou art the blessed God, happy in Thyself, source of happiness in Thy creatures, my maker, benefactor, proprietor, upholder. Thou hast produced and sustained me, supported and indulged me, saved and kept me; Thou art in every situation able to meet my needs and miseries" (The Valley of Vision). Make sure your list has good things from the Lord, but also hard things. God uses all circumstances in our lives that we might look more like Christ and trust Him more (James 1:12).

Here's a second challenge for you: Consider those who may spend the holiday alone and invite them to your table. For many reasons, some may not have a place to spend Thanksgiving, and your home may be just the place for someone who needs a family to celebrate with.

I look forward to seeing you again this Lord's Day at our new facility. What a joy it was to see our congregation together this past week and worshiping in the new space, even if it was a bit of a tight squeeze. I saw many smiles along with many tears of joy, and it was a special day as we celebrated God's goodness to us in Christ. What a feeling to be debt-free and starting in a new place with new potential for ministry. This Sunday, Bill will begin a series of sermons on various prayers from Luke's Gospel, helping us look toward Christmas and remember what saints of old have said of our promise-making and promise-keeping God. The first prayer is the response of Mary to God's blessing in Luke 1.

All normal 10:30 hour ministries will proceed this Sunday, but remember that 9:15 ministry opportunities are still on hold. They will resume, Lord willing, on December 11.

Be sure to match the events listed below with your personal and family calendars. We have some great opportunities for the body both to grow and to serve together. Ladies, grandmothers, moms, and daughters: Be sure the December 10 brunch at Well Spring is on your calendars and let Megan Arispe know if you plan to attend. The food, fellowship, and a beautiful place to gather will certainly be a treat for all.

See you Sunday,

Bryan