Thanksliving

I remember once hearing a widow say that the one thing she misses most after her husband's death were his whiskers in the bathroom sink. He would trim his mustache everday, spraying little whiskers everywhere. She would get so upset with him. . .until he died. Now she wishes that she could clean up whiskers in the bathroom sink. It would mean that he was near.

There are a lot of little irritants in our lives. But what if we were to turn them around and see them as a blessing--like whiskers in the sink?

I am thankful for. . .

taxes, because it means I am employed.

a lawn that needs mowing and windows that need cleaning because it means I have a home.

the lady behind me singing off key at church because it means I can hear.

the piles of laundry because I know my loved ones are near.

weary and achy muscles because it means I've been active.

a crowded church because it means people are worshipping God.

parking far away because it means I can walk.

whiskers in the bathroom sink because it means he is here with me.

So, what has you all hot and bothered and grumpy? Chances are, if you turn it around, it probably isn't that big of a deal. In fact, it just might be the source of your own "thanksliving," a life of gratitude.

Give me a response. . .I'm thankful for. . .because it means that. . .

Happy Thanksgiving!
Pastor Scott

AGM

That stands for Alternative Gift Market, and it's one of the coolest things that we do at Christ Lutheran (and that's saying alot!)

AGM provides an opportunity for you to go shopping for those people on your list that either have everything they could need or you just want to get them a little something special and unique. There are crafts from third world countries but you can also buy a tree to be planted in Haiti or a goat to be given to a person in Tanzania or a meal for a child in Darfur or advocacy for a girl caught in the Asian sex trade.

After you purchase your items, you go to the check out and receive a Christmas card that you can then send to the individual and tell them, "a pig in Peru has been donated in your honor."

How cool is that? Last year, someone bought me a bag of nails for a Habitat House and a bag of smiles for the children in Romania. That's way better than a tie.

AGM is this coming Sunday, November 21, all morning in the Fellowship Hall. Go buy your loved one a dose of medicine to fight cholera in Haiti. They will love it!

Peace,
Pastor Scott

Family Feud

Survey Says!. . .

Remember that great TV Game Show? It started with Richard Dawson (from Hogan's Heroes) shaking hands and kissing ladies and going through the answers to the survey questions.

We are doing the same on Sunday night, November 14. Though Richard is not making an appearance, our own Mike Wilder will do the honors. The evening will begin with a potluck dinner at 5:00 followed by the game show. We will draw some participants from the audience to play the game.

It is all part of The Master's Plan follow up to bring the congregation up to speed on how much money we've received, what the next steps are, and how close we are to breaking ground for our new building.

So prepare that orange jello with carrot slices, open up that can of cream of mushroom soup and mix it with tater tots, and join us for a fun congregational event this coming Sunday, November 14.

Survey Says!
Pastor Scott

All Saints Sunday

Who is your hero of the faith?

While some will point to more famous people who have transformed the world like Martin Luther or Mother Teresa or even St. Paul, most people identify someone more close to home. It's a grandmother who loved Jesus. A grandfather who was a man of prayer. A mother whose love embodied God's. Or a father whose unspoken faith could be heard by all. These are the ones who have shaped us personally by making faith come alive.

This Sunday is All Saints Sunday. It is the one day of the Church Year that we dedicate to the memory of all those who have died in faith and now have joined the Church Triumphant. For the most part, these are the unsung heroes. Nevertheless, they are important to us.

So, who is your hero of the faith? The one who introduced you to Jesus? The one who modeled prayer? The one who lived out their faith? The one who reflected the love of God?

Got a name?

Now, join us on Sunday as we remember them and the impact that they have had on our faith journey. And join me and others as we light a candle for him or her and "for all the saints who from their labors rest."

Let Light Perpetual Shine Upon Them!
Pastor Scott