November is a special month.
Most people think so because of Thanksgiving. That has something to do with it, I am
sure. But it is a special month because
this year there are no less than four special days in the church calendar.
The first Sunday of the month is All Saints Sunday. This isn’t a Sunday that gets all that much
press in most churches, but it is the second half of All Hallows Eve (which
didn’t have much to do with candy, originally!). All Saints Sunday is when we take time to
reflect and remember the saints of our own local church and church family who
have left this life to join the Eternal Kingdom. As it is the first Sunday, we will be having
communion as well, which will add to the reflective mood of the day.
The second event is Christ the King Sunday, which signals
the end of the Christian year. It is a
triumphal day that reminds us that celebrates the all-embracing authority of
Christ as King of the world and all that is.
The language is a little difficult for some…king not being a word we
normally utilize for Christ. However, as
one author wrote, “in a chaotic and unjust world that seems to scorn any kind
of authority, many Christians proudly celebrate Christ the King Sunday, where
the loving and merciful - and just - king of the universe is praised and
glorified.”
The third event is the Community Thanksgiving service on
Sunday, November 22nd, the same day as Christ the King Sunday. It is a time when we come together as a
larger community of faith that stretches beyond just United Methodists. That evening we will gather to worship
together and give thanks to God.
Finally, on November 29th, Advent begins. This is the first Sunday of the new Christian
year as well as the beginning of the preparation time that leads us to the
Christmas Season that begins on December 24th. Advent signals a change in the tone of the
church, with different colors and decorations – it is a time of joy and wonder
as we turn our minds towards the approaching Messiah.
I hope that you will be with us on these special days. We will also be having a few guest speakers
this month as well: our own J. C. Smith on November 8th and Bishop
Richard Looney on November 15th.
These two capable speakers will be a joy to hear.
It is a time of transition, but one that brings newness and
expectation with it. Come and be a part
of it!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Charles
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