Greetings in Christ’s name!
Eric Riley was there the night I decided to follow Jesus whole-heartedly. He and I had talked about the joy I saw in the lives of some of my peers, and he had pointed me to Jesus. “Ask Jesus for the joy that comes from following him,” Eric had said. After I’d gone to bed, I prayed, telling God that I wanted to follow Jesus and needed the joy of the Lord in my life. There were many people who had led me to that point, but Eric was there the night I consciously decided to be a Christian.
All Saints Day is usually celebrated on November 1, by Western Christians. Quakers have historically ignored liturgical calendars and claimed each day is sacred and so no one day is special, but All Saints Day has become an important time for me to remember those who have personally pointed me to faith in Jesus. Methodist traditions usually say All Saints Day is a time to give God thanks for the lives and deaths of his saints, including those who are famous or obscure. So on this day, I give thanks for some of the people who have most influenced my faith and have played a part in pointing me to Jesus. That includes some famous Christians like Martin Luther King, Jr. It also includes some not so famous, like Eric Riley. On this day, give thanks to God for the people who have pointed you to Jesus. And may your thanksgiving deepen your faith and make you into the kind of person that someone else might give thanks for on an All Saints Day in the future.
This Week:
The students who signed up to attend the Ski Retreat in Colorado this Christmas break invite you to a fundraiser lunch and auction following the service on Sunday, November 20th, in the Friends Center gym. We will have soup, salad, bread, and dessert. The cost is $10/person and kids under 5 eat for free. Buy tickets in the Coffee Café before or after worship, or by contacting Josiah ([email protected]). We will also have an auction at the luncheon to benefit the youth group’s trip to Colorado. If you would like to donate a meal or items to the auction, contact Josiah Brown. In previous years, people have donated items like hosting a meal, weekend getaways to vacation homes, sports tickets, and baskets of goodies.
The Bible Quiz Pie Sale begins this week. You can buy apple ($20), pecan ($20), and pumpkin ($15). All proceeds support our Junior Highers. We have a big quiz team this year, so costs will be higher. You can buy pies by contacting Josiah or in the Coffee Café any of the following Sundays: 10/30, 11/6, 11/13. Pick up pies on 11/20. Thank you for your generous support of Student Ministries!
Beginning tonight and on Tuesdays in November, you’re invited to join a video study by Jemar Tisby, based on his latest book, “How to Fight Racism.” The group will view the videos and then discuss. All are welcome!
Our next week host week for Family Promise is coming up – November 13-20. If you can help by preparing a meal (or part of a meal) one evening, or spending one night at the church, providing child care during a Tuesday evening class, or assisting with set up or tear down, please contact Desiree Trevino or Beth Skeeter. At this time of year when we are especially focused on being thankful for our many blessings, helping to serve these families is a great way to express gratitude.
May God’s wisdom shine upon you and give you the strength you need to love and serve others each day.
Peace,
David Bridges