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Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Luke 6:20-21
The little country Lutheran church where I grew up had a cemetery right behind it. As a little kid, we’d often play around the tombstones – a great place for hide and go seek! It was a little bit spooky, but the names engraved on the stones were familiar. They were neighbors, friends, who had helped plant and grow that church since 1881.
This Sunday we are celebrating “All Saints” in the church. It is a special day when we encourage people to remember loved ones who have gone to be with the Lord. We also honor all people who have been baptized into Christ – washed in the water and the blood of Jesus, redeemed sinners: saints!
We will ring a bell after each of these names are read during the prayers – Patrick Gilland, Dorothy Harrison, Franklin Eddie, Terry Taylor, and Kirk Pierson (Holy Cross). Each of you will also have an opportunity to come forward during communion and light a candle in memory of your loved ones, to remember them, and place the lit candle in the wooden cross with sand inside it, on a table in the aisle at the front of the church.
It is a day for both grief and joy, as we acknowledges loss while celebrating the belief that the faithful are reunited with Christ. After church, in the fellowship hour, take a few minutes to stop and share stories, memories of your loved ones with someone else at church.
Last week I shared that my wife, Karina, was going to have her thyroids removed. Good news! Her surgery was successful and she is recovering well. It will be a few weeks before she feels back to normal and the incisions heal. Thank you for all your prayers and concerns.
Lastly, don’t forget to turn your clocks back an hour this Saturday night or you may be coming to church an hour early! See you soon.
In Christ;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Please join us for a special Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner following worship on November 30th. Sign-up sheets are in the back of the church to let us know if you are coming (RSVP with the number of people), and a sign up if you are able to bring a dish to pass (not required).
- We are looking for actors, speakers of all ages, to be in our Christmas Program during worship on Sunday, December 21st. A sign-up sheet is at the back of the church. Rehearsals will be on the two prior Sundays after worship.
- Christmas is coming! Join us for Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:00 pm on December 24th for an evening with a Christmas message, beautiful music, decorations and candles. Bring family and friends to celebrate.
- Would you like a name tag for church? We are ordering some new ones. This is open to everyone – please put your name on the sign-up sheet by the offering plates or call or email the office.
- Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
- We are parking additional cars on the property for workers being shuttled out to the Royal Poinciana Plaza seven days a week. You may see signs for valet parking, and parking on the grass areas.
