One of my favorite hymns is Now Thank We All Our God by Martin Rinkart:
Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things has done, in whom this world rejoices;
who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.
As we wrap up this week of giving thanks, I wanted to let you know how thankful I am to be a part of Hyde Park Community UMC and to serve as one of your Senior Pastors. It has been such a blessing to watch teams of people connected to our congregation come together to serve in so many meaningful ways.
Our Servant Leadership Board met on Nov. 14 for our Charge Conference and affirmed 7 individuals from the congregation to be a part of our leadership teams. I am grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to the places God will lead us together as a congregation.
Many members from our congregation have surrounded those who have been sick or shut in with a community of support, love, and care. That same care has been offered to those who have lost loved ones, through prayers and cards.
It is an inspiration to see photos and hear stories about how church members, community members, and 14 agency partners came together to pack and deliver a Thanksgiving meal to 627 families. Your time, generosity, and care in this effort is an incredible witness to God’s love.
We had a team of 50 work at Bust a Crust to pack pies for the Meals on Wheels yearly fundraiser. On that same day, others gathered to write personal holiday cards to those who are incarcerated and on death row in Ohio.
I’m also grateful for the ways that you support our church financially. Your generous giving allows each of these ministries and many more to take place throughout the year.
This Sunday we begin the season of Advent. As we gather, you will notice the sanctuary has been beautifully prepared for the season. I’m thankful for each volunteer and staff member who came together to help us prepare in this way.
We also have many opportunities during the Advent season to pause and remember the true reason for the season. I encourage you to choose one or more of these that will help you to make room in your life to welcome Jesus Christ in a more profound way including the Advent Studies: Making Room and Prepare the Way of the Lord, the Advent Devotional, Advent Retreat, the Live Nativity, and the special worship services, Blue Christmas and Jazz Vespers.
I give thanks to God for each of you, and for the opportunity to share in this special season of Advent with you. I look forward to sharing with you on this first Sunday of Advent!
-Pastor Suzanne