November 2026

November 1, 2026

My Dear Friends,

It’s hard to believe we are already entering the month of November! The leaves are changing, the temperatures are cooling, and before long we will be donning our winter coats and shoveling snow. But as time marches on, I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the events happening in our church.

Today, November 1, Dick Hills and his barbershop group “The Gospel Disciples” are blessing us with their talents by leading us in song as we worship our Lord. Each week we are fortunate to have Ruth, our music minister, share her gifts with us, and today we are doubly blessed.

On November 8, we will celebrate “Remembrance Sunday,” a time for our community to recall the family members and friends who have gone before us in death. When you come to church on that day, please bring with you the names of those you would like us to remember throughout the month.

On November 22, as we anticipate the festivities of Thanksgiving later that week, our scripture reading will be taken from Luke 17:11-19. You may recall this passage in which ten men are healed, yet only one returns to give thanks to God. Too often we are like the other nine when we fail to recognize the blessings in our own lives. As we prepare for Thanksgiving, may we strive to see the many blessings God showers on us each and every day.

Last but certainly not least, on November 29, we will officially begin the Season of Advent with a joyful celebration in honor of Mrs. Lou Cassedy’s 100th birthday! What a beautiful gift we can offer our Lord, to honor Lou with our presence and our prayers.

November is also the month when our community focuses on stewardship. I am grateful to all of you: our Sunday readers, those who provide pastries for church gatherings, and everyone who goes out into the community to witness to others. Thank you for sharing your time, talent, and treasure. When you receive our annual appeal letter, I ask that you prayerfully consider how you can continue to support our community.

Finally, I want to share my thoughts on how we can continue this journey together. A few weeks ago, I spoke about a couple I was preparing for marriage. When I asked what they enjoyed doing together, they both said they loved ballroom dancing. They explained that to dance well, one partner has to lead and the other has to follow. As I think about my role as your pastor, I see that we are learning a new “dance.” Each Sunday I lead us in worship, and as I pray about the message, I follow the voice of the Holy Spirit. My role as your pastor is to help all of us come to know Jesus Christ more deeply.

I will close this letter with a simple prayer on gratitude and remembrance:

God bless,

Pastor Tim Kalista

“A Thanksgiving Prayer”

O God, when I have food, help me to remember the hungry;

when I have work, help me to remember the jobless;

When I have a home, help me to remember those who have no home at all;

When I am without pain, help me to remember those who suffer.

And remembering, help me to destroy my complacency;

bestir my compassion, and be concerned enough to help;

by word and deed, those who cry out for what we take for granted.

Amen.

(Written by Samuel F. Pugh)