Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to number our days so we can have a wise heart." If you were to number your days today - have you lived them faithfully? How might you amplify your discipleship journey, and bring new health and vitality to your own journey and also to the life of others and the church? I continue to raise the question and challenge you in worship on Sunday mornings. The stewardship of all components of our lives is incredibly important to the mission and vitality of the church. God calls us to live our lives faithfully that God might be raised up - that our witness to God might be remembered as we take faithful steps forward in ministry. Speaking of stewardship, you will be receiving a letter with the commitment cards that we need to determine our budget for the upcoming year. Please be in prayer about how you can commit to the vision of Grand Ledge First United Methodist Church (found at the bottom of this page) as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world and return them quickly.
This past month, there was a gathering focused not just on trivia but building connections with one another following community meal. It was a great time - there was laughter, challenge, and connections made around the table. Our church also had a presence at the Fire Department Open House where we made many connections with the other community vendors as well as with people who came inquiring about community meal and what other activities we have. It was a fantastic way for us to show up and support our Fire Department who comes to serve at our Community Meal. As I write this article, tomorrow we will host Trunk or Treat in our parking lot during Bridge Street Trunk or Treat. Thank you to those who have shown up and participated, even for your candy donations! We will continue to provide opportunities for you to connect with the community so that we continue to build relationships with our neighbors and invite them into relationship with Jesus Christ in our congregation. This is why we exist!
Coming up rapidly is All Saints Day that we will celebrate on November 2 in worship as we also begin a worship series titled "Both/And" that holds the tension that the world is full of complexities that the secular world wants to push into "Either/Or" categories, but as followers of Jesus, we are called to live in beautiful truth of the "Both/And." Join us for the month of November as we explore these complexities and how we are called to lean into them. It seems like Advent begins a little early this year, at the end of the month. For the season we will be exploring the theme "What Do You Fear?". The theme will challenge us to lean into gritty hope in the midst of deep uncertainty. The worship support team has been hard at work preparing for the
season, lining up the schedule for wreath lighters and the decorating brigade. You will start seeing your opportunity to help decorate the sanctuary with poinsettias or make a donation in honor of a beloved for one of our community organizations that we support during Advent. As we look toward December, note all the things that are announced in the newsletter: Community Meal with a festive concert following that will include a free will offering for the GL Food Pantry, the Parsonage Open House, Christmas Tea, Christmas Eve Worship times (note they are DIFFERENT!) and a joint service with Delta Mills at GLFUMC for the Sunday following Christmas that will take place at 10:30 on December 28 with a brunch potluck to follow. Lots coming up, keep a look out for other events that will bubble up - cookie baking and delivery for our home bound, sorting and packing Christmas Baskets, even consider how you can get in touch with your crafty side on Monday mornings from 10-12 with the crafters and quilters!
Together in ministry,
Pastor Kayla
