Using Your Talents
Using Your Talents
This is the second to last Sunday of the church year. Last week we looked at being prepared for Christ’s coming. This week, we look at how to be disciples of Christ while we wait. And Matthew’s text points us to being good stewards.
What is a good steward? A steward is one who uses the gifts that God has given. For some, it will be sharing the story. For others, it is feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless. But the point today is that our gifts are to be used to glory the Creator.
That means using taking risks, giving life, and investing what we have been given in this place – taking every opportunity to be Christ to all we meet. How can we not, when we are loved unconditionally and extravagantly by the One who created us.
God is good all the time.
We worship at 8 AM and 10:15 AM. Adult forum and Faith Formation are a 9:15 AM. Join us as well on our website, Facebook page, and Twitter (@spartapastor).
Peace, faith, and hope,
Pastor Tina +
We Welcome.
Adult Forum: This week, we welcome Anna’s Angels to SOTH this week. This group of volunteer nurses and spiritual leaders from Atlantic Healthcare educated folks about making end of life decisions faithfully. They will also help you fill out end of life paperwork that is accepted in 42 states. As people of the resurrection who believe in new life with God, making these decisions now point to our trust in a God who keeps God’s promises.
Live! at the Nativity…This is the first call for all youth from age 3-18 to be a part of a long standing Christmas tradition at SOTH. We need you to help be in the show, to run the show, and to welcome the public. First rehearsal is Wednesday December 7 @ 7 PM. We will share the Christmas Story on Saturday December 13 at 6 PM. Email PTina or sign up at the youth table.
We Equip.
Faith Formation: During November, the students will discover who is called to serve God. This week, we are called to help others. As a part of our Thanksgiving Food project, students and parents will make centerpieces to be given to one of our 20 families. Meet in Classroom 3 at 9:15!
Thanksgiving Worship: Before we celebrate a National Day of Thanks, we invite you to worship with us on Wednesday November 25 at 7:30 PM. We will worship using Marty Haugen’s “Holden Evening Prayer’ and celebrate communion. Folks from St. Mary’s Episcopal Church have been invited to join us as well. See you then.
Advent is coming…
On Sunday November 30, all families of all sizes are invited to make an advent wreath to use for their advent devotions. We will be making them using paint, canvas, and your handprints – and a few other things. Join us in the Parish Hall at 9:15.
We send.
Holiday Meals:We have two opportunities to help those in our community with holiday meals.
PSS Thanksgiving Project continues to collect food for the 20 families we will assist. We ask that you bring all non-perishable items to church by Nov 16 so we can do a final inventory. We also need hands to pack on Nov 21 and deliver on Nov 23. Donations of turkeys or money to help purchase outstanding items are also appreciated.
If you have a turkey to donate, we ask that you wait until Friday November 21 to bring it as our storage space is limited.
Sparta Ecumencial Council Food Pantry is preparing to package 800 extra bags for Christmas/Hannukah meals for those in need in Sussex County. They would appreciate the following: canned vegetables, boxed stuffing, canned yams, instant mashed potatoes, canned turkey gravy, canned cranberry sauce, applesauce, apple juice, cookies.
Trinity Faith Kitchen in Dover – Our youth and adult leaders served lunch to 140 clients this past Saturday. The need has increased and 150-200 meals are being served 6 days a week. Please keep this ministry in your prayers. Our next night of preparation is Tuesday November 25.