» Ends & Beginnings

I’ve been thinking a lot about this week’s readings as I have experienced birth through death this week.

As we approach the end of the liturgical church year, many of us will experience endings and beginnings. There will be pain and sorrow, joy and laughter. But through one comes the other – and it’s up to us – as villages and communities and as God’s beloved, chosen ones – to be present (just be there – nothing more!) through it all.

Everything else that draws us from that reality is not important. (Check out Mark 13:1-8. It’s this week’s Gospel)

So as you & I react to life’s idiosyncrasies and eccentricities, tragedies and hysterics, remember that in Christ, we have enough and we are enough. It is the hope to which we cling.

Thanks be to God for grace and mercy.

No matter where you are or however you find yourself in your faith journey, know that you are most welcome here.

THANKS!

to Robin Mahon for reading last week’s sermon for PT.
to all those who attended the Veteran’s Forum, esp to Rudi Bethmann for being on refreshment duty & Barbara Osborne for being the event host.
to Don Roberts for de-leafing the front lawn.

PSS Thanksgiving Project: This is it! The last weekend to donate non-perishable items and turkeys. Thanks for all that you have contributed thus far.

Don’t forget – we need hands on Friday November 20 to bag the items and hands on November 22 to deliver. Sign up at church or call the office at 973-729-7010.

Help Wanted: Fellowship after worship is in jeopardy. There are no hosts scheduled for November and into December. Fellowship hour depends on volunteer hosts to set-up, serve, and clean-up. If you are able to host (and we’ll help), please sign-up at church or contact the church office!

Lunch Bunch: Join the group onThursday November 19 at 1 PM at the Boathouse in Newton. Conversation and community abound. Questions? Contact Jane Lewandowski for more information.

Nite Crafters: Do you stitch, knit, hook, loom, or create something? Join the crafters to share your project and for community on Thursday November 19at 7 PM.

Advent Activities: We are getting ready for Advent and with that comes two requests:
1. Sunday November 29 at 11:45 AM – You are invited to help ‘green’ the church and the rest of the facility. We will also have lunch together.

2. Nativities – To help tell the story of Jesus’ birth, I invite you to share a nativity scene that you have with us. They will be placed in the windows of the sanctuary through Epiphany.