Dear Friends Pursuing Christ,

November always turns our minds and hearts to Thanksgiving.  We have so much to be grateful to God for as we thank Him for family, friends, work, health, our life together in Jesus Christ, etc. In October, Andrew and Norine Brunson returned home from Turkey. I thank God for what He did and for the Brunson’s testimony of faith when they met with the President and all who helped obtain Andrew’s release. Please continue to pray for them as they adjust to life in the USA and seek God’s direction.

I thank God for all the progress at God’s House. I give thanks for the contractors who have worked hard (some volunteering labor or equipment). I am thankful for Rex and Rod working with contractors and city officials. They have given countless hours helping to make this vision become a reality. There are many behind the scenes members who have helped to paint, work on floors, and haul out trash. There is still lots to be done but I do see light at the end of the tunnel.  Jill shared this Scripture passage this week as a reminder, “Unless the Lord builds a house. The work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” Psalm 127:1 (NLT)

I thank God that in response to God’s call on their lives Jill Smith said yes to being an elder for another three years and that Amanda Dubinick said yes to being a deacon. On Sunday, November 11, there will be a congregational meeting to affirm this call. This meeting will take place immediately following worship,

I also thank God for your generosity in serving the Lord at FPC. You have responded when calls have been placed before us for the Food Pantry, for help providing meals for Trek, for praying diligently for the needs presented to us from within FPC and the community. Thank you also for being faithful in bringing your Coin Jars for God’s House. Thank you for your generosity in helping to meet our budget. This summer and heading into the Fall our budget has been tight and during the summer our weekly collections fell short. This is not uncommon since people go on vacation and forget to send in their tithe or financial gift. The problem is that our needs for operating the physical plant and the various ministries continue. Starting next month there will be a brief financial report to know where we stand in our giving as well as highlight different ministries we are involved in within the community and world.

As I said, November is a month that triggers our hearts and minds to “Thanking God” for all that He has done. Join with me and the Psalmist as we declare: “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1

Love and prayers,

Ilona