On The Table

Hi church,

Sorry for the late post, and happy Thanksgiving weekend!!!

I don't believe we have anything in particular planned, except for time spent with loved ones, in gratitude for God's many gifts.

But here's a biggie we can add to our prayers of thanks: God's coming to us as a human being. This Sunday, the 29th, is actually the first Sunday of Advent, the season in which we prepare our hearts for the coming of God incarnate. If you feel called to do so, spend part of Sunday in worship, beginning this preparation, this waiting, this anticipation. If you want, invite us along, or tell us afterward what you heard from the Spirit and from God's people.

Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

In gratitude,
Mike Croghan

Labels: Advent, Thanksgiving

Give thanks to God!

Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the
fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those
who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of
your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and
the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
(from the collect for Thanksgiving Day,
Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church)

Nothing going on this weekend except time with family and time to be thankful for our many blessings! Since family most definitely includes our church family, please let us know if you're planning any opportunities for fellowship.

In particular, we will not be gathering at Jammin' Java this Sunday. Our monthly service-worship this month was combined with our All-Ages service, which centered on blessing others as we've been blessed. (And it sounds like our friend-families were as happy to receive their Thanksgiving baskets as we - Commoners of all ages - were to assemble them!)

This Sunday, however, does officially begin the Church season of Advent, in which we await the second coming of our Lord as we remember, with anticipation, his first incarnation at Christmas. In December, we'll be entering into this expectant season with a trio of different worship services, a chance to serve beyond our community, and, of course, the annual CT Christmas party! Stay tuned for deets!

Peace,
Mike Croghan

Labels: Advent, Thanksgiving