Dear Church Family,

            November! How did we get here so fast? It seems like just yesterday we were battling the heat of July. Oh! Wait! That was October. Yes, we had a few very hot days in October, but I don’t think we will see them again for several months. November is the month of Thanksgiving. I’m sure many of you are already planning for family gatherings or our Thanksgiving Dinner here at the church.

            We also have many things going on here in the church. There is our strategic planning, single parent support planning, planning new classes including discipleship, evangelism, and Wesley classes. Look for these classes to begin sometime in 2027. We also have a concert this month, which every one of you should attend. The Himmels and their children are absolutely amazing. In fact, bring your children or grandchildren, they will love it.

            Not only will November be filled with activity here at Union, but October was filled with activity. If you are not aware of all that is going on, please ensure you listen intently during our weekly announcements and ensure you read the announcements in our weekly bulletin. I encourage every one of you to get involved. Volunteer to help out in whatever way you can. It is with many hands that we make it light work. Especially pray over our ministries and events.

            As you take notice of everything going on, remember to rejoice in it and give thanks to God for it. It is only by his blessings that we can do the work he has set before us. I am confident God has great things in store for Union, and he desires each one of us to participate in his works. After all, he has given each of us spiritual gifts so, as one body, we can carry out the mission he has given us. It will take all of us working together.

            Remember that God loves you and he desires you to reciprocate his love. That cannot be done as an individual but as the body of Christ. It takes all of us to fully reciprocate God’s love for us. It is as one body that we can shine the light of Jesus into our community. One way we can do that is by working together in the ministries we have that reach into our community.

            I know. Some of you will state that you don’t have much to offer. But you do! Lift the church and our ministries up in prayer. Be specific. Ask God to work through them. Make a list. Use the announcements in the bulletin. Make them part of your daily prayers. Pray for those who volunteer. Ask God to give them strength to carry out the ministry. Ask God to give them the words to interact with members of our community so as to be the light of Jesus.

            Finally, I encourage you to use the month of November to recount God’s blessings. As you think about them, thank God for them. It is a thankful heart that finds peace, the peace of Christ that is beyond understanding. May each of you rejoice, pray, and give thanks in the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.