Dear friends,
This Sunday marks the end of the liturgical church year. This is the last Sunday before we begin celebrating, again, the beginning of the presence on earth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The birth accounts in Matthew and Luke are earlier than the gospel writer of Mark announces “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ;” but it’s all good news. This Sunday, we celebrate the result of that birth: the fully adult, risen and ascended Jesus, who is now at work as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, preparing a place for all believers in God’s heaven among other amazing things.
We are fortunate to be living in the days after most kings of the earth have been toppled because human kings have not, nor do they have the capability to serve humanity as just and righteous kings. Did you know that the kind of “king” that God approves of is described early in the Old Testament in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The king that God approves will not exploit the position and will lead people to justice and righteousness. You can read it for yourself or listen this Sunday. I think most people would agree that humanity does not, and has not, followed this biblical model for a king. I will be preaching on the topic this Sunday as we celebrate God’s victory for us, with Thanksgiving for all God has done and will do for our futures.
Turning from that to more pragmatic issues, I would like to let you know that starting in December, I will only be regularly participating in Sunday services on the second Sunday of each month. Next year, both the Stephen Ministers and the Board of Deacons will require more of my time and leadership so I will be providing more attention to those groups.
We give thanks this week for all our blessings as we celebrate histories and heritages on Thanksgiving Day. Be blessed, dear church, and thankful.
Minister for Pastoral Care
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