November is one of my favorite months, not only for the last burst of fall color before winter, but because it contains my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is the one holiday that conveys a spiritual truth in a secular guise. Leaving aside the unfortunate circumstances of that first thanksgiving, most of our nation does pause, at least for a moment between the turkey and the football games to take stock of what we are truly thankful for. Giving thanks is a basic human impulse necessary to living a meaningful life. By giving thanks we acknowledge our good fortune and give small remedy to those struggles which more often mark our lives. Thanksgiving provides us with one way to keep going and giving of ourselves to those who need us.
I have much to be thankful for; good health, a large and healthy family, a vocation which allows me the freedom to speak and serve and this wonderful church. I am so thankful for all your good wishes and your help as Francis and I adjust to our new home and find the best way to serve with you in ministry. Later this month on November 22nd at 4 pm you will all “install” me as your settled senior minister. This sacred and grand event is deeply rooted in our congregational history as the rite and right of a congregation to covenant with their minister a future full of promise and change. I hope you will be on hand for this great event.
Also this month is our community wide Thanksgiving Service being held at Saugatuck Congregationalist Church in Westport on Tuesday November 24th at 4 pm. Our own Ed Thompson composed a piece of music for Thanksgiving that will be performed at this special service and he will be directing the interfaith choir. I will be there participating as well.
See you in church, Rev. John