November 2025

As fall deepens and winter draws closer, some find this a depressing time of year. They suffer Seasonal Affective Disorder, or remember the troubles that have happened in days past. Some look toward a future that is uncertain and find it saddens them, even before events unfold.

Yet, God be praised, we are reminded in scripture time and again that God's mercy and faithfulness are what carry us through. Israel wandered away from God's path repeatedly, but the prophets urged them back to obedience to God, followed by a time of returning prosperity and peace.

Many find the current political climate in our country unsettling, and, I would argue, with good reason. But if we follow the Prophets' message, returning to the way Jesus taught through his words and actions, God will return with grace for all of us. But in order for that to occur, we need to start listening to Jesus; start caring for the marginalized; start insisting our leaders live moral, caring lives devoted to justice; start speaking truth to power and showing our real faith in God.

With the challenges before our two congregations as we face the coming season of darkness and cold - seasonally - may we depend on the grace of God, the love of Christ and the power and fellowship of the Holy Spirit to guide us through these trying times and into a new future rife with possibilities! May we offer thanks and praise to God in all circumstances! May we offer thanks to those who have served to protect our values! I paused, often, to offer thanks to God for all of you!!