In just a few weeks we will celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.  Many will travel to see family while others will host a reunion of friends.  Most of the time, there will be a table.  That table will be a demonstration of abundance and those who gather will be family by choice or by connection.

It is also a season inward reflection.  For some it will be a time of reflection that may even generate a bit of sorrow that is mixed with a spirit of hope for the future.  Reflection gives us a chance to look at the past while we take a good long look into the future.  Ultimately, people of faith find blessings and joy as we share life together.

There are several memorable Thanksgiving seasons that come to mind for our family.  There was the Thanksgiving Day when we had an extra person at the table that no one else new.  He heard an invitation at worship on Sunday and decided to become a part of the family.  It was a gift!

Then there was the Thanksgiving that motivated our family to become involved in rescuing Romanian children.  Life has never been the same since that table was set.

I am so very thankful for all that God has done in the past and for all that is on the horizon.  When I think of our church, I am truly blessed by so many people who are taking the next step of faith.  I am encouraged daily by the servant heart of our congregation.   And I am absolutely amazed at the way people have responded with a heart for mission in our community and around the world.

We are on the threshold of some exciting days.  Our task is to let God lead the way.  Our willing spirits combine with the eternal faithfulness of God to create an atmosphere of faith that will prove unstoppable.  Now is the time to move strongly in to the future with footsteps of faith that are guided by the blessing of the Spirit.  Now is the time to believe.  Now is the time to serve.  Now is the time to share our lives in a way that honors our rich history and brings blessing to many as we live into tomorrow.

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve with you.  We believe that our best days are ahead!  Let’s put God first and move forward with faith!

May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts and minds!

Randy, Sue, and Ana Jessen