This coming Sunday, November 23, is the Sunday before Thanksgiving. There are a couple of reasons why that should matter. Three events will happen on that Sunday.
First, we will be celebrating The Lord’s Supper. “He took the bread and He gave thanks”. What a great season to receive the Body and the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us take the bread and give thanks: thanks for Jesus, for our salvation, the presence of His Spirit, the love of our church family, and for “Friends-Giving”. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving on Thursday the 27th. We also hope you have a wonderful worship experience on The Lord’s Day, November 23.
Second, we will present our 2026 Mission and Ministry Budget. Our Budget represents the vision of the Ministry Team leaders. It reflects what they believe God is leading them to do as they work with Him to reach, redeem and restore a lost and broken world. Our process is to present the 2026 Mission and Ministry Budget. Then anyone can ask questions to any of our Budget Team members (names listed on the budget brochure). Then we will vote to approve the Budget on Sunday, December 28.
Third, it will be another Sunday for anyone who would like to donate a Christmas Gift, new or slightly used, for over 300 children in East Tennessee/Western North Carolina. One very creative family donated boxes of their puzzles. They we used only once, repackaged and look brand new! I love that idea. We probably have close to 200 gifts as of Monday, November 17!
ADVENT 2026 starts Sunday, November 30. This year we chose the theme : ALL HAIL KING JESUS. We will focus on what the Bible says about Jesus’ role as King…the One born King of the Jews! Advent will be designed to keep our worship and thoughts focused on the reason for the season. It also helps to encourage us to be generous givers as we support Children’s Christmas in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina; donate Jelly and Pancake Syrup for our neighbors and friends through James Island Outreach; and as we make a financial gift to International Missions. By the way, how would you like to provide firewood for the Gypsy Church for the entire winter and help put a need roof on to our church partner in Campulung, Romania? Why yes please, I think we can! We can accomplish both of those projects for $2,500. Let’s make it happen.
May He bless you with a great Thanksgiving and a holy and wonderful Advent Season!
Pastor Tom
