Welcome to the month of November, Christ Lutheran!

This month brings many things: a new stewardship theme, Thanksgiving gatherings, the turning of the church year, and the beginning of Advent. In the midst of it all, one word seems to echo through it: praise.

Psalm 150 calls us to “Praise God in the sanctuary, praise God in the mighty heavens. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Praise isn’t something that happens only in worship, it’s something we live out. Every time we serve, give, sing, pray, or extend love to our neighbor, we are offering praise to the One who created us and sustains us.

This month, we lift up the ministries in our congregation that give praise to God through action. Those who share food and care for others, who make music, who teach or youth, who take care of our building and grounds, who help create spaces of welcome and belonging, and so much more. Each of our ministries is a song of praise and thanksgiving to God.
As we journey together through November, may we remember that praise can take many forms: a prayer at bedtime, a thank-you note, a helping hand, a joyful noise, or a moment of quiet gratitude. Let our lives, both in ordinary and extraordinary moments, become offerings of praise.

Thanks be to God, who fills this season and every season with opportunities to give our thanks.

In praise and thanksgiving,

Pastor Julia