With the holidays approaching, we may have mixed feelings about those we celebrate with, and those who are no longer with us to celebrate.  It can be tough being a part of a family, especially when expectations are not met.  It can also be hard to live without those who are family to us, after they die.  Instead of singing about joy and merriment, some of us are sad, mad, or tired.  God’s grace has space for all these feelings, and our church does so too as we remember together.

This Sunday, Nov 5^th was All Saints Sunday.  We remembered the four members who died in the past year: Virginia Cole, Marie Corley, Ann Hunter and Shirley Lambert.  These women touched many lives and we celebrate they were a part of our community.  We also note that many of you have loved ones you are remembering whose lights still live in your life.

On Sunday, December 3^rd at 5:00 p.m. we will have a service for Heavy and Hopeful Hearts.  In acknowledging our pain and grief during the season, we can remember that God knows our hurts and for that came to live among us.  This is a simple service in which we can bring our true brokenness. If you have friends who have been through recent crisis or loss, please invite them too.

Remembering is an important part of our faith.  Both of our sacraments, Baptism and Holy Communion, center around remembering the story of Jesus and how God’s grace is offered to us all.   If you need space to remember – remember loved ones, remember that you are loved, remember there is grace – I hope you’ll find that at our church this season.  And if you feel full of these gifts, I hope you’ll be the church for someone who needs it.