November—what a rich and meaningful month in the life of the church. All Saints Sunday to give thanks for our beloved ones who now go on ahead, our annual Giving Campaign to reset our priorities and ramp up our generosity, Charge Conference with our District Superintendent to celebrate the incredible ministries and mission of First UMC…all opportunities to remember, reflect, and give thanks. A season to grow in awareness, gratitude, generosity, and love.

“Faith for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow” is our theme for this year’s Giving Campaign. We give thanks to God for accompanying us through these past many months of challenge and for opening to us new doors into worship, study, fellowship and service, lavishly, if sometimes unexpectedly, gifting us with faith for the living of these days and bright hope for tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.

We give thanks to God for all the possibilities and promise in what lies ahead. We give thanks for all the ways we support one another as we journey along, offering fellowship and prayer.
We give thanks for all the possibilities for children, youth, families and students made possible through our generosity. We give thanks for the possibilities of new life made tangible in backpacks for students, and meals on the table through the Hunger Walk.

May God’s blessings pour out on you, your family, friends, and neighbors in this season. And may our hearts be stretched deep and wide to embrace all that lies ahead in the spirit of abiding and abundant hope.