What a year! November is traditionally the month we wrap up a year of programming at the church and look ahead to the year to come. The Church year ends on Christ the King Sunday, Nov. 22, and the First Sunday of Advent begins the new year on Sunday, Nov. 29. It has been a journey full of twists and turns. Our friends in Tanzania, would tell us we have been on an incredible safari – which is how they speak of every road we walk by faith. We celebrated the return of Pastor Tony. Pastor Edwin ceremoniously passed on Pastor Tony’s microphone. And Pastor Chris? I found a hotel and sat by the pool for a day or two!

On Sunday, Nov. 1, we will celebrate All Saints Sunday. The day we remember those in our community of faith who have died this past year and now rest from their labors as one hymn reminds us. After we have named the members of our community, everyone will be invited to light a candle in memory of someone they know who has died. For me, it is the moment where I whisper their names as the candle takes flame. One of the most meaningful Sundays of the entire year. This is an also an excellent opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor who wants a meaningful way of remembering someone they are grieving. Just a thought.

On Sunday, Nov. 8, we will offer a budget forum at 9:45 a.m. for members of the church to access the line-item budget proposal for 2027. Questions may be asked of the Church Council and Pastor Chris as we look to the coming year of ministry.

Sunday, Nov. 15, will celebrate “Ascension: It’s What We Do 2026” with a video review of the past year of ministry and the gathering of members for our Annual Meeting at 9:45 a.m. At the annual meeting we will hear brief reports, receive updates on capital improvements and revenue, vote on the proposed budget for 2027, and approve a slate of candidates for the 2027-2028 Church Council – all within about a 35–45-minute experience. It is a great opportunity to catch upon all that Ascension is sharing with each other, our neighbors, and our global partners to the glory of God. 

It is a good time to share in the mission and ministry at Ascension. In October, we received 29 new members. In March of this year, we received 19 new members for a grand total of 48. Already, since October 11th and our new member brunch, we have ten friends worshipping with us who have indicated an interest in claiming Ascension as their spiritual home next March. This is good news. Every time someone joins this community of faith there are more gifts to be shared – more talents to explore – more possibilities to tell the story of God’s love through our words and our actions to the glory of God.

We are preparing in this month of November for our journey through Advent to Bethlehem that we might kneel before the manger of our God. I cannot wait. And in the next breath: 

Holy God help us to hold every tender moment with joyful anticipation. Amen.

That is the prayer I would start praying now to let our hearts make space, once again, for the Savior of the world. Thanks be to God.

See you in church…

Pastor Chris