Beginning with Hope

My Thanksgiving day was filled with family that I yearn to see more, many of my favorite foods and silly games that got way too competitive. As I sat down after it was all done, my feet throbbed and my heart felt full. It reminded me of how some of the best things in life require hard work and sacrifice. It was the same way I felt after the decorating of the church for Advent/Christmas. Thank you so much to the 50ish people of all ages who stayed and made the church look beautiful. It was amazing how quickly it all went up and I felt so blessed by your sacrifice of time and talent. I loved watching everyone enjoying just being together in service. With those thoughts on my mind, I want to remind you that we have asked you to sacrifice and give back to your church with your intentions for 2023. As we plan for the next year of ministry, we ask you help us make decisions about the future of our congregation. Please bring your pledge card back on Sunday or email gmoore@faithtulsa.org Our finance committee and SPRC committee will meet in early December to create a plan and budget for 2023.

This Sunday is our first Sunday of Advent, the week we focus on Hope. Hope is such a powerful force and can be the difference between a life filled with potential and one that ends too early. Our Christian calendar begins again this Sunday so you could say that this is “Happy New Year!” As we end one year and begin another, I pray that we will make room for hope to infuse our lives.

Romans 15:13 says “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Our theme for Advent is “Make Room” and we are inviting you to make room for the things that are HOLY and Spirit led in a season that can be marked with stress and anxiety. Please join us Sunday afternoon as we make nativity sets to be delivered to all of our homebound members to let them know how much that they matter to our lives and how much they are loved.

Also, I am looking for a few volunteers to read in worship and light the Advent candles. If you or your family would like to help lead worship, please email me here. Our Boy Scout troop is also looking for a Scout Coordinator to be a liaison between the troop and the church. Please let me know if this is a role that you are called to help fulfill. My grandfather used to say that every person needs to feel needed. I truly believe that and I look forward to helping you find a place to serve in our church and community.

Happy Thanksgiving friends,