November Tidings

From the Pastor's Desk: November 2025

A Place at the Table

Recently, I was invited to enter into a very powerful moment of contemplation.  A group of pastors were asked to draw a table on a piece of paper, we could draw any shape that we might like and any size that we preferred.  Next, we took a deep breath, prayed for a bit, and… began to fill the chairs.  I deliberately wrote the names of each person in their respective spot.  Interestingly, location around the table mattered, there were certain people that I definitely wanted to be nearby. 

So, I am curious, who would you invite to your hypothetical supper?  Your guest list might include only those who are living, or you could populate your table with those who are already enjoying the heavenly banquet.  Take your time, plan carefully…

You might be the type of person who really likes to have a big party, or perhaps – since the guest list is entirely of your own making – you just have one or two persons with which you would really like to share this special meal.

Once you have your seating chart squared away, feel free to enter into the space.  Now, I will warn you, this is precisely the point at which this exercise might get a little more intense. 

If you are willing, I would encourage you to think about the conversations that you would like to have.  What do you really want to talk about?  Are there questions to ask, things that have been left unsaid?  Is there some lingering unresolved matter, or just some old stories that you would like to hear told one more time.  Or, could it be, that you just want to say… thank you, I love you.  Of course, these are some of the most powerful words at our disposal.

If you feel so inclined, perhaps you would like to craft the perfect menu for this occasion. That’s all up to you.  If you think through even just a bit of this, you will likely be reminded of how precious the time that we have to share really is.

In the month ahead many of us will gather around tables.  This might be for Thanksgiving dinner, or it might just be an evening out with friends.  Either way, as your pastor, I would kindly remind you that these experiences of fellowship and breaking bread together, really are sacred.  Try to slow down a skosh, savor not only the food, savor the time too.

As we make our way into the holidays this year, I am mindful that there are some looking forward to the days ahead with eager anticipation.  There are others that are tiptoeing toward the holidays with heavy hearts.  There are still many others that are navigating their way through a robust mixture of a whole host of complex emotions.  Please know, no matter what you might be contending with, you will not face this season alone.

Each time we time we approach the altar rail and gather around the Lord’s table we are offered both forgiveness and spiritual nourishment.  At the same time, we physically participate in a sacred moment in which we are reminded (in a very powerful way) that there is a beautiful family to which we belong, there is a place for each of us at the table, and the feast we receive there is absolutely Divine.  Our Triune God has crafted the perfect guest list, and each of us have the exquisite privilege of being on it.  God has not only saved us, but also saved us a seat.  Upon realizing what a gift this really is, may our hearts overflow with gratitude!  My dear siblings in Christ, a blessed Thanksgiving to all of you.    

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan