Tuesday Tidings Nov 22, 2022

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

“Enter his gates with Thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give

thanks to him, bless his name.” Psalm 100:4

There are so many blessings for which I am so deeply grateful, but I

would like to celebrate one blessing in particular this morning.

Over the course of the last several weeks, every time I have walked

through the “gates” (or the doors in the back of the sanctuary), I have

witnessed a glorious sight… an ever-growing collection of canned

goods in the front of the sanctuary.

It truly has been magnificent to watch this visible representation of our

congregation’s generosity. It has been an encouragement to me, and

here’s why.

Every canned good, bag of pasta, or box of mashed potatoes is a

genuine expression of care. Those who are sharing their gifts, want to

share their bounty and have others benefit. This is a glimpse of the

Gospel, in this generous act we see the people of God living into the

hope that Christ had for them.

Next, members take the time to place these donations carefully and

strategically in the front of the sanctuary. The tall box of pasta sticks

up in the back, the diminutive can of cream of mushroom soup is

stationed front and center.

Are we bragging, attempting to “make a show?” No, to the contrary,

what we are doing is having as many gifts visible as possible, so that

each gift can be honored and appreciated appropriately.

This too is an expression of God’s hope for the Body of Christ, we

need all the members and all the gifts if our ministry is going to be all

that it can be. It might take a little work, maybe a little creative

maneuvering, but there really is a place for all of us… and everyone

has something of value to give.

And for that, I give heartfelt thanks and praise, and sincerely pray that

you have a meaningful, safe, happy, and healthy Thanksgiving!

Question for reflection: If you could share one of your family’s

Thanksgiving specialties with your neighbors, what would it be?

This week at Bethlehem:

On Wednesday we’ll share together in our Thanksgiving Eve service,

which will begin at 7:30.

On Saturday evening, we will share in worship at 6:00.

On Sunday morning we will offer worship at 8:00 and 10:30.

Sunday School begins at 9:15.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

God of love and mercy, afford us moments in the week ahead when

our heartfelt expressions of gratitude would renew our faith. We have

indeed been blessed, and you are the source of all that is good. May

all our praise be reflective of that deep truth. We pray in Jesus’ name,

Amen.