November 18, 2005

Dear family of WCPC:

I love the Thanksgiving holiday. I remember as a child, sleeping in a bit and then, along with my younger brother watching all the parades while mom cooked in the kitchen.  Early in the afternoon we would gather around the table, along with my older sisters Susan and Brenda, along with Brenda's family, and we would eat and eat and eat. The late afternoon was full of football, either watching it or playing in the backyard. Good memories. Dad would always go around the table and ask each person to share one thing they were thankful for. I do the same around our dining room table with my family.

When my turn comes this Thanksgiving my heart will be overflowing with gratitude and thanksgiving to God. First, gratitude and thanksgiving to God for my mom, all the love she shared and the difference she made in my life. But also gratitude and thanksgiving to God for you. Gratitude and thanksgiving to God that I am your pastor. Gratitude and thanksgiving to God that my family now calls this place home. Gratitude for this new chapter God is writing in all of our lives. I feel good about what God is doing in my life, in the life of my family and in the lives of so many here at WCPC. He is forming and shaping us into people who more and more look and act like His Son. I can't think of a greater adventure. I can't think of a people I would rather share it with than you.

As we gather this Sunday the adventure continues, as we offer ourselves to God, as we dedicate our talent, time, treasure and testimony to God for His use in the coming year. As we bring our commitments forward, may each of us pause to consider how wondrous and majestic is our God, giving Him the praise, adoration and thanksgiving that He is due, and then, let us step out once more in faith, trusting Him for what lies ahead. Confidence "that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

As members of WCPC bring their commitments forward this Sunday, let us praise and give thanks to God. As eleven new Stephen ministers are commissioned at the 8:30 worship service, let us praise and give thanks to God. As individuals and families gather from noon to 2:00 p.m. for our annual Advent Festival, to make Advent wreaths for their homes and eat homemade chili, let us praise and give thanks to God.

Let us remember to give praise and thanks to God for the life of Dale Kelly, as her family, members of this church and friends gather at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary to celebrate her life and look to God for comfort and strength. As couples gather at 5:00 p.m. for a catered meal and to learn how they can strengthen their marriages this winter through a Marriage Enrichment seminar offered on Sunday evenings, let us praise and give thanks to God. And while you are at it, let us give thanks and praise to God for the thirty-two junior and senior highs students who will be at Camp Cho-Yeh this weekend for their fall retreat and the thirteen adults who will be providing leadership throughout the event.

Let us also give praise and thanks to God for Jake Gonzales. New Covenant Presbytery on Tuesday affirmed his call to ministry, and he will be ordained as a minister of Word and Sacrament on Sunday, December 4th at 3:00 p.m. in our sanctuary. 

Our theme this Stewardship season has been IMAGINE... This Sunday you won't have to image.  his Sunday all you will need to do is look and see what God is doing!

See you then,

David Jones