We remember with love and gratitude our sister, Patrice Heath, who died on Monday. Hers was a long and difficult struggle through which she passed with love and grace. We are thankful that she was part of our community. We also say thanks to all those who cared for her in these last days. Please keep Richard in your thoughts and prayers as he grieves her death. Services are pending; we will let you know as we know when and where.
Thanks to Doug Davidson for leading an excellent Adult Spiritual Formation class last Sunday as we considered Jesus and the “Revolution of Love.” This Sunday we will finish our consideration of Pastrix, the memoir of the spiritual journey of Nadia Bolz-Weber. Pastor Tripp will lead the session.
Sunday promises to be a full day. It is not only “Reign of Christ Sunday,” celebrating the end of the liturgical year, it is also pledge Sunday and the day we dedicate the food offering we’ve collected throughout the month for Ecumenical Hunger Program. As we were told Sunday, EHP will have an extra burden this year providing for the hungry and homeless in East Palo Alto. Please give with as much generosity as you can to help our sisters and brothers in need. Staples as well as any and all the ingredients for a Thanksgiving feast would be most welcome.
“Found Faithful – in Little, with Much, with All” is our stewardship theme this year. We have been reminded that gifts large and small matter. While recognizing that each of us lives with limits, it is also important to remember how blessed we are. Support of our congregational budget is crucial to our continuing to minister to one another and to the wider world. Please pledge as generously as you are able. There are exciting days ahead for FBCPA.
“Made Strong” is our theme for Sunday. In the beautiful passage from Colossians that is Sunday’s text, the writer offers these words of hope and promise – “May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.” Is this not a word of good news for us as we look to God’s future? Bring someone with you to share the joy of this day.
May God’s new thing flourish within us and among us.
Pastor Rick
