"One Special November!”

            This month I want to ramble on about six special events in the life of this church.  I’ll take them in chronological order (I need some order in my life). 

Sunday, November 5^th is the culmination of our “40 Days of Purpose Spiritual Campaign.”  I hope you were able to participate in most (or at least some) of what we did these past forty days.  And on this Sunday we will be CELEBRATING all those things that have helped us learn, make new discoveries about ourselves, and deepen our faith.  The worship service will include skits, poems, songs and more from the small groups that have been meeting for the last six weeks as well as testimonials from some of the people whose lives have been changed.  And of course we will have food – and lots of it.  What could possibly be better!

            Tuesday, November 7^th is Election Day.  This is a day that you can exercise your God given, American right and privilege to make choices that will affect our community, our city and our country for years to come.  This church houses two voting precincts because we believe it is that important.  Please take the time to study the issues and the candidates and then VOTE! 

            On Sunday, November 12^th, immediately after our worship service, we will be holding the first of two New Member Classes (the second is the following Sunday).  We have not had a new members’ class for a number of months – and it is long overdue.  If you have been thinking about joining this church or would just like to know more about the Presbyterian Church in general and Santa Teresa Hills Presbyterian Church in particular – these two classes are for you.  No pressure, no arm twisting, just information that we hope will help you make a decision whether this church is where God wants you to be.

            Then on Saturday, November 18^th we will be holding our Harvest Dinner.  This dinner gives us a chance to review all the wonderful things we have done the past year, give thanks for all the time and effort so many have given to make this church what it is, and look forward to the next year and how each of us can support STHPC with our time, talents, and treasures.  It is a fun-filled evening with singing, laughing, praying, eating (of course), and celebrating.  Look for the article in this newsletter letting you know exactly what time to show up.

            On Wednesday, November 22^nd in preparation for Turkey Day – we will gather in the Sanctuary for our Fourth Annual Thanksgiving Eve Service and Supper.  This service helps us remember all that we have to be thankful for … both as a church, as a family, and as individuals.  And, as always, there will be the ever popular (?) Thanksgiving Quiz.  We usually have soup and bread (don’t want to fill up too much just before Thanksgiving, right?) … or some such thing.  You don’t want to miss it. 

            Finally on Saturday night, November 25^th we will be hosting the musical group “Kindred.”  They are a six person, college aged, singing group that travels throughout the United States and usually one or two foreign countries.  They are very talented, extremely gifted, have a strong faith – and they sing beautifully.  We had them here a couple of years ago and were very moved.  It is more than just a concert – it is a spiritual experience.

            Well, there you have it.  November is going to be a very busy and spiritually fulfilling month.  I hope you will be joining us for many, if not all, of these great events.  As Thanksgiving approaches, I also invite you to reflect on just how blessed we all are.  God has done marvelous things here at Santa Teresa Hills Presbyterian Church.  I am so glad that you are part of that marvelous thing.  We wouldn’t be the same without you!

            Have a blessed month and I’ll, as always, I’ll see you on Sunday.

Pastor Tom