Good afternoon parish,
With thanksgiving, I celebrate the blessing you are! Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, lived a life of thanksgiving as reflected in these words: “For me, every hour is grace. And I feel gratitude in my heart each time I can meet someone and look at his or her smile.” Just before composing this email, I took a few moments to glance through our pictorial directory, noticing your smiles and giving thanks for your presence among us. Though this year is different from most, I hope you know how much you bless all who value your friendship as I do.
As you may have guessed, Sunday’s 8:15 & 10 am in person worship services and 10 am live-stream (UMCA Facebook page, with subsequent post to www.auburnmethodist.org) will focus on gratitude, coupled with Christ the King Sunday. We will light a candle in memory of Richard Paine (early service attendee) who entered the church triumphant last Sunday. I have attached the Worship Guide for Sunday, last week’s message, Mission Opportunities, and the pandemic protocol for those who wish to consult them.
This past week, we distributed $40 gift cards to families in need through our ‘Thanksgiving Baskets’ program. I’ll report on the number of families helped next week. In addition, at the High Street Food Cupboard, 86 families were helped, including distribution of Hannaford $25 gift cards, equaling $2,000! Thank you to all who contributed and helped. On Tuesday, several will distribute pie slices to 65 of our ‘stay-at home’ folk through the ‘Thankful Pie Project.’ We can’t make it to every home, but please know that we celebrate each and every one of you!
This Sunday (2 pm) will be our last Coffee Fellowship Chat until January, because I invite you to join me for a zoom advent devotional on the Sundays of Advent (11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20). The zoom invitation link will be sent each Friday for any who wish to join us. All you need to participate are four (usually purple) candles and a lighter. I’ll guide us through an advent meditation, candle lighting and brief conversation. Of course, you may wish to enjoy the devotional with a hot chocolate or Christmas cookie!
I am grateful to all who have pledged to be partners with the mission and ministry of UMC of Auburn in 2021. Bless you! We are grateful for each pledge received (large or small) and for any which may yet be received. We continue to pray for all who are hurting in our world and seek to be conduits of God’s compassion and grace.
For those who like to plan ahead, please mark your calendar for:
- UMCA Live Drive-in Nativity (Sunday, December 20th, 4-5 pm, church parking lot)
- Christmas Eve Family Candlelight (in person) Service at 5 pm
- Christmas Eve Zoom (Online) Candlelight Lessons & Carols Service at 9 pm.
May your thanksgiving celebration truly be blessed,
Pastor Steve Bascom