It’s hard to believe it’s already time to write my article for the November newsletter. Today, it’s raining, strong winds are blowing, and tropical storm Michael just deposited a tree in my driveway. I am also preparing to go on vacation tomorrow (Oct. 12) but truth be told, my mind is on our shared ministry in November. This is a busy time for the Church, and November is a month filled with opportunities to serve God and His people.
Think about it. We begin November as a church family celebrating the Sunday of All Saints. We remember fondly those beloved saints who have gone on to glory before us. It is a special time for Christians as we reflect upon the lesson taught to us by so many faithful followers of Christ Jesus. It’s also a time for us to consider the ways we serve our Lord as well. Then, a few weeks later, we conclude the month in celebration of Christ our King, a time to reflect upon the ways our Lord makes His grace known throughout the seasons of the Church.
Sandwiched in between these two festivals, there are so many other things that beg for our attention. There are elections of government officials and football rivalries to enjoy. And don’t forget setting time aside to enjoy the annual Thanksgiving feast! All of these beg the question, “How do we juggle the demands of our daily life and our life as a disciple of Christ Jesus? It seems something has got to give.
Sadly, all too often it is the church that takes a back seat. As life gets busier and busier, we know and understand that we must cut back. Each of our activities is important to us, and we hate to miss out. But God calls his people to be disciples first and above all else. This is where All saints Sunday and Christ the King intersect. Remembering the saints who taught us the faith, we strive to follow the example of Christ our King. Doing this, we follow the faithful examples of those saints who have died and now live in Christ’s glory. One such person in my life was my Grandma Bea.
Grandma Bea was a leader in the community in which I grew up. She was the first woman ever elected to our town’s council. She was also chairwoman of the Northville Beautification Society, and the founder of the Northville Business and Professional Women’s League (some of you may have noticed her B.P.W. placard on my desk). Somewhere in all that, Grandma found time to put up preserves and vegetables, care for her many grandchildren, bake wonderful bread and volunteer with the Red Cross. I don’t know how she managed to do all of this. I do know, however, that she never missed a Sunday in church, she was a generous giver with her tithes, and always took time to tell others of the wonderful things God has done and continues to do.
This November, I invite you to remember the saints who have gone before us and follow their many examples of faithful living. There is much to do here at St. Jacob’s, many ways of being a part of our ministry together. Above all else, remember to attend worship each Sunday and give thanks to the One who provides all we need, and whose mercy and grace endure forever.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
