A Note from the Pastor
Dear West Lawn,
November is a wonderful time in the life of the church. It's a month filled with opportunities to remember, give thanks, celebrate, and prepare for the Christmas season. As we look ahead, there is much happening at West Lawn, and I hope you'll be part of it!
We begin on Sunday, November 1, with All Saints Sunday, when we remember and give thanks for those in our church family who have passed away during the past year. It's always a meaningful time as we celebrate their lives and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. And don't forget, November 1 is also the day we turn our clocks back one hour. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep!
The following Sunday, November 8, we'll welcome new members and celebrate baptisms. I love that these two Sundays fall together. One week we remember those who have gone before us, and the next we celebrate those beginning a new chapter in their faith journey. It's a wonderful reminder that God continues to work in and through our church family.
On Sunday, November 15, we'll observe our annual Plans-for-Giving Sunday, when we make our financial commitments for 2027. I am so grateful for the generosity of this congregation. Your faithful giving supports our worship, children and youth ministries, missions, outreach, and so much more. Every gift helps us carry out the work God has called us to do. Thank you for your continued faithfulness!
As we approach Thanksgiving, I hope you'll take a little time to reflect on God's blessings in your life. I know I have much to be thankful for, including the wonderful people who make up our church family. Our staff, volunteers, ministry leaders, and so many others give generously of their time and talents. West Lawn is a special place because of you!
And then, believe it or not, Advent begins on Sunday, November 29!
This year, our Advent sermon series is titled "The Carols of Christmas." We'll take a closer look at some of our favorite Christmas carols and discover the biblical messages behind the familiar words we sing each year. We'll also be using The Carols of Christmas, a devotional book by Alan Vermilye, as part of our all-church Advent study.
We've sung these songs for years, but how often do we stop to think about what they really mean? My hope is that through our Sunday messages and the devotional readings, we'll gain a fresh appreciation for these familiar carols and the wonderful story of Christ's birth. I encourage you to participate and make this part of your family's preparation for Christmas.
Friends, November reminds us of so much that is good about being part of a church family. We remember those who have gone before us, welcome new people into our fellowship, give thanks for God's blessings, and look forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior.
Thank you for being part of the West Lawn family. I am grateful for each of you and look forward to all that God has in store for us!
Happy Thanksgiving, and may God bless you and your family!
Blessings,
Pastor Tom
November is a wonderful time in the life of the church. It's a month filled with opportunities to remember, give thanks, celebrate, and prepare for the Christmas season. As we look ahead, there is much happening at West Lawn, and I hope you'll be part of it!
We begin on Sunday, November 1, with All Saints Sunday, when we remember and give thanks for those in our church family who have passed away during the past year. It's always a meaningful time as we celebrate their lives and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. And don't forget, November 1 is also the day we turn our clocks back one hour. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep!
The following Sunday, November 8, we'll welcome new members and celebrate baptisms. I love that these two Sundays fall together. One week we remember those who have gone before us, and the next we celebrate those beginning a new chapter in their faith journey. It's a wonderful reminder that God continues to work in and through our church family.
On Sunday, November 15, we'll observe our annual Plans-for-Giving Sunday, when we make our financial commitments for 2027. I am so grateful for the generosity of this congregation. Your faithful giving supports our worship, children and youth ministries, missions, outreach, and so much more. Every gift helps us carry out the work God has called us to do. Thank you for your continued faithfulness!
As we approach Thanksgiving, I hope you'll take a little time to reflect on God's blessings in your life. I know I have much to be thankful for, including the wonderful people who make up our church family. Our staff, volunteers, ministry leaders, and so many others give generously of their time and talents. West Lawn is a special place because of you!
And then, believe it or not, Advent begins on Sunday, November 29!
This year, our Advent sermon series is titled "The Carols of Christmas." We'll take a closer look at some of our favorite Christmas carols and discover the biblical messages behind the familiar words we sing each year. We'll also be using The Carols of Christmas, a devotional book by Alan Vermilye, as part of our all-church Advent study.
We've sung these songs for years, but how often do we stop to think about what they really mean? My hope is that through our Sunday messages and the devotional readings, we'll gain a fresh appreciation for these familiar carols and the wonderful story of Christ's birth. I encourage you to participate and make this part of your family's preparation for Christmas.
Friends, November reminds us of so much that is good about being part of a church family. We remember those who have gone before us, welcome new people into our fellowship, give thanks for God's blessings, and look forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior.
Thank you for being part of the West Lawn family. I am grateful for each of you and look forward to all that God has in store for us!
Happy Thanksgiving, and may God bless you and your family!
Blessings,
Pastor Tom
