November 2025

As I watched much of the fall beauty blow off the trees in yesterday’s wind, I felt that familiar mix of sadness and anticipation — a reminder that change brings both endings and new beginnings. Fall has brought a flurry of meaningful activity for our Resurrection family. Our Outreach for Hope Ride, Walk, & Run team raised more funds than ever for inner-city ministries. We joyfully welcomed 14 new members last month, joined in powerful Reformation and All Saints worship, and began our Stewardship Campaign with heartfelt reflections from members about why this ministry matters to them. These moments remind me how deeply our shared life in Christ touches others.
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Looking ahead, our Harvest Fair on November 16 is a highlight of the fall season for us. It’s a day when we express gratitude and generosity — through our Harvest Offering, which supports mission partners, and by sharing our commitment cards for sustaining and growing the ministry here at Resurrection.
Be sure to stay after worship for the Bakery Auction — a fun and delicious way to support our ministry partners!
 
 On November 16 we will also offer our RLC “Pledge” Cards. This is our commitment that ensures that we as a congregation can continue to “extend God’s abundant love for such a time as this” through our ministry. Your Council has been working hard on Ministry Goals for 2026. We are excited about the ways we will continue to extend that abundant love to others by “making new connections” and “strengthening the ties that bind.” Details about these goals are available in your stewardship literature.
 
Also in that packet, there is a request for each member to complete a spiritual gifts inventory. This takes the place of what used to be called the Time and Talent Sheet. This is a brief (10-12 minutes) online inventory designed to help you identify things about yourself that help you feel closer to God and to use your passions and interests to extend that grace and love to others. There are individuals in our community who desperately need the affirming and loving message that we live out in our Resurrection family. By strengthening ourselves and our ministry we will be better able to extend that vital message of love and grace to all.
 
Sunday November 23rd will be our Thanksgiving service followed by a Pie Social after service — always a wonderful time of fellowship. And before we know it, Advent will be upon us — my favorite season of the church year.
 
This year’s Advent theme, “What Do You Fear?” invites us into a time of reflection, hope, and preparation. The liturgy, art, and education offerings will all echo that theme. Our Wednesday Holden Evening Prayer services (December 3rd & 10th at 7 p.m.) provide a beautiful midweek pause — a way to push back against the noise and materialism of the season.
 
For me, Advent is a call to patience and hope, even in difficult times. My prayer is that this season offers the same renewal and peace for our entire Resurrection family.
 
As we move through the changing seasons, may we continue to look ahead with gratitude, hope, and courage.
In His service,
Tom Scherbert