Then the LORD answered me and said:
Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it.
For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.
– Habakkuk 2:2-3

Beloved of God,

November is a bridge month. Beginning with the feast of All Saints, it moves us through the final weeks of the church year to our Thanksgiving Day observance, and then deposits us in the arms of Advent—the season of hope, longing, and renewed expectation.  A richly embroidered worship life awaits our congregation this month…come & see! One of the most joyful occasions takes place on November 20th as new members join our fellowship and our mission; one—baby Luna—through the Sacrament of Baptism.  You can read about this and much more in the pages below.

Another important occasion comes on November 13th when the ReVision Task Force hosts an open forum on the draft Mission Plan.  The prophet Habakkuk learned the importance of a clear vision.  “MAKE IT PLAIN,” God told him; plain enough that a runner can grasp its meaning in the time it takes him to race on past.  I’m not sure our draft plan will pass that test, but I do hope it will lead us toward a bold and clear embrace of the gifts, skills, and resources we put to use for the sake of God’s reign.

God told Habakkuk to translate what he saw into words; words which spoke of endings. Our new Mission Plan calls us to do the reverse: to translate words on paper into action by bringing some long established capital goals to completion and ushering in new beginnings in several areas of our common ministry.  Look it over carefully when it arrives in the mail.  Pray about it.  Talk about it at home.  Then come on November 13th to join the conversation.

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way of your only son…

ADVENT OPPORTUNITY! As we look toward the season of Advent (November 27), I would like your help in identifying themes for building a four part worship series for the season.   Here’s the invitation:  Spend some focused time between now and November 13th thinking on the way(s) you long for God to “take on flesh,” to become incarnate, in this world.  Your reflection might be specific, or it might be general; it may encompass all humanity, or it may come from a very personal desire; it might reference the mission we’re about together or a personal call to be or do.  You are then invited to take the “fruit” of your reflection and to share it with me via email, letter, conversation, or phone call by November 13th.  My intention is that your input will serve as a catalyst for a sermon series this Advent.  Please take me seriously!  Let’s see where God might take us.

One final word. Chris and I have deeply appreciated the words, prayers, and other expressions of caring we’ve received from you in the wake of our sister in law Diane’s sudden death.  The way we care for each other in times like this speaks powerfully about how love becomes incarnate in our community life.  It’s a privilege to be part of such a congregation.

With gratitude,

Pastor Erik