Elim Extra for November 26, 2023

Pastor’s Reflection

Jesus said the kingdom comes like a thief in the night when you least expect it….so if you feel like Advent is sneaking up on you early this year, you are right! This Sunday we are combining Reign of Christ Sunday with Advent 1, so we can finish before Christmas Eve. Our Advent theme is looking for God’s action in the world. In our Bible study we learned a practice called “Dwelling in the Wor-L-d” – looking over our encounters with people during the past week and wondering how God was present and what God was wanting to do with us or through us. If Jesus really was the Word who came to DWELL with us, as we say on Christmas, then we must learn how to “read” our lives as well as Scripture.

Looking back over our wonderful fall dinner last week, I feel I missed an opportunity that God gave me to share recognition with my spouse. As I was being interviewed by reporter Dave Thomas of “KELM radio,” Dave asked me how long worship preparation takes me, and I shared that I generally spend two hours on sermon research and two hours on writing. However, I see now that God was giving me an opportunity to show gratitude to my spouse. Most people don’t realize that Pegasus reads my sermon each and every week and gives me helpful critique. God has given me a partner in discipleship, and our picture of ministry would not be complete without recognizing the behind-the-scenes contributions of “the pastor’s spouse.”

Who might God be asking you to give thanks for this week?

Wishing you a peaceful holiday.

love, Pastor Chelsea

p.s. We collected nearly 200 pounds of food for Catholic Community Services! Wow! Thanks to all who gave and Gloria for taking the food in.

Check out our new Giving Tree at church on Sunday, collecting winter clothes for the Rescue Mission and Lantern House. This Sunday is also the last day for Sub for Santa! Please contact Dave Thomas to contribute.

A member of the Elim family is in need of a place to live. A room, apartment, or house to rent. Can pay up to $2000 per month. Please contact Peggy if you have any leads. Thank you!

Bible study assignment for 11/26 and 11/29: Read chapter 3 of Leading Faithful Innovation (Online group: Page 22)