Nov. 16, 2018
Dear Village Family,
Just a few thoughts today…..
First, this Sunday we will explore the familiar term “grace.” At a couple of our services, we will baptize children, which will be a visual example of grace. I will speak about how God’s relentless commitment to hold on to us, even when we have messed things up, is really the core of the Gospel. If you need some good news in your life, come Sunday. We will have it in abundance.
Secondly, pledge commitments are continuing to come in. Thank you! If you have yet to pledge, please consider this, as you make a difference in our being the church together. If you have any questions about pledging, please reach out to our Director of Stewardship and Endowments, Molly Sirridge at molly.sirridge@villagepres.org
Lastly, we will find our way to the Thanksgiving table in a few days. I love this holiday and I benefit from a reminder on my calendar that gratitude is important. Giving thanks is not simply an attitude, it is a practice. Judith Martin was an etiquette columnist (aka “Miss Manners”) once bemoaned the lost habit of writing thank-you letters. Nowadays we assume that feelings trump manners; she observed; as long as you feel grateful, you don’t need to bother with such formalities. Miss Manners disagrees: “I think, to the contrary, that it is safer to hope that practicing proper behavior eventually encourages virtuous feeling; that if you write enough thank-you letters, you may actually feel a flicker of gratitude.” I think she is right about that.
I know I’m a happier person when I am grateful. I am more grounded and at peace when I speak my gratitude to God or others. No doubt I’m more enjoyable to be around when I am grateful. It matters. Take some time to reflect on the blessings in your life. Maybe make a list that you can look at a time or two. These kinds of simple practices can enrich our lives.
See you Sunday… remember, it will be good news.
Shalom,
Tom
Dear Village Family,
Just a few thoughts today…..
First, this Sunday we will explore the familiar term “grace.” At a couple of our services, we will baptize children, which will be a visual example of grace. I will speak about how God’s relentless commitment to hold on to us, even when we have messed things up, is really the core of the Gospel. If you need some good news in your life, come Sunday. We will have it in abundance.
Secondly, pledge commitments are continuing to come in. Thank you! If you have yet to pledge, please consider this, as you make a difference in our being the church together. If you have any questions about pledging, please reach out to our Director of Stewardship and Endowments, Molly Sirridge at molly.sirridge@villagepres.org
Lastly, we will find our way to the Thanksgiving table in a few days. I love this holiday and I benefit from a reminder on my calendar that gratitude is important. Giving thanks is not simply an attitude, it is a practice. Judith Martin was an etiquette columnist (aka “Miss Manners”) once bemoaned the lost habit of writing thank-you letters. Nowadays we assume that feelings trump manners; she observed; as long as you feel grateful, you don’t need to bother with such formalities. Miss Manners disagrees: “I think, to the contrary, that it is safer to hope that practicing proper behavior eventually encourages virtuous feeling; that if you write enough thank-you letters, you may actually feel a flicker of gratitude.” I think she is right about that.
I know I’m a happier person when I am grateful. I am more grounded and at peace when I speak my gratitude to God or others. No doubt I’m more enjoyable to be around when I am grateful. It matters. Take some time to reflect on the blessings in your life. Maybe make a list that you can look at a time or two. These kinds of simple practices can enrich our lives.
See you Sunday… remember, it will be good news.
Shalom,
Tom