Weekly Newsletter Nov. 26

Before my family moved to Delaware, we would travel every year to Dover to enjoy Thanksgiving with Carolyn’s mother. Those were the still the days when Black Friday was actually a one-day event. On that Friday morning, I woke up at 4:30AM to rush to Best Buy for a chance to get a great deal on a DVD player as a Christmas gift for the family. The line stretched around the parking lot for a quarter mile at least. The crowd was calm and cordial as we waited for the 5:00AM opening. Most people warmed themselves with hot coffee. Not me. I sweated it out and endured the icicles dangling from my ear lobes. It was a sacrifice for the family!

The doors finally opened and the line sped into the store. By the time I got to the display of the featured DVD players, you can probably guess the outcome. Of course, the shelves were already empty. I walked back to my car, defeated, but not discouraged. I brushed it off and thought I’d just have to make another plan for that gift. To redeem my efforts and not to go home empty handed, I stopped by Dunkin for a few donuts and Wawa so I could surprise Carolyn with a cup of her favorite coffee. I quietly entered Mimi’s apartment, set the donuts where Ryan and Emily would surely find them when they woke up from sleeping on the sofa-bed in the living room. I sneaked back into the bedroom with Carolyn’s coffee, placed it on the table beside her and slipped back into bed to catch up on my sleep.

When Carolyn woke up a little later, she enjoyed her coffee and we laughed at my episode. About 10:00AM, she and her mom went out shopping. They stopped at Best Buy, and guess what: Carolyn walked right up to the display of DVD’s on sale. It had been restocked, so she picked one up. When she told me of her success, I vowed that was the last time I would get up that early on Black Friday. And I’ve stuck to that promise.



I find it interesting that the day after families gather for great thanks, we immediately rush back into life where we are challenged to be grateful. That’s just life, isn’t it? I could have been angry and bitter about getting up so early for nothing. On the other hand, perhaps it’s the fact that I had spent the previous day celebrating life with a family feast that prepared my mind and heart for the challenge the next day.

As we get back to the busy-ness of cleaning, decorating, partying, spending, celebrating, keeping up with work and school, and all that comes with these holiday seasons, let’s decide to give thanks for every situation. Giving thanks is the skill. Black Friday, and every other day, is the test. Keep giving thanks! “Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again: Rejoice!”

We are here to love God and all people so that all people may experience the

life-changing love of Jesus!

LOVE - We meet every weekend to experience God's love for us and show His love for others.

SERVE- We use our abilities, talents, skills, and passions for the good of others.

ENGAGE - We engage with friends to care for one another and to make new friends so they may experience God's kindness too. 

Heavenly Father, just yesterday we celebrated a feast of thanks. That's good and right, and we want to continue to rejoice in all circumstances. Give us your Holy Spirit, teach us with discipline to face all things with the hope that you are working them out for the good of those who love you. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

- Pastor Roger