Friday, November 21, 2025

As we prepare for another weekend of excitement, here are some thoughts for us from Matthew's gospel account...
 
                Jesus said, "A prophet is taken for granted in his hometown and his family."  He didn't do many miracles there because of their hostile indifference.  (Matthew 13: 58   MSG)
 
What would it have been like to live in Jesus' day and actually see and hear him in person?
   
Well consider how many people had that privilege and hated Him. Or, like those in today's scripture, saw and heard Jesus so often that they just took Him for granted or ignored Him altogether.  
   
Though none of us have experienced the physical presence of Jesus, we Christians today have a huge advantage over the people who surrounded Him two thousand years ago: His Holy Spirit lives within us to teach and to guide.
   
Still, even now, it's possible to take Jesus for granted. Sometimes we are so blessed -- with health and family and resources and pleasures --- that our Lord can sometimes fade into the background of our lives. But hopefully we never exhibit a "hostile indifference" to Jesus, but any indifference is problematic. Jesus deserves every bit of our attention and affection we can give Him, and our lives are always the fullest when we make Him our highest priority.  
   
A devotional book is a nice place to start. Thoughtful reading and study of scripture is much better. And focused, quiet time in the Lord's presence is absolutely essential.  Jesus gave His all for us. Never take Him for granted.  
 
                 Thank you, Lord Jesus, for everything. Please remind me, every day, of the incredible privilege I have in knowing You. Amen.   
 
+++ We gather on Sunday for worship at 8:30am and 10:00am. This Sunday is our final installment of "What Gift Can We Bring" as we complete our annual Stewardship Drive in preparation for our 2026 Spending Plan. Don't forget to return your 2026 Estimate of Giving Card on Sunday and you'll be invited to place it on the Altar as a sign of your commitment. Please remember... EVEN IF YOU GIVE ELECTRONICALLY... please fill out an Estimate of Giving Card, so that our Finance Team can plan our 2026 ministry spending levels accurately. On Sunday we'll be thinking about our stewardship of Treasures as I offer my message, "Walking Humbly with God." Look for our "live-streaming" on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am and then a little later on our YouTube channel, as well. And if you're watching from home, just mail in your Estimate of Giving cards to be included in God's great offering.  

+++ For your calendars... 

•  Completed Door Sprays can be picked up this Sunday following worship. Thanks for your support of this mission project that not only beautifies your home, but supports mission efforts throughout the year.
• Tuesday morning is the annual Hanging of the Greens holiday decorating party under the direction of Julie D. Speak to Julie to offer your time and talents to help!
• The church office will be closed in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and Friday next week. The office will reopen on Monday, 12/1 at 9:00am.   
• Next Sunday, 11/30 is the First Sunday of Advent. Join us each week as we prepare our hearts for the arrival of the Christ Child. Our theme this year is "Our Dear Christ Enters In!" Each week we will look at another part of the Christmas story as we journey toward Jesus' birth! 
• Our Advent Bible Study, "Our Dear Christ Enters In" begins on Monday 12/1 at 12:00noon. Bring your lunch and we will meet each Monday to expound on our worship theme and enjoy great mealtime fellowship together. There is also a ZOOM option available so please sign up and let us know you're planning to attend!  
• Christmas Caroling will take place following worship on Sunday, December 7th.  We'll visit the Brookdale Summerfield communities on Velasko Road and Brookdale Bellevue community on Onondaga Blvd. beginning at 1:00pm that afternoon. The residents include some of our church members and they certainly enjoy the visit and the music. Plan to spend a couple of hours spreading the holiday cheer on December 7th!   

+++ The Angel Tree has only about 20 angels left to be adopted.  Make sure you get yours this weekend and remember that the return date is 12/4 for all these gifts for children in our Central NY community! Thanks for sharing with others this and every holiday season! The Mitten Tree is also ready for your gifts of hats, gloves, mittens and scarves, as well! 

+++ NEEDED... a couple of Communion Stewards for the 10:00am worship service. After many years of service Ed and Judy are ready to step back from this commitment and we are looking for a couple of folks who might serve, on a rotating schedule, in this capacity. Please speak to Pastor Jack for more details about this fulfilling job!  

+++ And finally... St. Michael's Lutheran Church is offering another Grab and Go Dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 25th. This month is a Ham and Scalloped potatoes Dinner and there will be 200 dinners available at 5:00pm. But don't be late! These free dinners (donations are accepted but not required) don't last long.  
 
Make this day a great day and remember to never take your relationship with Jesus for granted!     
​Pastor Jack