As I sit at my computer writing this week's PFW, it is Thanksgiving morning. The kitchen is bustling with aromas and activity reminiscent of days of my childhood. Snow has blanketed the landscape as I look out the windows.

Soon our family will gather - my brother Dave, and his wife, Esther, from Ohio; my brother Jeff, his wife Wendy, and their son Tyler from Jamestown; Nathan, Julia, Maddie, Kira, and Ian from Russell, and Rebekah from Norby Rd. in Kiantone will join Nettie and me at our family table. So before I speak of this coming Sunday, and Advent and such - I want to thank the Lord of Hosts for the abundance I feel in my heart. Our family is like yours in that there have been joys and sorrows, successes and failures. We are family - with all the characteristics that comprise our identity. I'm profoundly thankful for the grace and faithful care God has demonstrated to me, and those so close to me. And I'm daily mindful of the blessing that is ours by serving our church family in Cable Hollow.

This Sunday begins a new Church year with the 1st Sunday of Advent. The colors at the altar will change from green to purple, the hymns will begin to point to the Child whose coming to Bethlehem was the gift of salvation for the world, prophets will speak, special services will engage all who participate, and we will once again sing with the angels the song of Gloria to God in the Highest!!!

Ron & Paula Johnstone will be lighting the first candle of our Advent wreath - the candle of Prophecy.

The first lesson will be read from Isaiah 64:1-9

Kim Sherer, along with Nettie, Dan and the CHC children will share the song - "Come on Ring Those Bells!"

The text for the sermon - "Longing for the Light" comes from Mark's gospel 13:24-37.

We move toward winter - a season of cold and solitude. We long for the warmth - the comfort of light. We long for Jesus - the Light of the world.
Isaiah says - "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down..." Isa. 64:1a

We sing for our closing hymn this week the beloved "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus".

May your Thanksgiving observance be filled with blessing and gratitude.

I look forward to our time together Sunday for worship.
Also - don't forget to stay for lunch after SS as we will be "Hanging the Greens!"

With great heart,
Pastor Jon