Friends, when Pip asked the congregation what justice issues we see around us, many of you said ‘voting'- to register voters, to encourage people to vote or something similar! Statistics show that only about 40% of all eligible voters vote, so Pip and I decided that we will make this offer: let us (contact us directly) know if you need a ride to the polling place, or if you simply want someone to accompany you. This is one of the many ways we can bring about the change we need in our communities- to vote for people who are invested in the welfare of all people, and to make our communities a safer and better for all.
I will be voting early as always, and this year because next week, I will exercise the same right for our denomination. All across the United States (in 5 different locations), United Methodists will gather next week to elect Bishops. We will gather in Fort Wayne, Indiana to elect three Bishops for our Northcentral Jurisdiction. Ronnie and I are part of the 12 member delegation from our (Northern Illinois) Conference and we covet your prayerful support! Please hold the whole process in your prayers so we can elect Bishops who will work towards making our denomination a welcoming place for all God’s children.
For these elections and for all the pain that we see and experience in our communities- we invite you to join us, in the yard, for the “Chicago Day of Prayer” on Saturday, November 5th at noon for 30 minutes of prayer time! And remember-
- This Sunday, the church is participating in the neighborhood “Trick or Treat” event. We are looking for more individually wrapped treats to pass out to the neighborhood kids! I also need 2 volunteers to be outside the church, with Pip and I, and give out these treats.
- November will be observed as “Stewardship Month.” On Sunday, November 20th, we will invite your pledges and financial commitments for the year 2023. These commitments will help us in preparing our budget.
- On Tuesday, November 22nd (I know it is too early) Demetrius will lead us in the “Hanging of the Greens” from 2:00 to 4:00pm.
- The office will be closed on Nov 24-25 for Thanksgiving!
- Nov 27th is also the First Sunday of Advent, so we will enter into that season of preparation and anticipation of the remembering the coming of Christ child into our world!
- And, on Wednesday, December 7th we will have our in-person Annual Church Conference with our District Superintendent leading us.
Please mark your calendars so you won’t miss out on any of these activities. Participate in all you can, and first things first- remember, I need treats donations this Sunday! Please be generous and help us!
