November 2013 – Pr. Anthony’s Letter

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are coming to the part of our year when the world outside is beginning to look rather bare. The leaves are falling off the branches, the grass is turning brown, and the fields are empty. It can certainly appear to be an unenjoyable time of year. But this is actually time when we reflect on and are thankful for the many blessings that we have received throughout the year. We praise God for the harvest that has been collected and all of the wonderful gifts we have been given this year.

During the month of November, we tend to look back on the previous year and see where God has blessed us with family, friends, resources, and enjoyment. But with looking back, we also look forward into the year to come. As we look forward, we continue asking the question “Who are we” and working through our theme verse from 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Last month, Pastor Eric and I talked about how all of us as the body of Christ are a part of this royal priesthood who cares for and looks after one another. This month we look to how we are all included in a chosen race. Pastor Eric’s article will explain this further.

As individuals chosen by God, we are set a part from the world. Those that are a part of this chosen race (Christianity) live knowing that there is hope and that they have a purpose in this life. We care for those around us in our community as well as those around the world. We share this message of hope with others. We are chosen people who live in the hope of the promised eternal life. As Circle of Faith grows and matures, we will broaden and deepen our ministry together.

At our last Parish Council meeting, I asked the question, “What do you want Circle of Faith’s reputation to be?” Currently, our parish is so new that we have no reputation. Even though our three churches have all been active congregations in their respective communities for over 100 years, Circle of Faith Parish is not even a year old. We are still newborns; just learning how to crawl and make sounds. So what do you want Circle of Faith’s reputation to be? What kind of parish do you want your church a part of?

We all are chosen by God and part of a royal priesthood! As we enter the season of being thankful for the blessings that we have received, ask yourself how can Circle of Faith Parish have a reputation of being a blessing that other people are thankful for?

In Christ,Pastor Anthony