November 26, 2021

Dear Road Church Friends,

     God’s best blessings to you all during this Thanksgiving week. I share with you this prayer for your reflection and personal use.

We thank you, God, for this holiday,
We have rested, and we think of all those whose lives
Are hard and who enjoy little rest.
We have enjoyed the fruit of our labors, and we think of those
Who have neither work nor money.
We have feasted, and we think of all whose stomachs
Are hungry and have too little.
We have felt safe and at home, and we think of those
Who live in danger and turmoil, in war and fear, and all
Who have been driven from their homes.
We have been together, and we think of all those
Who are lonely and alone.
We have laughed, and we think of all
Whose hearts are heavy.
We have shared stories, and we think of all
Who need a listening ear.
We have counted our blessings, and we ask
That our gratitude can now be translated
Into the desire to be a blessing to others.
Amen. -  Brian McLaren 

     November 28 is the first Sunday of Advent. This is a season of waiting expectantly for what God has in store for us.

                Scripture: Luke 21:25-36                        Sermon Title: What Are We Waiting For?

25“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

29Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 34“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, 35like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

THAT HOLY THING

They all were looking for a king

To slay their foes and lift them high,

Thou cam’st a little baby thing that made a woman cry.

My fancied ways why shouldst Thou heed?

Thou com’st down Thine own secret stair,

Com’st down to answer all my need,

Yea, every bygone prayer!

by George Macdonald

               May the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be yours.

Pastor Norm

November 28, 2021 service on YouTube: https://youtu.be/s7d3zfHzNYQ