This Sunday is the last one before we begin Advent on November 30^th. Mostly we just refer to this Sunday as “Thanksgiving Sunday,” but that is really a bit of a misnomer. We should be thanking God together as a congregation every Sunday, and as individuals every other day, because we have a LOT to be thankful for. Life, health, family, job, home, food, car(s), friends, church family…I could go on and on. And God’s goodness does go on and on, from before we’re saved and until forever. Hallelujah!

I think we have pretty much talked out the topic of thanksgiving/gratitude, etc., so I won’t go on and on. Instead, I am going to encourage all of you to take a look at your calendar now and plan times to spend with your church family this holiday season. Family is important, yes - your first priority after your relationship with Jesus. But your church family is important too, because these are the folks you will be spending eternity with! The last six weeks of the calendar year in America are filled with opportunities (some would say obligations) to gather with friends, co-workers, classmates, extended family, and that’s just YOUR list! I haven’t even begun to list the kids’ activities yet - team parties, class parties, extracurricular activity parties, dance recitals, theater presentations…the list is long and

can be terrifying!

All (okay, most) of the activities listed above are enjoyable. Good food, fancy fizzy beverages, Christmas tunes, enjoyable conversation, beautiful clothes and memorable photographs abound! However, none of those things are eternal. The time will fly by, the fun will end, and all that will be left are the memories (and the bills). But time spent with fellow believers can be all the above things PLUS an overflow of love and grace and encouragement and the strengthening of bonds that will last forever - right into eternity! I have listed some of our church’s fellowship opportunities for the rest of the year below - please prayerfully consider putting some (or all!) on your calendar and make sure you and your family are sharing Christmas with your church family. After all, we of all people understand Who and what we are really celebrating at this time of the year. Jesus’ birthday is coming!

November 22 - 9 a.m. - Ladies’ breakfast and wreath-making

                                                    November 30

                                                    December 7

                                                    December 14

                                                    December 21 - Advent Sunday services @ 10 a.m.

         December 7 - 5:30 p.m. - 4^th Annual Salem Family Christmas Party

                 December 24 - 5 p.m. - Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service

December 28 - 2^nd Annual Family Praise & Testimony Service

(10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall)

See you on Sunday!

Careen