Greetings everyone! As we near the end of the church
year our scripture lessons become more focused on "end
times." Specifically this Sunday, Jesus tells us the
parable of the 10 bridesmaids; to illustrate the point that
we should always be prepared for Christ to return. This
week we will hear St. Paul urging us to encourage one
another with the promised coming of the Lord. Jesus tells
the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids.
Surrounded by the faithful of every time and place, we
celebrate Christ’s coming in our midst in the word of life
and the feast of victory—the marriage feast of the Lamb.
May God bless you all!
This Sunday is All Saints Day. We celebrate the
baptized people of God, living and dead, who are the body
of Christ. As November heralds the dying of the landscape
in many northern regions, the readings and liturgy call us
to remember all who have died in Christ and whose
baptism is complete. At the Lord’s table we gather with the
faithful of every time and place, trusting that the promises
of God will be fulfilled and that all tears will be wiped away
in the new Jerusalem. We also celebrate two of our young
people who will be confirming their faith this Sunday with
the Affirmation of Baptism! We rejoice with Alaina Forbes
and Kaylee Lantrip who will be confirmed along with three
other young people in Lynchburg. Congratulations!
We pray God's blessings for all!
This Sunday Lutherans throughout the world will
celebrate the 509th birthday of our denomination! But,
more importantly, we celebrate the rediscovery of the
Gospel concerning the radical grace of God. Rooted in
the past and growing into the future, the church
must always be reformed in order to live out the
love of Christ in an ever-changing world. We
celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus
Christ sets us free every day to do this life-
transforming work. Trusting in the freedom given
to us in baptism, we pray for the church, that
Christians will unite more fully in worship and
mission. Join us for the celebration!