Happy Thanksgiving – St. Nick’s News Nov. 21, 2025

Full St. Nick’s News for November 21, 2025

Dear Friends,

Happy (almost!) Thanksgiving!

This year, I’m especially thankful for the scripture that has shaped our life together from the very beginning—the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15:1–7. Jesus tells this story while others criticize the company he keeps, and instead of defending himself, he paints a picture of a shepherd who will not rest until every last sheep is found. And when that one lost sheep is carried home, heaven and earth erupt in overflowing joy.

That story has guided us since our earliest days gathered in a living room. It reminds us that St. Nick’s isn’t called to be perfect—it’s called to be a place where the lost, the hopeful, the overwhelmed, the curious, and the seeking are welcomed with the joy of a God who never stops finding us. Because of this calling, lives have changed. Children, teens, and adults have discovered new gifts—teaching, leading studies, creating art, building community, and stepping boldly into ministry.

One of the greatest gifts of our community is that everyone can participate in ministry. You can start new ministries, join existing ones, and do the holy work of discerning what God is calling you to do with your life. That’s great stewardship. Stewardship isn’t just about giving money—it’s about living a faithful life in response to God’s love made known in Jesus Christ.

The Episcopal Church teaches that our mission is to restore unity with God and one another through prayer, worship, faith-sharing, and works of justice, peace, and love. Here at St. Nick’s, we live that mission as a community of loving, giving, joyful followers of Jesus—shaped by the Lost Sheep and inspired by the generosity of St. Nicholas himself.

We are a missional community—empowered and sent to share Christ’s love. And we hold fast to this vision:

Everyone is welcome.
Everyone is loved.
Everyone is empowered.
Everyone belongs.
Everyone!

In a world obsessed with perfection and productivity, we choose grace. We choose authenticity. We choose relationships rooted in Jesus and sustained by one another.

I’m deeply grateful for Haley Bankey and Erin Wood, who are leading our first-ever stewardship campaign, Giving with Gratitude. Watch for Erin’s social media posts that celebrate our community and show us what it means to be faithful stewards—people who manage all that God has entrusted to us with joy and purpose. And Haley has created a puzzle for us to complete (we need 50 commitment cards to complete it – so bring them with you on Sunday) and is sharing her love and knowledge of stewardship as a spiritual discipline. Thank you to both of them!

God has given us so much at St. Nick’s: a beautiful place to worship, friendships grounded in grace and forgiveness, and a community committed to loving God, one another, and our neighbors. What a joyful calling we share!

To continue this good work, I invite you to make a commitment to St. Nick’s. Many already give their time, talent, and treasure—now we invite everyone, of every age, to join in. God is doing good and holy work here at St. Nick’s. Let’s keep that work growing and shining into the new year.

Here’s what’s happening this week:

• Episcopal 101: Saturday at 9:00 AM—learn more about our Episcopal tradition and life at St. Nick’s.
• Saturday Evening Worship: Can’t make Sunday? Join us Saturday at 5:00 PM, followed by dinner out with Jeremy and me—we’d love to share that time with you.
• Sunday Morning Pop-Up Art Event: We will be creating art for our walls for Advent and Christmas. All ages and all abilities can participate in making Angels and Trees – examples are after this note. Stay after 8am or 9:30am for a fun time of painting together.
• Next Week: Most programs pause for Thanksgiving, except Dinner Church! Join us for a relaxed Game Night—bring a friend, a snack, or just yourself.
• Tree Decorating: If you adopted a tree, text Jeremy at 214-577-5334. He’ll be working from St. Nick’s next week and can help with ladders. He will also be at the church this Saturday and Sunday.

In the midst of cooking, cleaning, travel, and all the hustle and bustle, I pray that we can all pause long enough to notice God’s incredible faithfulness and goodness. May you see the blessings of friends, family, and church family with fresh eyes. And may you feel the abundant love and life we have in Jesus—the One who finds us, carries us, and rejoices over us.

I give thanks for each of you—
for your presence, your hope, your love,
and the future we are building together.

God’s Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Rev. Beth+