Happy Thanksgiving – St. Nick’s News Nov 28, 2024

Full St. Nick’s News for November 28, 2024

Dear Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Last night at Dinner Church we shared our thoughts and experiences of gratitude and thankfulness. It was quite moving. Joyce Rupp in her book Fresh Bread, talks about how generosity is a path to gratefulness and concludes a litany of generosity with this prayer:

O gracious God, who so generously lavishes our lives with goodness, create in our hearts a deep center of gratitude, a center that grows so strong in its thanksgiving that sharing freely of our treasures becomes the norm and the pattern of our existence. Remind us often of how much you cherish us, of how abundantly you have offered gifts to us, especially in the hours of our greatest need.
May we always be grateful for your reaching into our lives with surprises
of joy, growth, and unearned love.
Amen.

It is my prayer for you, dear friends, when you gather for Thanksgiving, that you feel God’s love and peace. Some of us will gather with friends, some with family, some of us will spend our time in solitude and reflection, remembering those who are no longer with us in this lifetime. In the midst of our joy and our grief, God is with us. On Wednesday, I was blessed to spend time with a new friend, a stranger, who wandered onto our property, thinking we were Provisions Outreach, and hoping to share food with those in need. As we talked, I was reminded of the immense power of God’s Holy Spirit and the perfect – God only knows timing – of bringing people into our lives.

By the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I was able to share with my new friend (who recently lost her husband) the news of our new worship offering on December 19th – a worship service with Tidings of Comfort and Joy. This worship is a healing eucharist open and welcome to anyone who is grieving a loss. Many of us are grieving people we love but see no longer. Many of us are grieving the loss of health, job, relationships, and peace. This worship at 6pm on the 19th of December is for anyone who wants to spend time experiencing God’s love and grace as we lament and pray. You may know someone hurting, please invite them.

I also invited her to place her husband’s picture on our memorial tree. We have been blessed with so many of you – families, friends, and ministry groups – adopting trees and spreading the light of Christ through them. We also recognize the importance of offering one of the trees as a remembrance to the faithful everyday saints who have been the Light of Christ on our life’s journey. They are now in the eternal habitations where light perpetual shines upon them and their souls are at rest with all the saints in heaven. You are also invited to bring a picture of your loved ones. We can laminate the pictures and place them on the tree. All of the people on this memorial will be prayed for throughout the season of Advent at our Healing Eucharist on Thursdays at 11am.

This encounter today, was a humble and timely reminder of the work we have been given as followers of Jesus. To love God with our whole being and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are called, all of us, to share the light and love of Jesus with everyone we encounter. And boy are we doing that! Today it was in this exchange with this wonderful and giving woman. Friday it will be in sharing the Joy of the season with friends, church family, neighbors, and strangers at the Bulverde Christmas Tree Lighting.

Throughout this week, people have been decorating trees in the most creative ways. They are quite the sight in the light and stunning and bright in the dark! They are a reminder that when we come together – we spread love and joy abundantly. Join us Friday at the Bulverde Christmas Tree Lighting. The official event begins at 5:30pm. You will want to be here around 4pm to get a parking space at St. Nick’s. We will have snacks, drinks, and would love to have you come and help handout cocoa and water, cookies, chat with people while they decorate ornaments, dress up as Bible characters for the nativity, love on Ewenice the sheep and Eeyore the donkey. The event will have a fun zone for kids, Santa is coming, vendors are offering their wares, and local dance troupes are performing too. So many offerings and things to choose from and also, So! Much! Fun!

Selfishly, I can’t wait to see you! Spending time together fills my heart with deep gratitude. I thank God for you, our life together, and beautiful work of sharing Christ’s light and love. Happy Thanksgiving!

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