November 29, 2020

Good morning St. John's Community,

I'll never forget the words of a friend of mine, recounted at his funeral. He had been a new friend, someone I got to know from taking an adult confirmation class together, after which he faced a fatal battle with cancer. During his dying process, he was never alone, surrounded by friends and loved ones who took care of him vigilantly and lovingly. When he could still just barely speak, he expressed the words: "This is the happiest time of my life."

The sermon I preached at the Thanksgiving service (which did not get recorded because of a technical issue) dealt with the importance of not just what we encounter in life, but how we receive it. It is very easy to step over blessings left and right, and to instead give all too much of our attention to the challenges and curses that come our way. And yet it is possible to be like my late friend, or like the Samaritan leper whom Jesus healed, and to practice the art of receiving grace with gratitude.

Perhaps because there was no travel, and much of what usually happens during the holiday was greatly paired down, I found this Thanksgiving to be one that led me to dwell deeply in the actual act of giving thanks. Right at the top of the list is my gratitude for St. John's and the blessing that this church has continued to be throughout everything we have experienced this past year. Thank you for being part of this community as we make our way through this unforgettable season in all of our lives.

Today's worship is for the first Sunday in Advent (the start of the new church year!) The service will be available to watch "live" at 9:00am on Facebook, or at any time on our YouTube page, or here on our website, where there is also information for classes and much more.

We are taking a pause from outdoor worship at this time.

This week we also plan to release a new podcast on Christian practices that will provide new episodes weekly throughout the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

I hope you will find the opportunity to tune in to some of these offerings, and that they will be a blessing to you.

God's peace,

Rob+

How to help, or how to get help. During this difficult time, St. John's is looking to connect people in need of assistance with those who are able to help. If you fall into either category, please visit this link or send an e-mail to help@stjohns-dc.org with your name, contact information, and details of the type of support you can give or the support you need. And to get involved in any of our ongoing local outreach ministries, which are in special need curing this time, you may click here.

Want to share these messages with a friend? Anybody can sign up to receive these emails, which will be sent to the same list as our weekly eNewsletter The Word, by clicking here.