Happy, happy Wednesday High Places!
Thanksgiving is nearly upon us and spent some time this week praying through people that God has brought to mind over the week. As I move down our database list of names, I am reminded of SO MANY peeople that I am truly thankful to have in my life, and in our church. Nearly 400 people will receive this email, all of whom we've had relationship with over the past few years, and all of whom are precious in the eyes of God and warm my heart to think of.
A sincerely felt "Happy Thanksgiving" to each and every person and family receiving this week's news and notes. May you be blessed, and be a blessing this week.
One of things in my sermon notes from two weeks ago that I didn't get to, was the reality that just as God chased Cain with His love even after there had been great brokenness in the family, so too the holidays can provide opportunities for us to mend, heal, and restore relationships in our families that might exist. I wanted to give a "nudge" for any who might need to hear it, that in the coming weeks, my prayer is for us to pray and to bless any members of our family that might be on the outside looking in, due to some hardship suffered. Would you be willing to pray for anyone that God brings to mind, and ask God to bless them over these holiday weeks? Our God is the business of healing and restoring, and we are all grateful to be on the receiving end of his grace and lavish love for us. Let's pray for all to know and experience that grace!
IMPORTANT NOTES
Wednesday 11/24 (Today) -- There is no youth or bible study tonight. We encourage everyone to spend this evening with family.
Sunday 11/28 (This Sunday!) -- Our annual "Tired of Turkey" gathering. We will have a brief time of togetherness in signing and sharing and then open up the lobby for fellowship. If you so desire, please bring a pot of your homemade soup or chili -- without turkey, haha! -- and plan to stay for lunch. Let's experience some wonderful holiday fellowship, share joy, and BE THE CHURCH as we close out Thanksgiving week.
Monday 11/29 -- Our ladies are having a gathering at the Grove from 6:30 - 8:00 PM, all our adult age women are invited to attend. We're asking that each person bring something from home Christmas related that they share with the group. Anna Childs will be leading the discussion and we're grateful for her willingness to coordinate and lead.
Friday Night 12/3 -- "Men's Night on the Groud" returns. We will find a spot at Robbie and Molly Lewis' residence, which is a gorgeous 11 acre plot in Dutch Valley, and set up for the night. If you have never cold-weather camped, be sure to talk with me about how to pack and prepare. Often times, you will stay warmer in a lean-to made from tarps near the fire and unless your tent is canvas, it probably will not be as warm. If you have additional tarps and would like me to build a warm lean-to for you, please get them to me and I can do that Friday so its ready for you Friday night after work.
Men who are planning to attend please get with me or with Chad about food. We will probably ask each man to create a "hobo meal" wrapped in foil that we toss into the fire.
In the event of rain, Chad suggested we change plans and go throw axes at an Axe-Throwing Pub in Knoxville. I thought it was a great idea and suspect we will do that in early 2022 regardless! Dudes throwing axes and talking about Jesus sounds like a great men's night out!
PRAYER --
Please continue to lift up Jennifer George and all the Sloan family this week as Cathy is now home on hospice. My eyes tear up every time I think of this family because they are so sweet, caring, and precious to us at High Places. The impact that all the Sloans have had on our church, and on our staff, is significant. We lift her up to Jesus, who she knows well, and lift the family up in prayer. Pray specifically for the comfort of God to surround them in these hours.
Thank you all for being such an amazing group of people. Thank you for loving me and supporting me despite my many flaws and shortcomings. I feel you grace every time I with you, and because of you, I experience God more fully each and every week.
You are all deeply loved. And I am grateful for you. BE BLESSED this holiday week, and BE A BLESSING to others as you go.