November 2025
Lord, whose love in humble service bore the weight of human need, who upon the cross, forsaken, worked your mercy's perfect deed: we, your servants, bring the worship not of voice alone, but heart; consecrating to your purpose every gift which you impart. - Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service ~ ELW 712
“Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service” is one of my favorite songs because it powerfully and succinctly recounts the Gospel truth that Jesus humbled himself for us and now, we’re called in gratitude to offer our worship, our service, our hearts and ourselves in service to God and one another.
Every year, November brings to my mind falling leaves rich autumn colors, cooler temperatures and shorter days. This harvest season is both a beginning and an end as the summer barbecues give way to cozier gatherings inside.
Here at church, week to week, November is always a potpourri of themes and gatherings. November begins on the heels of Reformation Sunday. On Reformation Sunday we get to tell the story of the reformation and revitalization of church and ministry that emerged when Martin Luther called the Church to be the Church. In its beginnings, the reformation was all about reconnecting with the basics of the amazing grace of Jesus’ story, removing the barriers between us and God’s activity in our lives and putting the Bible into the hands of every Christian, so that we can hear and be transformed by God’s Word. In our lives and in our community, we’re called to be a constantly reforming Church.
On All Saints Sunday, on the first Sunday of November, we gather to tell the story and remember the lives and disciples in our own community and throughout the Church. By telling the story of those faithful members who have received the promises of Christ, we are also reminded and reoriented that God is using us to shape and lead the Church that was and is and is to come.
Gratitude and Stewardship
November unfolds with gratitude for the ministry that we share and the impactful programs that help to make such an impact in our community and in our neighborhood. In the season of gratitude, we are called again to consider how we can support our faith community with our time and our talents.
With that in mind, during November we’ll continue to talk about stewardship in worship. Among other things, we want to invite all our members to reflect on their planned giving and consider if they are able to help the congregation offset the rising costs of doing business.
During the first week of November, look for the Stewardship mailer we’ll be sending you. We would love to receive that pledge card in any way that works best for you. If you can, bring it with you to Sunday worship on November 9th.
New Creation Events and Exploration
In the midst of all of this, we are telling our stories and talking to our partner churches about our values and our unique stories. As share about the places where God has been at work, we’ll also have the opportunity to look forward to stronger more vital ministry together. Some dates to get on your calendar are:
November 19, when we will host the November New Creation Community Potluck here at First.
On Sunday 16th and 23rd Pastor Pam Stalheim Lane and Pastor Ali Tranvik will be preaching at First. I will be at Faith-Lilac and Cross of Glory on those Sundays, as well.
In November will have a number of opportunities to explore deeper relationships and cross-pollinate with members from Faith-Lilac Way and Cross of Glory. This process of exploring new relationships goes beyond the mission team meetings. In the weeks to come, everyone will have the chance to share stories about where God has been at work here at First and the hopes we share for vibrant ministry in the years to come!
In this season of Gratitude and Thanksgiving, I am thankful for you!
Thanks and peace,
Pr Colin
