Pastor’s Notes

The celebration of Thanksgiving begins the Holiday season that will continue through Advent (for those of liturgical backgrounds) and conclude with the celebration of Christmas.  During this “Season of the Holidays” the generosity of people tends to increase.  People typically give more of their time and treasure to certain organizations because they are thankful for what they have and what God continues to do for them. 

Every year, I tend to write an article in the Scribe encouraging you all to think about what you are thankful for in your lives – typically be giving examples of those things for which I am thankful.  This year, I want to lift up local and global ministries to which we can give our time and treasures as a concrete expression of our thankfulness and faith.  Please consider some or all of these ministries in your giving as we enter the Holiday Season.  If the Spirit moves you, continue to give to these ministries long after the Holidays conclude.  The needs of people are great and our generous giving should persist through the entire year.    

• Cross Town Ministries Food Pantry – The Pantry has provided food assistance for over 20 years to local families of Punxsutawney and the surrounding communities.  No one is ever turned away!  During the November and December food distributions, the Pantry will be giving $15 gift certificates to County Market for the purchase of meat, eggs, and/or milk,  You can make a donation to the Pantry for the purchase of these certificates (please label your offerings “Food Pantry”).  The Pantry could also use your time.  Please see the article in the Scribe “Cross Town Ministries Food Pantry” to see how you can offer your time!      
• Bethesda Children’s Home – Bethesda is located in Meadville, PA and has been providing services for children and families for over 90 years.  Bethesda began as a home for orphans, but has transformed into a ministry providing superior Behavioral health services for children, youth, and families.  Bethesda’s vision is to fulfill the social, emotional, spiritual, and behavioral health needs by providing an effective and efficient continuum of care in a quality focused environment.  Bethesda has started a three year capital campaign to improve many of the buildings on the property.  The council at FE has set a goal to raise $2,000 over three years to donate to Bethesda (the congregation will vote on this matter on November 11).  MZ will have discussed and set a goal at its congregational meeting on October 28.  Please prayerfully consider making a donation to this vital ministry and label your gifts “Bethesda”!        
• ELCA Malaria Campaign – The motto of this campaign is “Enough is enough!  No child or person should die from a disease that is easily treatable and preventable!”  The Malaria Campaign is a combined effort of ELCA congregations, individuals and families to raise $15 million over a four year period.  The NW PA Synod has set an annual goal to raise $11,500.  Please consider making a gift to help with treatment, prevention, and education! 
• Heifer and ELCA World Hunger Appeal – These ministries provide international and domestic food relief, development, advocacy and education.  The poor and hungry will always be among us and we are called to respond to their needs.  Please consider making a gift to these ministries or look through the resource catalogues to purchase the gift of an animal in honor of a loved one this season!  (ELCA Resource and Heifer Gift Catalogs can be found in the narthex)

“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm and eat well,” but you do not give them what the body needs, what good is it?” – James 2:15-16.  I encourage you to express your thankfulness and faithfulness through generous and gracious giving during the holidays (and each day of the year)! 

In Christ ~ Pastor Maureen