A MESSAGE FROM REV. KAREN KINNEY: GIVING THANKS IN HARD TIMES
Grace and peace to you,
This week we will explore perseverance as a characteristic of the Saints. Remember, the way we define Saints is any follower of Jesus.
What do we mean by perseverance? One 
definition is the steadfastness and endurance in faith and good works, especially through trials and suffering. It means that following Jesus is never an easy path and we will encounter stumbling blocks, hardship and the unexpected accident along the way.
Yet we can still rely on the grace and love of God to help us along the way. We can still express gratitude as we persevere to follow Jesus. We can still grow through trials and suffering, grow in our faith, grow in our love, grow in our ability to extend grace to others.
And what might we learn as we persevere about the community that God has gifted us with? What might we learn about our own character as we persevere?
As many of you know earlier this week I fell, breaking my right clavicle and fracturing some ribs. Not my finest moment! What am I learning about gratitude through suffering about persevering on a path, as I try to be a Jesus follower? I am learning about community and the need to trust that God is there and that God will always be there. So come and see, come and explore this Sunday as we think about perseverance and the reward it might bring.
On another note, after our 11:15 a.m. service we will hold our Congregational Meeting to elect leaders for 2026, as well as approve the terms of call for Pastor Lindsey. This will be in person in the Sanctuary and also available via Zoom (bit.ly/3Wh7pxF). We hope you’ll join us as we express gratitude for those willing to serve.
Blessings,
Pastor Karen