A great Cloud of Witnesses

 In Hebrews we read: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us ...(12:1)

This November 6 we will honor those who have died this past year. We will name them and honor their witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We will also offer to those attending in person an opportunity to remember their saints - mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, siblings, and those who have taught us the faith. These are the great cloud of witnesses that help us persevere in the race set before us.

I am always amazed at the myriad of ways God's people are faithful. We have members who pray diligently through our prayer requests, who serve food for the homeless, who provide food and other sundries for Hopelink, who listen carefully to a three year old as she tells "the most important thing in the world", who bring communion to our shut-ins and the sick, and who serve the church in so many small but important ways. This is God's saints at work. You are a part of this great cloud of witnesses.

Through you our God works the way of salvation for the world. Through our hands God shares love and hope with those who feel little love and sometimes less hope. God's people, YOU, are the ones that are called to work the many ways of peace in this world. I give thanks to God daily for you and your willingness to support the work of this congregation.

So let us persevere in this race that is set before us and give of our selves and our possessions to the work God has set before us. Let us grow our ministry to the Glory of our God who loves us so much that he calls us saints.