Greetings!

The blaze of Fall colors surrounds us, the stars sparkle in the evening sky and we are reminded, in its beauty, of God’s intricate attention to details and this amazing creation. I don’t know about you, but as I survey all that surrounds us, I find myself wondering with the Psalmist as he asks God, "What are human beings that you are mindful of them?" Yet, the Psalmist goes on to marvel at the fact that God has made us just a little lower than God, crowned us with glory and honor, and given us dominion over God’s creation. Wow! No pressure, God entrusts the world to us!

Amidst the craziness of life, it is so easy to forget how much God loves us. It is just as important to remember that His love includes high hopes and expectations for each us. Who better than God knows our potential? So, as we open ourselves to this Thanksgiving Season and enjoy the foliage, and before we have to rake it up, let’s remember the value that God places on each of us and think about how we can use our gifts in response to God’s love in Jesus Christ. This will be an exciting and busy month as we continue to reflect on our life choices and how we live joyfully, in simplicity and generosity, being guided by Adam Hamilton’s book ENOUGH.

It is interesting to look at Psalm 8 & 9 next to each other. Psalm 8 ends as it starts, "O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Psalm 9 begins, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” That sure helps set the tone and stage for November, the ideal month to give thanks and praise to God through our heartfelt actions! Don’t forget to attend our community-wide Thanksgiving Eve Service at 7:00PM, when we will join together in thanking God for all of our blessings.

One of the things for which I give God thanks is for you and the opportunity to share in ministry in the Tuckerton area. I pray that even if you have not been too active, that you will make a special effort to reconnect and join in giving thanks and praying for our shared ministries.

    What a great response we are having on our new church directory! We have even added an extra day! There is still time to sign up with Olan Mills. They will be calling members who did not sign up to see if they would like to make an appointment, but you can also call them at 1-800-866-2263 Monday through Friday from 9am to 10 pm to make your appointment (or reschedule if need be). Remember, the directory is not complete without your picture in it! Each family/household that comes for photography and portrait viewing at the church will receive a complimentary directory and a 8 x 10 Custom Color Portrait. You will be able to view and select your portraits electronically from a variety of poses. Additional Olan Mills portraits will be available for purchase (just in time for Christmas!). Your entire appointment will normally take less than one hour.

The photography dates are November 12, 23, 24, and December 9 at 3:00-9:30 pm. Publication of these directories will be of no cost to the church and unless you chose to purchase pictures in addition to your free 8 x 10 free portrait, there will be no cost to you! Additionally, you have the opportunity to invite family / friends to have their pictures taken even though they do not attend this church nor will be a part of our directory. They will enjoy the same option of receiving a free 8 x 10 picture and the church will receive a free directory.