NOVEMBER ... is a month for giving thanks. November 2 we will give thanks to God for those who have been called to their heavenly home during 2008. We will give thanks to God for His many provisions, including forgiveness of sin and abundant life, in preparing to receive holy communion. Novmeber 4 we will give thanks to God for the privilege of being citizens in this great nation and for those who have fought for our freedoms, with quill and ink, and with their lives in battle, as we exercise our freedoms in the voting booth. Pray that God will give us wisdom in voting for those who will most effectively represent us at all local levels of government ensuring that the qualities that have made this nation so wonderful will be maintained. Pray that God will guide us in voting on those Propositions impacting California residents. May Sovereign God lead our nation through these uncertain times. May our leaders continue trusting in God. November 9 we will give thanks to God for the many blessings we have received in our personal, family, and church lives as we bring our "faith promises" (financial pledges for 2009) to God. Let us give thanks that God has made us stewards of God's resources and given us the privilege of sharing those gifts. Everything we have is given to us by God - time, health, natural resources, talents, property, and the Gospel. Human life is our first and greatest gift, and carries great responsibility with it. God teaches us to use God's gifts for God's purposes. (I Peter 4:10) Pray that God will lead you in filling out your pledge card and then bring it with you on November 9, or mail it to the church office in time that it will be dedicated with the others. As Christian stewards, we serve and give of our love and gratitude to God. November 16 we will give thanks to God for the opportunity of bringing joy and hope to children around the world as we bring our "Christmas wrapped shoe boxes filled with toys and useful items" forward during worship. Our boxes will be united with other shoe boxes. What a wonderful ministry of demonstrating the unconditional love Jesus has for children all over the world. After worship that day, we will give thanks to God for those who will be elected as deacons, elders and members-at-large to serve on the 2009 Nominating Committee during our fall congregational meeting. Pray that God's will be done through our election. November 23 we will give thanks to God for all of God's blessings as our worship will be our THANKSGIVING WORSHIP. We will have wonderful hymns and prayers of Thanksgiving. May we truly have a wonderful THANKSGIVING DAY on November 27 as we gather with family and friends to GIVE THANKS to GOD, enjoying wonderful food and sharing memories. November 30 we begin preparing for God's Greatest Gift, the birth of His Son, Jesus. That will be the topic of next month's newsletter. HOWEVER, on this First Sunday of Advent we will have very special music: Cameron Tillery will be playing bagpipes. What a festive way to begin that Advent Christmas Season! His playing will give a taste of the "Kirkin' Christmas" to be held on December 7 at 4:00 pm. Be sure to save that date and invite friends and family to come with you. In Gratitude to God, Glen

The deadline for the December newsletter will be Wednesday, November 19th. You may transmit your material in any of the following ways: by e-mail to preschurchoffice@earthlink.net, by regular mail, or by dropping it off at the church office.