Faith That Endures: Giving Thanks in All Things

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Greetings in Christ! This month we celebrate Thanksgiving, a day we set aside to give God thanks for our many blessings. Thanksgiving Day is a day of reflection, family gatherings, food and fellowship. Thanksgiving in America began back in 1620, when a group of brave men and women ventured across the Atlantic Ocean in search of a better life. The voyage to America took two months and many people died while making the trip, or shortly after their arrival due to harsher than expected conditions. These pilgrims learned many lessons in their first year in America, including how to adapt to their new environment, trusting the Indian population and most importantly, they learned to trust in God to provide.

Our faith in God is tested and strengthened throughout our lives. It is often said in theology that life is a journey of faith that we take alone, even though we are in the midst of company. Each decision that we make continues to shape our character and our life. The pilgrims took great risks in order to have a better quality of life. It wasn’t easy but I bet that if we could talk to any of them today, they would insist it was all worth it.

This life we are blessed with contains both times of blessing and times of struggle and suffering. Perhaps we can find comfort and wisdom in the words of St. Paul when he writes during his own time of suffering, “I rejoice in my sufferings, knowing that suffering leads to perseverance, and perseverance leads to character; character leads to hope and hope does not disappoint" (Romans 5:3).

In the month of November God’s Word speaks to us about the realities of life’s limits and endings. As the days grow shorter due to the change from daylight savings time to standard time, we feel the darkness of November, nature’s own witness and reminder of our mortality. During this time we are even more keenly aware of our own losses and the absence of those who have died. We gather to celebrate All Saints Day (11-2) and we will celebrate Thanksgiving on Sunday (11-23) with a Brunch in the Dining Hall. Our Scripture texts for this month speak of God’s faithful, abiding presence and promise of new life that is ours if we remain faithful.

Here at Lord of Life we do have a lot to be thankful for: faithful people, generous hearts, helping hands, and kind souls. Like others who have gone before us, God is encouraging us to keep the faith. I am thankful for each of you and I am honored to be your pastor.

Serving With You,

Pastor Dale +

Messages to Reflect on for November 2025

• Luke 6:20-31 - In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. (11/2)

• Luke 20:27-38 - We worship on the first day of the week because Jesus was raised on that day. (11/9)

• Luke 23:33-43 - Yet through the gate of death Jesus opens the door to paradise. (11/16)

• John 6:25-35 - Thankful Sunday. Every gathering for worship has elements of thanksgiving. (11/23)

• Matthew 24:36-44 - The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! (11/30)