Friends in Christ,

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving Day is peeking out right around the corner.

I've always loved the story of how the day began. It's roots are not in a time of prosperity and hope, not in a time when economic machines were running full bore and possessions were thick, and plenty. Not at all. President Abraham Lincoln called for the national day of Thanksgiving in the middle of one of the worst times to plague this country-- during the horrid split of the Civil war.

The day was begun, then, in a very Christian spirit.

We are called to a life of deep thankfulness, in and under and through all that life brings, by the promise that God is with us in all times and for us in all things. Our word, "Thanksgiving" is the Greek word, "Eucharista" (think of one of the names of the Lord's Supper!). It appears 15 times in the New Testament. Consider these three examples:

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Colossians 2:7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving, then, comes even in these times, when stocks go up and down in a second, and worries of recession haunt the very globe. Thanksgiving comes even in these times-- gratitude comes even now-- as we might almost be afraid to take a breath, for what's next round the bend. Thanksgiving comes this day,

in prayer that is alert to God's promises to never fail God's people, no matter when, no matter what, no matter where.

May such thankfulness be the prayer of your heart,

Pastor Karen    

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. . . OUR MEN & WOMEN IN SERVICE FOR OUR COUNTRY

We are planning to make a poster with the photos of the men and women in our armed forces deployed to war zones. If you have a family member(s) serving our country, please get a photo to June Smith to be included in the poster.

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THANKOFFERING INGATHERING

The Women of the ELCA Thankoffering will be received during the 10:00 AM worship service on Sunday, November 23.  All worshippers are encouraged to bring a special offering to support the programs and ministries of the Churchwide Women of the ELCA, which are planned to benefit women and children through direct action and advocacy.

This special Thankoffering, recognizing the abundance of God's grace to us, and acknowledging that all of creation and it's benefits belong to God, will be received separately from our regular church offering.  Please put cash offerings in an envelope marked Thankoffering, and make checks out to Women of the ELCA.  This offering is processed through our women of the church account, but all funds go to the Churchwide women's treasury for distribution.

Thank you for supporting this special offering.

The Women of Lutheran Church of the Master

   CHRISTMAS FOOD DELIVERY

Our Christmas food basket program will feel like it is coming early this year due to the school district schedule.  We will start with:

* food pickup at Winco on December 9, 6:30 PM

* pack the food on December 11, 6:30 PM

* basket delivery on December 13th, 9:00 AM

You can help now by adding an amount to your Sunday offering and label it Food Baskets.  If you want to assist with collection of empty boxes, contact Richard Ding.

Thanks for your prayers and support!

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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Thanks to all who volunteered for our Fall Work Day.  Between our congregation and the Spanish Ministry, we had approximately 28 people who spruced up our building and grounds.

Also, thanks to the Spanish Ministry for putting up our banner!

A special thank you to the volunteer Property Committee for all your diligent work this year in mowing and doing extra projects that have been ask of you.

GOD BLESS ALL!!

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5TH ANNUAL LUTHERAN ADVENT / CHRISTMAS CHORAL CONCERT

Make plans now to attend the 5th Annual Lutheran Advent/Christmas Choral Concert!

The evening will feature choir members from area Lutheran churches joining together in an inspirational celebration!

The concert will be held Saturday, December 13th, 7:30 p.m. at Richland Lutheran Church, 901 Van Giesen Street, Richland.  For more information, call Susan Miller at 509-943-8538.

There is no admission fee, although an offering will be taken to benefit Lutheran Community Services' programs and services for children and families in our community.

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LUTHER SENIOR CENTER LUNCHEONS

According to the calendar, Fall is here and along with that a change in the menu for the Luther Senior Center.  Starting in October, LCM will provide two casseroles, one salad, and one dessert for the luncheons on the first Wed. of every month.  Although the center has ovens, it would be better if the casseroles just need heating.  Please have your dishes to church by 9:15 on the first Wednesday of each month.  Please put all food in the refrigerator to avoid an invasion of ants!!  Your empty dish will be returned to church the following Sunday.

The luncheon is preceded by a church service and communion.  LCM and Lord of Life alternate providing the minister and musicians for the service.  LCM also has one or two volunteers to deliver the food; if you haven't taken the opportunity to participate in this activity, I know you would really enjoy being at the service and visiting with the residents while you enjoy lunch with them.

If you would like to assist, please sign up on the chart on the kiosk.  Questions?  Call Hazel at 547-6243. 

To those of you who so faithfully have provided the great food and assistance, I thank you so much!