Pastor's Post 11/17/2022

Dear Shiloh Family,

     Did you ever consider the origin of the word restaurant?  According to extensive research (Google), I discovered it was coined by a Parisian chef named Boulanger.  It seemed his establishment served mostly bouillons restaurants, translated, “restorative broths” (soups).  His moto was “Come to me all who suffer from pain of the stomach, and I will restore you.”  His humor and tasty soups drew great crowds and expanded the menu to items other than soups, but the name restaurant stuck.

Matthew 11:28:  28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  KJV

     Obviously, there are more details and deeper history, but in a nutshell, the short story makes sense.  We go to restaurants to satisfy hunger, replenish our bodies, and restore energy. 

     As we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, lets be intentional in allowing our daily lives to emulate what the names imply.  Whether there is a turkey cooked, a ham sliced, or a ball game viewed, let’s make time to give thanks for past memories, present blessing, and potential dreams, reminding our loved ones that all bounties come from God. 

     It is also imperative that the unsaved world knows that Christmas is literally a Mass for Christ Jesus.  Our children must be continually reminded that we give and receive gifts because God gave the ultimate gift through His son, Jesus Christ.  And they must know that the season is a mass celebration of His glorious birth. 

     Like restaurants are places of restoration, let Thanksgiving and Christmas be days full of giving thanks and birthday (Jesus’) celebrations. We have the ability through our actions to give the names true meaning.    

     Next week is Family Week at Shiloh.  Ministries will not be meeting on campus Wednesday, November 23^rd. It would be a great time to take a break from other ministries throughout the week as well.  What an awesome time to build special bonds and create lasting memories with family. 

     Part of our worship during the Christmas season is the blessing of the Angel Tree.  I’m excited to say, we only have two remaining from the sixteen from last week. However, by Sunday, we should have Angels from another school system on the tree.  I am aware of the uncertain financial times, but we assured the directors from each school that we would do our best to give these children a wonderful Christmas.  Please, take one or more this Sunday and make a child happy on that special day. 

     We are proud of our College/Career class for sponsoring and organizing this event. They are also receiving $25 donations for Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.  If you have questions, contact Jon Carson, or you can call Melissa in the church office Monday-Friday.

     In addition, they are also collecting socks and ponchos for the homeless.  It goes without saying, we are so proud of brother Jon and the college students. 

       Our Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner is scheduled for Sunday, December 18^th, immediately following our Christmas Cantata.  As per request from many of our ladies, we will go back to the covered dish format.  The church will provide the meats if you provide the fixins. A good rule-of-thumb is to cook enough for your family and one more.  If everyone does this, there should be sufficient food for all.  I love this format!  It has been a special time at Shiloh for many years.  There has always been plenty of food for everyone.  However, it works best if everyone participates.  I encourage all of you to enjoy the awesome time of food and fellowship. 

 Giving is not just the main in gradient of our most popular holidays, it is the essence of our spiritual existence.      

God bless you all,

Pastor Derrell