Pastor's Post 11/22/2022

Dear Shiloh Family,

     If you ask me what I’m thankful for, I will tell you that’s not a fair question.  Thankful means to be “full of thanks.”  Thanksgiving is that one day set aside for us to be thankful for all that fills our heart.  Really?  One day!  I know, I know, we are supposed to be thankful for the Pilgrims and how they gave thanks to God for the new world and newfound freedom, and we are.  However, each year the season awakens a sea of blessings that induce a high tide of crashing waves bigger than the boundary shores of our very souls.  If I gave you only the overflow of God’s wonderful bounty in my heart, it would certainly supersede the one designated day.  In fact, it would begin again with tomorrow’s sunrise. 

Lamentations 3:22-23

22 Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; NKJV  

     To confine our thankfulness into one sentence or statement is simply not fair, nor is it even possible.  After the flood of emotional sentiments for the obvious…faith, family, friends, life, and health, and an incredible wife,  I think of the 32 children (and counting) who will have an awesome Christmas morning because of your generosity, of the shoeboxes that will be filled because of your donations, of missionaries that will receive love because of the Lottie Moon ministry, and a homeless person who will have warm feet and a dry body because of your gifts.

    I think of how my grandchildren love to come to the nursery because Lea and her team love them.  My mind bubbles with gratitude for Bible studies, camps, retreats, pizza parties, covered dishes, baby/wedding showers, worship music, live streams, staff members, deacons, and all other ministries.

     I guess, what I’m trying to say is, “Shiloh, I’m thankful for you!”

     Don’t forget about the Angel Tree ministry. As of Sunday, there were still two Angels on the tree.  I also know of at least one more family who were victims of a recent housefire. 

     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. 

Psalm 75:1

75 We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near. NKJV   

 When thankfulness originates in the heart, the end product is usually perfect.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!    

 God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell