Several of you commented on the words of philanthropist Sir John Templeton I quoted in the November Branches: “How wonderful it would be if we could help our children and grandchildren to learn thanksgiving at an early age. Thanksgiving opens the doors. It changes a child’s personality. A child is resentful, negative—or thankful. Thankful children want to give, they radiate happiness, they draw people.”

Sir John is certainly on to something; something those who read the Bible have long known. Giving thanks is God’s will for us! (1 Thessalonians 5:18) The Apostle Paul suggests that it is through a thankful heart that he discovered he “can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

Is there going to be a child at your Thanksgiving table this year? Spend some time giving thanks. Make a list. Draw a picture. Say a prayer. Help our children learn thanksgiving. It can change their lives. And who knows, it may not be too late for some of us who are a bit past childhood!

Thanksgiving weekend is marked by feasting and family and football. And after-Thanksgiving sales that start at 5:00 a.m. (Whose idea was that???) How about squeezing some time for caregivinginto your weekend, as well? Saturday, November 26, is Park’s day at First Food and Friends, and we could use your help as we extend a caring hand to 150 or so who simply don’t have the bounty that we enjoy so much this time of year. Meet at the church at 8:30 a.m. to carpool into Pittsburgh. Tasks include food preparation, table set-up, and serving the First Food guests. All that’s required is a loving heart and a willing spirit!

Sunday marks the first day of Advent. The first candle we will light is the candle of HOPE. The lectionary texts for the day are difficult, but we’ll find deep hope woven throughout them. Sunday also marks the beginning a four-week adult class we’re calling Always Winter and Never Christmas. We’ll be hearing extended readings from C.S. Lewis’ classic children’s story The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and finding ways that it may help point us to a deeper understanding of the One whose coming we celebrate at Advent. Plan on meeting at the Lamp Post in the Worship/Learning Center this Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

The first Sunday of Advent with its candle of Hope seems like a very good time to come to the waters of baptism. On Sunday we will celebrate with one of our young families as they bring their infant son to receive the sacrament. I will encourage them never to let him forget that he was baptized on the Sunday when we lit the Hope candle. We will pray that he carries hope, gospel hope, into the world with him.

Finally, the E-pistle has entered the blogosphere! Blog is short for “web log” and the E-pistle blog will allow internet access not only to this weekly email, but to some additional features, as well. Currently the new E-pistle blog also contains a continuation of our Extra! Extra! Read All About It! Adult class and a section of news and updates from the Belo-Beaver partnership. And it’s all interactive. You will be able to post your comments and responses, should you desire! You can find the E-pistle blog at Park’s Home page click on the E-pistle button on the left navigation bar. The site is viewable by anyone. Comments may be posted by registered users only and I will send complete instructions on the registration process in a follow-up email. I hope you enjoy the site!

Enjoy feast, family and football. Be thankful and teach thanksgiving. Find time for caregiving. And see you Sunday as we light the candle of Hope!