Continued from page 1 – enjoying the journey
This Sunday, November 1, we mark All Saints Day. We will pause to remember the saints who have finished their race since our last All Saints’ observance— people whose lives shaped ours and whose presence we still feel. The sermon that morning is: A Seat at the Table. It is a reminder that the table of the kingdom is always larger than we expect, and that love reaches farther than any of us can see.
The heart of November, though, belongs to our threeweek stewardship series beginning November 8: Open Our Hearts, Lord. The theme verse is Ephesians 3:20-21:“ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
The basic idea is straightforward. God freely places resources into our open hands so we can freely release them for his work. The more God pours into us, the more we are able— and glad— to pour out. Greater blessing creates greater
2 capacity and a deeper desire to give. Yet open hands only last when they flow from open hearts. Generosity begins in the heart long before it reaches the hand.
At Trinity we already see evidence of this. God’ s provision has enabled faithful, wholehearted giving that has advanced our mission and strengthened this congregation. This series simply invites us to keep both hearts and hands open, so the Kingdom continues to grow through Trinity.
On Sunday, November 22 we will make our 2027 giving commitments. Commitment cards will be mailed ahead of time and will also be available at church. Our church budget will increase by approximately 5 % in 2027, so that might be a natural place to start as you consider what amount of increase you will attempt. Every person is encouraged to participate. Take time beforehand to ask God what step of growth feels right for you. There is no pressure to match anyone else; the invitation is simply to listen and respond with whatever openness you can offer.
Finally, a gentle word about showing up. Weekly worship on Sundays, along with small groups and Sunday School, continues to be one of the primary ways we stay connected. When you are not present, the rest of us feel the incompleteness. Your voice, your questions, your laughter, and your quiet presence all matter. We are better together, and we are less when any of us is missing.
I look forward to walking through November with you— remembering those who have gone ahead, opening our hearts again, and trusting that God is still able to do more than we can imagine through ordinary, faithful people. The invitation extended by Jesus to his earliest disciples continues to be offered to us,“ Follow me.” Will we extend that invitation to others? We may not always know where we are going, but we know who we are following. God is faithful. Therefore, we expect great things, and we are certain we will enjoy the ride!